AS chairman of Bury Croquet Club, I felt it necessary to reply to the meanderings of correspondent Mr Bernard Slingsby (January 16). I feel sadness that this gentleman, who obviously enjoys writing, is so out of touch with what is going on in his own town.

Can I suggest he starts by reading the Bury Times. If he did, he would not have been amazed to discover that "the bowling green in Coronation Park (Radcliffe) has been allowed to be taken over by a croquet team".

It is now six years since the croquet club moved to Coronation Park, and the Bury Times has been reporting on us on a regular basis, including at least two centre page articles featuring major events.

Croquet is a sport for all ages, all abilities. It is not elitist, and indeed at just £25-£55 for yearly membership it offers fantastic value. Our 40 full members manage and finance the whole facility year by year. They have raised and invested thousands of pounds in what was once a vandalised and abandoned bowling green.

Yes, we are delighted to work closely with the council and are proud and delighted that, as a result of our presence, the vandalism has reduced and many more people now enjoy using the park. We are equally proud that each year we hold an Open Day in support of Bury Hospice, and I would like to invite Mr Slingsby, and all the readers, to this year's event on Saturday, April 17.

DAVID BARRETT,

chairman, Bury Croquet Club.