Media Release
08/08/2005
HANDMADE WOODEN CARROM BOARDS

Rob Toogood, owner of Compendia, the games shop in Greenwich Market, has set off on a new adventure, making his own wooden board games. He’s launched with just one board - the Indian game of Carrom, a fun physical game that people may recognise from playing in the shop.

“I’ve wanted to make my own games for a while,” says Rob, “When our Carrom supplier retired last year I decided the time was right to give it a go myself.”

Handcrafted in Deptford the boards are made from the highest grade Eastern European plywood with a white ash frame. Oiled five times and screen printed, the boards are made to last, to remain pieces that families can play on generation after generation. They include complete rules, care instructions and pieces. Standard boards are £120.00 including delivery, call 020 8293 6616, order online at www.compendia.co.uk or drop into Compendia in Greenwich Market.

Carrom originated in India and is now very popular in the UK. It is the ancestor of pool and billiards. Played with counters instead of balls, you flick the pieces into the pockets. Children as young as seven can pick the game up easily. It is also played seriously all over Asia, with international tournaments for cash prizes. The game is sometimes referred to as finger billiards and is described by some as a cross between shove ha’penny and pool.