Planned winter works to improve the boundary levels on Lawn Three are well underway. It is laborious work: boards are laid to protect the surface, (and taken up again after each work session). The turf is then very carefully cut and lifted to allow the subsoil to be levelled by hand, with guidance from a laser levelling device.
It is slow work and the Grounds Team have stuck to the task, but the weather
has not helped.
Last week we had an unexpected visitor to GC Club Morning. A Red Admiral butterfly flew around Lawn Two and then decided to watch the proceedings from the Pavilion perched on Carmel Brancen’s hand.
We are currently plagued by three Rooks who have decided that the croquet lawns are their current favourite ‘take away’ café.
Their beaks make significant holes in the lawns, as they look for worms and leather jacket larvae. The Grounds Team report that these birds also pull the white corner markers out, and any turf repair plugs, to inspect the holes!
Ongoing treatment of the lawns should reduce the larvae growth, and hence the food supply!
The comparatively mild weather has encouraged much play at all Club sessions.
The closing date, (17th February), for entries to the summer competitions, is fast approaching, so please make sure you hand your entry to Reception in good time.
Several people are looking for partners for both the GC Handicap and Level Double Competitions. If they could please contact Mike Pattison, (mike.pattison@btconnectcom), and he will put people in touch with each other.
Tickets are available at Reception for the Annual Dinner on 5th March. Price is the same as last year – £39. The Guest Speaker is John Bowcott, Chairman of the Council of the Croquet Association, 2018-1019.
