Year: 2018

A friendly game at Hathersage Bowls Club

Players that participated in the return Friendly ‘Match’ with residents from the Audley St Elphin’s Park – hosted by Bakewell Croquet Club.

Steve Marsh and Alan Reeves both played in the ‘0+ Cross-over Tournament’ at Chester over the weekend (the 4/5 August). There were 16 entrants for the three different golf croquet titles on offer: The Maggie Cowan prize, the Chester Bowl and the Chester Croquet Plate (which Steve won last year).

Steve said: “Playing conditions were very difficult (but the food was excellent!). Not only was the weather extremely hot, the four full-sized lawns, laid out side by side, all sloped downwards (the difference between the outer edge of lawn 4 and the outer edge of lawn 1 being one meter!). This, alongside the dryness of the ground and lack of grass, made the balls incredibly difficult to control and judge!”

Regardless of those hazards, Steve came away with the Chester Croquet Plate.

We had a fun afternoon playing at Snitterton on a Wednesday afternoon. Here is a photo of all but two camera shy Bakewell players.

Bakewell Croquet Club held its AGM in The Friends’ Meeting House on March 7th. Outgoing chairman, Bill Robinson, reported on a successful season in 2017. Forty five members enjoyed a variety of events both on and off the lawns. Congratulations to Steve Marsh and Tim Spray winners of the Founders’ Cup and the Chairman’s Cup. Two teams played in the East Midlands League. Well done to the A team who finished half way up Division One. The B team (after some close matches) came bottom of Division Two.

Congratulations to Jean Peters our new Chairperson and thanks to Allen Flatman and Ann Riley who have agreed to continue as treasurer and secretary for the 2018 season. Many thanks also to retiring chairman Bill Robinson for his hard work over the past two years.

On March 14th Jean Peters welcomed members to the Annual Dinner at Bakewell Golf Club where an excellent meal was enjoyed by all.

Indoor Winter Croquet and Winter Walks followed by Pub lunches have kept members entertained over the colder months but they are looking forward to playing on the lawns again when the new season starts in April.

Bakewell Croquet Club members visited Ripon Spa Hotel to mark the end of the 2017 season. Some good weather, close games of croquet and enjoyable meals ensured a successful few days.
The season has seen a variety of activities both on and off the croquet lawns. Two club tournaments, an open day and lots of club and league games have been enjoyed by our 40 members. The A team finished midway in their league but the B team ended at the bottom of theirs (plenty to play for next year!).

Members also enjoyed various social events including the annual meal at Bakewell Golf Club, a Barbecue at the home of David and Jean Peters and a social at the home of Tim and Anne Spray.

Sadly missed were Bob Furniss and Mike White. Though they are no longer with us their enthusiasm for croquet and the encouragement they gave to fellow players will continue to inspire us for many seasons to come.