The club has been operating behind Dungog Library for three years but an offer by Dungog Memorial Bowling Club to utilise their facilities will see a move by the 28 members.

Club president John Martins said the current ground gets wet and stays wet. There is no run-off, he said.

“This new area we have been offered adjacent to the bowling club carpark will see us have a bigger full size lawn which will enable us to have two three quarter sized lawns for social play,” Mr Martens said.

“We applied for a sport and rec 50/50 grant with the croquet club to invest money and labour to get it all happening.”

Mr Martins said croquet was played on the same surface as bowlers however the grass was not cut quite as low.

“There is some leveling of the ground to do soon so we are prepared for the spring growth,” he said.

“We hope to have the lawn down by Christmas.

“The area also needs some landscaping with trees to provide shade in the summer months.

“When finished, the court will be maintained by volunteer labour.

“Croquet can be very competitive or very social and we are looking forward to hosting interclub visits when the ground is completed and ready for play.”

Chairman of the bowling club Spencer Thompson said the land is Crown Land under the control of the Minister for Lands but vested by the police department.

“We have sought all the necessary permission and we look forward to the club joining us under one roof,” he said.

“The club is in the process of changing its name to the Dungog Memorial Bowling, Sport and Recreation Club.

“Having the croquet club join us is a natural progression of the name change.

“It gives the club a home and they will have full use of all our facilities.

“We are looking forward to a great relationship between both of us.”