Croquet Communique 

Christmas Youth Croquet Event

Christmas came early to the Croquet Lawns with our first Youth Croquet Christmas Event.

Despite poor weather and a wet forecast, and some self-isolating, we had eleven keen participants. Starting with some basic training exercises, turned to competitions, (such as how many times can you put a ball through the hoop and a positional test). We moved on to six hoop games, with pairs changing lawns after each game.

A Christmas dress code was in place; however, it was a bit chilly, and Christmas jumpers disappeared under fleeces and jackets, a few hats survived!

Prizes were given for the best scores in the warm-up competitions, and also the two best ‘shots of the day’. Both excellent efforts, one from the boundary to the side of the hoop three, and through four to the back boundary, and another from beside hoop one through hoop six to the back boundary.

For young beginners, tremendous shots – although there may have been an element of luck! An enjoyable event that we will repeat.

Thanks to the Youth Committee of Charlotte Oades, John Pearson, Flora and Celia Miller for their efforts and Jeannette Burn, who helped on the day.

Christmas Review

As has already been reported, an extraordinary year for the Croquet Section. Lock downs – playing restrictions – some very wet weather, but through it all we have managed to have an exceptional year on many fronts.

It has certainly been my busiest as Captain, and the Committee and Tristan McIllroy have all had to contribute more than might have been expected.

We managed to run our Internal Competitions and some external tournaments. To have increased membership by significant numbers, is a great achievement, and all our new players are very welcome, and we are pleased to see many playing through the winter.

Other highlights included the Golf Croquet Inter-Club team reaching the National Final; Harry Fisher’s performance in the World and British Open Association Croquet tournaments; and the arrival, after much discussion and trial, of the Online Booking System is welcome and is working well.