Club Practice Afternoon - 21st Jan
Libby (of course) pulled as many members together as she could for a knock in the winter 'sunshine'
- really think the gloves give away the real temp!
Libby (of course) pulled as many members together as she could for a knock in the winter 'sunshine'
- really think the gloves give away the real temp!
Pendle is getting ready for the new season. Thanks to Keith for all his hard work (what have you done over the winter).
Back to the Alma - great venue, given our own function room and menu for the occasion, greatly appreciated. huge thanks to the hotel management! Sixteen members turned out for an enjoyable evening. Good food, good conversation and lovely company. Thanks to Peter for his wonderful organisation.
Today saw 6 members turn out for a “fabulous”day of Croquet. With warm weather and sunshine it felt like
April/May. The group decided to play the Golf Croquet Ladder; with a few changes. ( apologies to Mr Hand) .
Nine games were played and Keith Terry is at the moment top of the Ladder with 120 points.
Robert arrived after lunch and mowed the lawns with the John Deer...They look fabulous.
The club all wish Will a successful surgery on Wednesday - There will be no chance for us once his
cataracts are fixed. He already has the nick name “dead eye Dick” for his ability to run hoops from
amazing distances.
The social aspect of the club was strongly evident this evening as twelve members & partners block-booked the Matrix Superbowl in Skipton for a double session of Ten Pin Bowling (Matrix Bowling). Huge thanks to Petra at Matrix for ensuring that we all had fun – what a great find, just us there, bowling across three lanes, a Bar not 10 paces from the lanes and food (Burgers, Dogs & Chips) readily available.
All committed to repeating this activity again, soon.
Being Croquet players and thus competitive by nature,
it *does* matter who won/lost but I don’t have the final results in yet so I can't report but I suspect
it was "Vegas Wilson".
Pendle had a good first win of the season after a tight game at Fylde. We were giving away a large number of
bisques overall.
In the morning Robert and Catherine lost the doubles after a hard scrap, while Paul D managed an heroic win
on a golden hoop against the mighty Peter Wilson. Andrew won a narrow victory against Catherine Bass.
In the afternoon singles, Robert won on golden hoop to Peter Wilson, (after another tough match) while Andrew
lost to Ian Theakstone and Paul lost to Philip Bass, but Catherine Parnell redeemed Pendle by beating her namesake.
Well done team and long may the winning streak continue.
Andrew
Members Paul & Liz were interviewed by Scott Wallis on his "Talking Sport" show - a show that avoids
discussing Football, Cricket, Rugby or any of the other 'mainline' pursuits and gives air-time
to 'minor' less popular sports like ours.
Unlike most journalists, he treated us refreshingly seriously and allowed us to explain our
passion.
Earby basked in four days of 100% blue sky and 24C – to be fair, so did the entire country for the
whole Easter Weekend. Despite the weather being as forecast, no late entries were received to play
in this friendly (either Hcp or Adv) AC format tournament. Indeed some of the entered were
only available for the first two days... that’s expected over a *family* Bank Holiday, it just
needs management flexibility, and this tournament is geared to offer exactly that – so it is a pity
to report, that only nine entered this year.
In line with previous years of low entries, luxurious single banking was enjoyed for all rounds,
as well as the more traditional food fare being offered – Hot Cross Buns for all on Good
Friday & choccy Eggs on Sunday.
By Monday Lunchtime the calculations had been done with the following overall results;
John Beech Handicap Trophy – Paul Rigge
Peter Dowdall Cup (adv) – Paul Rigge.
Under 10 Handicap Trophy – Lee Hartley
10 & Over Handicap Trophy – Kevin Wright
Fastest Game – Lee Hartley (71mins Vs Betty Bates)
Most Games – not awarded.
Eleven U3A Members decended into our club to (hopefully) enjoy their first taste of Croquet. All five
courts were in service as nine members mixed with the visitors to play in a mini progressive doubles Golf
Croquet tournament.
Two Games, tea break followed by another two game all with different partners lead to a single winner - Gail.
Members Roger Schofield, Peter Wilson and Liz Wilson met up with Alan Clark from High Wickham who was on holiday in the area.
With handicaps ranging from ½ to 3 an all play all Advanced session was planned. As it turned out the weather was pretty
chilly and so the stumps were pulled after two games and a few one ball games. Alan Clark beat Peter Wilson (failed tpo)
and lost to Roger Schofield. Liz lost to Roger Schofield and beat Peter.
A good time was had by all with all sorts of crazy moves attempted. The most amazing happening of the day was Liz and Alan’s
visit to the Bakery costing £7.20 for two bacon and two tuna with salad butties! Alan’s face was a picture - It seems to be
a lot cheaper ooop North!
Liz
Eleven U3A Members (some the same as last week) again braved the elements to sample Croquet. The
anticipated numbers didn’t materialise - well those who ‘did’ turn up didn’t really think that there
would be any play, but play there was! No rain fell and four shortened GC games were contested.
Three Games, tea break followed by another game all with different partners this time resulted in joint winners -
Gail (again) & Mike... Mike left before photo-op, so will catch him next week.
On the weekend of National Croquet Day, Pendle hosted a tournament where players came from far & wide
not only to give any potential visitors something to watch, but to contest the trophy in their own
right – many of whom only play in leagues as part of a team, so it was interesting, since any error
would cost them dearly.
The weekend was bathed in bright sunshine and blessed with clear blue sky.
After a 5 round swizz, three players finished on 4/5, but on who-beat-who; Member and Pendle
Chair, Andrew Webb was the winner..
Robin Reports;
By superlative play from Andrew & Garry, assisted by Paul D & Myself, a comparatively strong Bury team
were succumbed.
Even though Andrew forgot to use his bisque, Tony was comfortably overcome, whilst Garry returned to form,
Garry beating both Ken & Barbara.
Paul D lost to Tony but beat Ken. I was a minor contributor to a win, with Andrew in the doubles
versus Barbara & Margaret, but Margaret was the victor against me in the afternoon.
Thanks, in the main, to Libby, for her mowing & cleaning efforts, and to Garry, Peter & Paul D for setting
the hoops and Flags and posts which indicated which lawn was which and corner pegs... White lining was attended
to by me.
All in all, on a perfect summer day, the whole ground, bar the entrance path area, looked as good as ever
I've seen it, and we welcomed Tyneside & Chester teams to play their Secretary's shield match on Courts 1 & 2,
which was won narrowly by Chester.
Compliments abounded from members of all three visiting teams regarding the greatly improved
quality of the playing conditions which we had provided compared with those which had prevailed on previous
visits.
All members of our club who have contributed so generously of their time, so that such compliments
may be justifiably made, should be proud in the knowledge that their efforts have been rewarded by
praise.
Eleven U3A Members (now regulars) slapped on the sun-cream this time and chracked on.
Different winner this week - Syd, picked up the Jelly Babies.
Will Drake presenting the trophy to Roger I’Anson ( Ripon) winner.
Second photo Abdul manager, Will Drake, Roger I’Anson winner and Richard Leach (Bury) runner up.
Fourteen U3A Members, best turn-out yet.
Another winner this week - Margaret... first time she's won a game left alone all four!
A good victory with Paul getting 2 excellent wins including winning the Doubles with Peter.
Andrew won both his singles games and Peter lost his singles.
After torrential rain which saw most lawns with many deep puddles, it was decided to get the
bow wave out of moth balls. After clearing Lawn 5 the days play was able to go ahead.
Robin and Libby winning the Doubles, Paul winning both Singles, Robin and Libby winning their respective
singles and Andrew losing one and winning the other.
Robin again proving that age is no handicap at croquet!!
The photo shows the PCCC chairman and league captain bow waving lawn 5 so we could play today’s
league match against Crake..
See how Paul R (Lancashire) & Robert (Yorkshire) faired at this year's counties.
Visit Croquetscores...
for the scores.
Visit CA Site...
for the Report.
Six members of U3A attended today, one of the group requested at the tea break could they do a
different format to the games. On the suggestion of moving to playing Games of singles most were
enthusiastic. Two games of singles then proceed and was enjoyed by all.
The group have requested that can we do this again next week.
Lesley was the winner this week of the Fruit Gums...
Nine of U3A attended today. An afternoon of Single GC games, some played five in the time available!
Mike got the Fruit Gums...
Giving away 62 Bisques!
A difficult match for Pendle facing at least 1 bandit if not 2 !! Robert and Catherine won the Doubles after quite
a tough match and Paul won his singles in the morning while Andrew lost 0-26 against an 18 handicap in 11/4 hours
having only played 2 shots!
In the afternoon Robert led the way winning his singles while we lost all the other Singles (inc Paul losing -18 against
the same ‘bandit’ in under 2 hours).
I decided to raise the issue of too high handicaps on two of Chester players with the official body. The result was
that one of Chester players had his handicap reduced to 14 with the agreement of Chester. I do feel this issue should
be raised by clubs when it's applicable without feeling ‘guilty’ about it.
The result does not reflect the close nature of many of the games within the match.
Of the 18 games played 8 games went to the golden hoop and 4 games to the 12 hoop. If luck had been on our
side the result could have been a draw.
This match saw Karen step in to the team for the first time. Karen played extremely well and received
praise from the opponents who said they would not like to give her bisques in a handicap game. Two of her games
were lost on the golden hoop against David Llyod and David Cornes many index points ahead of her and years of more
experience.
A big thank you to all the Pendle club members who provided help in setting up the lawns.
In the three weeks leading up to this, the manager and tournament secretary had tried to find more
entries to raise the number above 9 but none were found. This small odd number produced a very
difficult management task of awarding three trophies across a handicap range of over 15 steps
among very few players in 1.75 days of variable weather.
To mitigate the difficulties the manager did not play and opted for one American Block with two
sub American Blocks within.
(In order to keep Omeid busy on Sunday after lunch the manager did play him and Omeid achieved
a Platinum break award in that game +26SXT , this game was within the tournament.)
We started Saturday in light rain with the courts playing easy but each outlined with its own
peculiar mess of chaotic white line and string boundaries being sometimes shared, sometime not.
The new hoops were extreemly well set by Paul who had spent hours preparing them. At lunch the North
boundary of court 4 became squelchy and was unusable. We followed that with a good meal at the Jade Palace.
Sunday's weather was beautiful. Play progressed but from a management point of view the result of two key
games brought about the worst case scenario in all three events. This meant that two more rounds were
mandatory and during the afternoon a three way tie break was resolved in case it would be needed.
This was a three player game of one ball, using the rules set out on the Oxford site in the document
written by Kevin Carter. Richard Huxley won that but in the end, the tie break was not required.
A key moment was when Clive beat Omeid and then went on to win two more games establishing him as the winner.
As a consequence, Omied then took the Chris Clarke from Richard's hands.
Finally with Clive holding the Openshaw, Steve's two wins in the sub block gave him a popular win in the Jeremy Dyer.
Thanks to Libby for catering, Robert for the cheese board and Will for spectating come rain or shine and the
other players: Paul Rigge, Lee Hartley, Richard Huxley, Dennis Scarr & Liz Wilson
The Openshaw trophy remains at the club and needs engraving per the note I have left with it.
The other two trophies were taken by the winners.
David Openshaw - Clive Goode
Chris Clark - Omeid Hallam
Jeremy Dyer - Steve Skelton.
Awards:
Omeid - Platinum. Handicap Change: Clive from 0 to -0.5
Report; Peter Wilson
Another dull day (weather-wise). Eleven of U3A attended for an afternoon of Single GC games, some played f
ive in the time available!
Graham & John W had to share the Jelly Babies...both unbeaten.
Unbelievably, given that most clubs are submerged under rain water to the east of us, play started and was played
all day in the dry.
Catherine & Robin lost to Lorna & Will -12, Paul lost to Cas -16, Andrew lost to Barry -9
Catherine beat Lorna +6, Paul beat Barry +6, Robin lost to Cas -22, Andrew beat Will +2
Will Drake (far right) presented the trophy to David Widdison winner.
The extensive ground work carried out on the day before the tournament paid dividends this weekend.
The prolonged scattered showers experienced had no effect on playing conditions.
There was no evidence of waterlogging at anytime and the underfoot condition remained firm throughout.
Players approached the demanding scheduled enthusiastically and played expeditiously at all times.
They weren’t deterred by having to put waterproofs on or having to peel them off at regular intervals.
Nine rounds of ALL play All were concluded by 6.30pm on Saturday. Tim King was undefeated with David Widdison
and Paul Rigge in close pursuit.
On Sunday the high pollen count took its first casualty. Lorna Dewar who bravely combated the ailment
on Saturday had to withdraw after 2 round were completed. The demanding schedule also forced 96 year old Will Drake
to call it a day a few rounds later.
Play concluded at 5.15pm
David Widdison (Ripon -1) was declared winner with 13/14 wins, Tim King (Ashby -3) 13/16 was second,
Paul Rigge (Pendle -2) 12/15 third and David Bell (Leicester Scr) finished fourth.
Special thanks go to Karen Bamforth who provided catering on both days. A barbecue lunch on Saturday cooked
adjacent to lawn 2 whilst play was in progress.
Despite the indifferent weather, the event was a great exhibition of Golf Croquet played in an enjoyable spirit.
Well done to all involved in making it a success.
Abdul Ahmad - (Tournament Manager)
Bright warm sunshine again prevailed but only ten U3A attended for the afternoon of Single GC games.
This week's winner, Syd, got the packet of Skittles.
Won the doubles and morning Singles, with a quick win after lunch before Peter Wardle took ill and the Crake
team took him home - since the match had been lost.
Summer can be brilliant, fast courts (Robert & Libby freshly mowed), blue sky & burning sunshine.
Eleven members of U3A turned up today.
Jan was the outright winner (bag of skittles) with 16 points and a three way tie for second between David,
Gail and Syd all on 15 points.
What a day - blue sky, great temps...offset that with stationary traffic on M65 (multi-car smash). Still we got to venue before 10am.
After a quick brew, we started playing to the schedule as laid out for the Level GC League in strict order. Chester's lawn setting?
What to write in comment about it - OK, you forced it out of me;- unmowed grass, *deep* rabbit runs in wide hoops (nearly a cm on one)
& no, repeat NO half-way markers on the boundaries...it's nice to see such effort put-in for a club league fixture!
When the issue of markers was raised - "well we can do without", so we did.....
After 14 games, the score was 7-7, so the final scoreline was really only sorted out during the last rubber...Pendle's concentration
failed and the match went the *wrong* way.
(As an AC player - I still miss the lunches..)
Full report by Andrew, (with asides by the editor);-
Pendle had a resounding success at the 25th Northwest Federation Festival, winning both the overall
Cup by taking both the AC Advanced and AC Handicap Sections, supported by the Level Play Golf team who came third.
The Adv team of Paul Rigge and Lee Hartley won all their games with something to spare.
[ed:- true but not as easy as
it looked on paper. On the first Saturday, Lee took the first break round to peg in both games - and pegged his own
ball out - all other clips on H1. First time, it was a joke, then the truth came out - he wanted to finish early so
he could go and watch 'Toy Story 4', so since he wasn't involved in either game after 20mins, that's what he did!]
The Handicap Team of Andrew Webb, Roger Schofield, Paul Dowdall and Catharine Parnell won all their Doubles games
and 2 Singles. Roger had a 100% record, and both Paul and Catherine more than played their part in the games.
There were 8 teams competing in the Hcp, and considering these were 18point games and Pendle were giving away a
number of bisques, it was a great team effort.
The Golf team of Libby Dixon, Paul Dowdall and Martyn Seal ('hired' to augment our squad from Llanfairfechan) did
well to come third especially doing well in the Doubles on Sunday.
It is not always easy to cajole and persuade members to play in the Festival but I found it a very enjoyable,
relaxed and convivial weekend. Meeting players I have not seen for a bit. The organisation by Southport was also
superb.
As a Club we have a lot to be proud of!![ed:- the Avro Shackleton Bomber (derived from the Avro Lancaster Bomber)
was always described as "10,000 rivets flying in loose formation". Being a member of this club is akin to that analogy,
a loose collection of croquet enthusiasts who pull together brilliantly when it matters. What a few we are!]
Andrew [& ed.]
Visit NW Fed Site... for 'proper' report.
Managed By Peter & Liz Wilson (Liz presenting silverware below)
The (loose) format this year was Advanced play for the first two days followed by Handicap play - interspersed
with Games of Handicap Doubles...so we had some players just dipping into the tournament to play their prefered
format on those days, but the stalwarts were happy to play anything, anytime over the four days.
The courts were a little slower than would have been desired by some due to ongoing mower issues, that will soon be
resolved but it is worth noting that the visiting players helped with the groundworks to keep the surface grass as
short as possible (cheers Steve & Linda).
Irish Cup - Steve Skelton
Egyptian Cup (Fastest Game) - Peter Wilson (47 ½ minutes)
Addict (most games played) - Dave Kibble
Doubles - Rigge and Dave Williamson
David Hoyle (High Bisque) - Libby Dixon
Pennine Trophy (Low Bisque) - David Gillett
David Jenkinson ('B' Level Advanced) - Roger Schofield
Pendle Rose Bowl - David Kibble
Both clubs got a bye through round one this year, so this was first outing in this National Inter-Club
for both teams.
Having never met in this tournament (that we could find) before, a coin toss was used to determine which club
would host the fixture - we lost, so off we went to Chester - again.
Rob & Liz lost to Jerry & Mark
Peter lost to David
Andrew beat John
Rob lost to Jerry, Liz beat Mark
Peter lost to John, Andrew beat David
Ivan Wheatley stepped up to both play and manage this event for the Federation
His chosen format - five 18pt rounds in a swiss for the eight who entered with handicaps ranging from
3½ to 22 from Westmorland, Crake, Fylde, Bury & Pendle, ah the luxury of single banking on good true courts.
The Winner was Dave Williamson, from Crake Valley, with 4 wins out of 5 and Runner up was our Paul Dowdall, with
3 wins who had a better net hoop (?) score from Tony Phillips (Bury) who was placed 3rd.
Dave also earned a handicap reduction 22 to 16.
Today the club hosted 18 U3A members in bright sunshine. Two new members of U3A turned up and enjoyed
the experience. With everyone now au fait with the format played commenced quickly.
The overall winner was Syd who took this weeks title from David after a tie break. Congratulations to all.
With 4 lawns all in use club members spent their time cutting back the hedges around the container
and strimming the Water Street perimeter.
With this year's Fixture List restoring The Lancashire Open to the top flight of competition. It’s back being an Ascot Cup Qualifier – one of Eight such tournaments held annually (Details), but the only one held in the north. It was important that the grounds and entry field lived up to expectations. Pendle didn’t disappoint (well the weather did a bit on Saturday morning but, hay ho). The club had invested in new Championship Hoops and heavily spent on improving the tuff for this major class event and did it show!
The Manager (Abdul Ahmad) welcomed twelve players from both around this country and even one from
the USA (with indexes from 1396-2270), were split into two blocks of all play all (twice), with the top
four from each block advancing into the Quarter-Finals of the KO.
Pendle laid out all five courts so only one game in each round had to be double banked,
and each contest was of course un-timed.
As it worked out, nine rounds were comfortably completed on the first day, with the ‘missing’ final
block round finished Sunday morning.
Things progressed as they should with the final, between the two top remaining seeds, starting as all the
other places had been resolved, thus a ‘gallery’ of spectators could enjoy the closing contest – and
what a contest!... It, of course ran the full distance as befitting a Bo3 final, with Tim
thrashing Paul in game two 7-1, but nerves held and Riggey took the 'David Hopkins' silverware in the
third from last year's defending champion for the first time 7-6, 1-7, 7-4.
Plate went to Jane Tewson.
The four into the 'Ascot' Pot from up here are; Riggey, Tim King, Stephen Jackson & Paul Durkin.
11 U3A group plus 3 converted members (John, Graham and Jude), Hosted Jo and Trevor from Hebden Bridge.
Jan also brought a guest.
All club mallet handles got recovered
Member Rigge has been selected by the powers that be at the CA to both play in the Kate Jones Eight
at GC and the Spencer Ell Eight at AC. Both of these eights are of national status - can he win either or
both, we wonder?... Clue; it's never been done before, so don't bet the house on it!
The mornings play commenced under cloudy skies but ended with strong sun and temperatures of 24 deg.
At lunch Pendle were 6/3 up and the repast was enjoyed on the decking out of the strong sun. Play recommenced
with copious sun screen applied in rising temperatures which was to affect all players.
Report - Libby
Ever get that feeling of deja vu? Rigge experienced it over the weekend 10/11 August at York CC
He travelled over the Pennines to contest the Second holding of the White Rose Open in the rain, again.
Other entries attending came from Nottingham, Anglia, Luxemburg, London & Yorkshire, again.
The atmosphere and welcome was warm & friendly, again.
The Manager (Peter Thompson) ran it as a flexible Egyptian, again.
Weather conditions (bit of rain now & then) and Tournament dinner, at same place as last year... you get my point by now.
Even the same two players made it though the Semi-Finals KO to contest the Final,
which by now you won’t be surprised to learn also ended with a 3ball ending just like last year.
The title was again taken by Paul from a much improved Callum Johnson.. weird!
Today saw 9 U3A members ( which included 3 club members) commence playing the U3A League Cup. After today’s round Graham Read heads up the ladder with 110 points, 5 points ahead of Jan McLardy.
Member Rigge travelled up the the Lake District to play in the Crake Valley Croquet Club's August Advanced
Tournament having been 'forced' to miss out on their similar event in June
(due to our club hosting a rather important Golf tournament on the same weekend - the Pendle 'A' Class).
The work continues at Crake to bring the Lawns back into full use with the reserviced drains now starting to
have an effect, after Friday's downpour I expected the event to be cancelled or at least notified of a late
start, but not a bit of it. the 'top' courts were both dry and playable - great job CCC.
This Tournament was also notable, since it's the last event the 'Leaning Pavilion of Greenodd' will
be used. Over winter it’s due to be demolished & replaced with a ‘proper’ brick building fitted with
both running water *and* electricity! For a club formed in 1897, will the new ‘hut’ last as long or
have as much personality?
Paul now is the only player to hold the Cavendish Clock three times.
The match was overshadowed as Robert Essler had to leave the Doubles game after 30 mins due to his wife having
had an accident on the motorway. Fortunately she was not injured and we send our best wishes to both of them.
The games were adjusted accordingly.
The Doubles pairing of Paul Dowdall and Catherine Parnell lost 0-26 with hardly playing a shot against a
Southport pairing off handicaps 18 and 14.(Peter Williams and Gail Moores). Catherine then lost her singles against Peter,
0-26!! I beat Brian Lewis (7) + 6 but lost to Gail -18. She even had 1 bisque left in the ground.
Paul Dowdall beat Brian Lewis +10. Collectivly we gave away over 30 bisques today and clearly some weren't needed!
Report - Andrew
August Bank Holiday, the CA's GC Second Eight
One local, two from the midlands and five from the 'south' met over the scorching long weekend at our club
to contest the 'Kate Jones'. Format was all play all, with each round being a best of
three 13 point games.
After all Seven rounds were completed, the top four played in a KO, Bo3 Semi, and B03 Final.
The four non qualifiers played in the Plate event - 19 point single game KO (by consensus with the involved
players)
The club looked magnificent, with bunting draped along the hut gutters and along the rain shelters.
Hanging flower baskets (supplied by Jan), also mounted to the hut & sheds. Lawn markers and bright white
lines denoting the four full size courts (& a half size laid out for members use). The Friday mow was redone
on Sunday evening after play (by one of the attending players).
Many thanks are due to Abdul, Jan, Karen, Libby & Paul R for their work in hosting this Major Event, and
Stephen Leonard for the Sunday mow.
Stuart M Smith beat Tim King for the title & Stephen Custance-Baker took the Plate
One of the all-time great champion croquet players was Montague Spencer-Ell who continued to win
national championships despite losing his arms in the First World War, including the 'All England'
in 1928.
He is credited with significantly advancing sport for disabled people and developing sports at
Stoke Mandeville.
He donated a trophy to the CA for the new 'Third Eight' in 1955 - the tournament that now bears his name
and is played annually over five days by those who are deemed to be the 17th to
24th best players in the country. View
( Previous Winners),
This year the entries were, in merit order;
Annabel McDiarmid
Omied Hallam
Mark Ormerod
Mike Town
Paul Rigge
Eugene Chang
Raouf Allim &
Rich Waterman
As a tournament, the simple description is that it’s s all-play-all (twice), but the unique nuance of ‘The Eights’ is that all the games are untimed in a set pre-drawn order (based upon Rankings) and even the Courts are pre-assigned - this is 'Real' Croquet in the way it's ment to be played. Take your time and plan your way to victory.....or not!
In the early rounds only one player was unbeaten but by the twelfth round, it looked like a
three way tie was going to be the final result – necessitating in a long final day to sort
out the play-offs. Plans were made but they weren’t needed, as Omied finished two clear of the pack
by lunch on Monday.
Really friendly atmosphere, good tournament dinner attended by all eight, good (in the main) weather,
good closely mown courts – thank you Pendle CC, we all had fun.
Full results can be found at
(Croquetscores).
Using to same court setting from the weekend, but with the hoops now set to league tolerance, Chester beat the M6 traffic up and arrived just after 9am bringing the bright bouncy ‘youth’ James with them – he finished the day well up on points so his GC hcp is dropping as quickly as his AC one, but Pendle carried the day
Robin / Libby won the doubles from Barbara & Margaret and Andrew beat Malcolm Daines. Then we lost all The singles in the afternoon.
Member Rigge played in his last fixture of the season over on the coast, at Southport.
It was run as a straight KO with plenty of plate games available for both those out of the main draw
and those still involved with 'quick' side games.
The first round was just a single game, but the remainder were Bo3.
Paul made the Final (which was a Bo5) against Alain Giraud(-2).
Alain raced into a 2-0 lead with two perfect 26tp's, before Paul took croquet and got his first
break going (but it was after hitting the lift shot). Paul took his ball to peg & tp'd Alain's ball off.
Much 'Hide & Seek' followed until Paul (for peg n peg), took out a ball.
Alain hit the reminder, scooped up to Rover, ran it & finished – a worthy winner 26tp,26tp, 1otp.
Our last match in the North West Federation of Croquet Clubs LPG league saw the team travelling to Whitehead Park
in Bury.
This match saw two firsts occur. Abdul returning to competitive play after 10 years and Roy after his
quadruple heart bypass earlier this year. Both captains were grateful for their contribution to fulfil the team
commitment, Pendle struggling due to holidays and Bury due to ill health amongst team members.
The match was played in good spirits and as at least there was no rain!
This result enabled Pendle to come 2nd in the league for 2019 behind Chester Centurions with 4 wins and 2 losses.
The celebration of Pendle and Craven Croquet Club's collaboration with Skipton U3A throughout the 2019 regular playing season ended today over a Libby supplied Luncheon & Play date.
This joint initiative was spearheaded by John Mulligan, a member of both clubs and supported
by the committee of PCCC.
With thirty two U3A members signed up to play weekly croquet from May to end September many
club members were drawn into help host the visitors. These club members acted as coaches under the
supervision of Abdul Ahmad and Paul Rigge. From the early days the U3A players were never short of
enthusiasm and now can play a 13 point golf croquet game with very little requirement of club member
support.
During the season 10-12 participants turned up on average every week. The largest number to turn up
to play was 18 and on a very wet cold day 9 turned up which surprised club members who were sitting
in the clubhouse not believing the newcomers would show.
In August, Abdul presented a cup for the U3A league . The ladder saw all participants playing an
Egyptian format each week and as the weeks passed by the leader-board changed many times as players
improved their techniques & tactics.
Prize giving followed lunch and was overseen by Paul Rigge (a PCCC committee member and
chairman of the North West Federation of Croquet Clubs).
The overall winner was Mike Bradbury and the leading lady was Margaret Oakden. The most games
played was a tie between Sydney Matthews and Mollie Dobson who both played 17 qualifying games.
Pendle and Craven Croquet Club look forward to hosting the U3A members again in 2020 – since we already
know that 32 have pre-registered their interest.
Peter D was the day’s manager for this Golf Handicap (?) event as at least twelve members dodged
showers for a 10am start. Strange Handicap system was utilized with players given a number of hoops rather
than 'extra-turns'.
Three blocks of four competed, all play all within each block on three courts double banked... the
late arrivals (3 others) were banished to play either friendly GC or Short Lawn AC.
After all blocks were complete, after lunch, the KO rounds started with the top two from each
block progressing plus two ‘near misses’ to play from the QF.
The Final was held on the show court.. Details;
Player list:-
Pool A. Robin Delves, Libby Dixon, Graham Read, Gill Uglow.
Pool B. Paul Dowdall, Garry Wilson, Peter Uglow, John Mulligan
Pool C. Paul Rigge, Peter Dewhurst, Jan Mclardy, Will Drake.
Pool winners progressing to Quarter Finals & results.
Will Drake v. Paul Dowdall 5-7 | Robin Delves v Paul Rigge 5-7.
Garry Wilson v John Mulligan 7-6| Libby Dixon v Peter Uglow 7-3
Semi Final Results.
Garry Wilson v Libby Dixon 7-6 | Paul Rigge v Paul Dowdall 7-4.
The Final. Paul Rigge V Garry Wilson 7-4
Congratulations to Paul Rigge, winner of the prestigious model cottage, a detailed copy of a
historic house in Skelton St. Colne.
Thanks to all the members who either competed or just came along. Plus a special mention to the
three new members who took part.
The competition was played in a very fun, sociable and competitive atmosphere - All, thanks for making
it a great competition.
We are sad to announce that Kathryn Schofield died Saturday morning, at home with her beloved
husband of 49years, Roger in attendance.
Kathryn (with Roger) was a founder member of Pendle & Craven Croquet Club and was a well known stalwart
of the club and the NW scene.
Her funeral took place on Tuesday (22/10/19) at her packed church, the St Andrew’s Methodist
Church, Barnoldswick.
The committal followed at Skipton Crematorium with refreshments afterwards at St Joseph’s Community Centre on
Bollard St.
Peter D again summoned the great & good (well the club membership) to gather again for another
club internal – this time for the One Ball.
Riggey turned up early to coach and introduce all those who had never seen/played this version
before, five jioned in that 40min crash course/practice.
In beautiful warm sunshine (yeah..14 degrees) & blue sky, Peter again split the field into two
blocks of seven for this handicap contest (players got a third of their full lawn allocation).
Who took the '19 title... none other than Karen Bamforth, her first Pendle Title.
Garry - "I would just like to say what a great afternoon's competition. Thanks to Peter for organising.
Really enjoyed playing with our new members and golfers who may eventually turn to the dark side! In fact
it was young Karen Skywalker who beat me +2 in the final - story of my life, always the bridesmaid!
See you at the next competition"
Karen - "Ahhhh! Gary you can be my bridesmaid anytime!
Thanks for a lovely day and thank you all so much for all the advise so generously offered to me
today by so many of you. I feel a bit of a fraud winning this competition as without the help I
wouldn't have stood a chance.
Let's have many more fun days like this please. It was great to see so many people enjoying a
fabulous day if Croquet."
Gill & Peter - "Congratulations and very well done. We had a fab day too and are very much looking forward to
next week."
Seven members turned out under clear blue sky to play the first day of the 2019 AC 14point short internal. Played under NW Fed rules and Handicaps but using a base 4 system.
Play was across three courts (with L1 being split down into two) on both both days with all playing
all across the first two days. The biggest 'bandits' progressing into the finals.
All rounds were played in great humour (even the Final) with beginners being Coached & Advised
as well as having the 'stuffing kicked out of them' - figuratively speaking.
Yet again in another internal, Garry & Paul R made it through to the last match which was played in great spirit - even with the 'gallery' joining in with some of the banter. Paul just managing to take the title in the last minute of time +2 - it was that close.
Great Social event as during the day, members turned up and played.. 'knock-about' croquet,
even a couple of games of pirates (without the 'docking' variation) were enjoyed.
Members were asked too contribute either food, booze or Gunpowder to make the early dark night memorable,
and so it proved. Members gathered in the hut after play to consume Treacle Toffee, Dark & Light Parkin,
Soup, Burgers, Sausages & Hot Dogs (way to much to eat) then all wandered out to watch burning wood
and fireworks (as is traditional).
Eleven members all dressed like they were destined for the Russian front,
(well the thermometer did say 6oC, but that doesn’t factor in the wind chill – yes there was some) turned out to play under a cloudy dry sky either friendly knocks at Golf Croquet or Aston/Barlow AC Games.
Members gathered in the pavilion for this year’s AGM amid copious supplies of Stollen, Mince Pies & of course
Chocolates (tin of Heros).
The meeting raced through the Agenda without too much of a problem, even the executive committee was changed on the nod –
out with the old, in with the new, as it were!
After another brew (and choccie), a quick pitch inspection declared the courts playable and free from disease,
so no prizes for guessing what six attendees decided to do next...
Libby & Robert met to contest the final and had good weather all afternoon with the temperature a balmy
6-7 degrees.
Five other club members turned out to watch. She had sufficient bisques to mount a solid title defence and took
this year's title +4 win on time.
After that, a quick game of GC before dusk on the year's shortest day.
Robert Essler & Paul Rigge contested the 2019 Final on the last possible date - the last day of the year.
pristine in the bright (partial) sunshine.
Rob won the toss and went in first with standard East boundary opening. Rigge laid duffer which Rob missed,
as did Paul!
Rob hit in and went round to 4b with easy control. Paul hit the lift and also went to 4b.
Rob missed his lift and Paul failed to get going..much interaction then followed...We rejoin the tale
with Paul’s clips on Peg & penult, with Rob on 3b & 4b.
Rob advanced the 4b clip to peg and took Rigge’s ball off (Boo!). Cat and mouse for a few cycles before
Paul hit Black NW of 4b, then two balled his last three hoops off the enemy ball – but missed the pegout!
Rob took a few turns to advance remaining clip to rover with Paul taking swings at the peg from East & West
boundary midpoints – all missing (duh).
Rob played a dolly rush to rover but stuck in hoop! Paul shot at partial double from East boundary, hit & peeled
Blue through rover and managed this time to hit the peg from 3 feet away!
Narrow margin (+2) brought the end to a really fun game.