Chance to try hand at one of England’s oldest sports today

Since last year, the inaugural season of the club, numbers have steadily increased with people of all ages, boys and girls, taking up the game.
A form of handball similar to squash, but where players hit the ball, roughly the size of a golf ball, with gloved hands rather than a racket, Eton Fives is one of England’s oldest games.
It originated when peasants used to knock balls against chapel walls.
The Newbury club uses the Eton Fives courts, which opened in March 2013, at St Bartholomew’s School.
Newbury Fives member, Paul Mason, said: “The club’s first season was really positive with lots of new people taking up the game and enjoying it. It was really good to see the different age ranges playing together, and boys and girls taking up the sport in equal measure.
“People of all ages can play and many play fives to a greater age than squash. It is excellent for hand-to-eye co-ordination, not an overly expensive sport and promotes fair play and is hugely sociable.”
The club is hoping to attract more players this year and there are plans to run midweek sessions if there is enough interest. No previous experience is necessary.
The first session will be held from 11am to 1pm at the St Bart’s courts today.
For more information contact Paul Mason on newburyfives@gmail.com