Long standing member of Bury Croquet Club, Barbara Young sadly passed away on 6th November 2024 following a long-term illness. Barbara joined the club in its very early days, an extremely keen and determined AC player, well known throughout the North West Federation. She took part in many tournaments around the country and abroad, and particularly enjoyed visiting Nottingham CC.

A popular well-liked and respected member, she played a very active part in the running of Bury CC holding a number of committee positions including Chairman, and always encouraged and advised players. In 2023 she was appointed as an Honorary Vice President of the club in recognition of her work, involvement and dedication.

Despite difficulties brought on by her illness she was determined to keep playing croquet whenever she possibly could, despite often being in pain. She amazed members only recently when after a period in hospital she turned up at the club to play! She would often be heard to say “It’s alright my mallet knows what to do”!

Barbara will be sorely missed by all.

7/8 September at Chester

The 2024 Millennium AC H/C tournament was won by Phil Snowden from Fylde with a perfect return of five wins from his five matches which also resulted in his handicap being reduced from 8 to 7. In winning he demonstrated his skills in both lovely warm sunshine on the Saturday, and driving rain on the Sunday. While he may indeed have had wet feet by the end – didn’t we all – his competitive spirit was not dampened by the experience.

There were eight entrants – from Fylde, Bowdon, Southport and Chester – to this tournament which was played as a five round Swiss format with 22-point, 2.5 hour time-limited games. The first round was pre-drawn and by chance resulted in some intra-club games: from Chester, Sarah Clements just prevailed against Andy Wilson-Chalon; from Bowdon, Robert Cutts-Watson had a slightly easier time against John Bagnall; and from Southport, Peter Williams edged past David Venables in a low scoring game. In the remaining game of the round Phil Snowden began his remorseless progress by beating David Beddy from Bowdon.

Through the rest of Saturday the players were fortified with tea and coffee, cake and scones such that at the end of the day while Phil was out front, he was closely followed by David B, Robert and Peter each with two wins. And so all to play for on the Sunday.

Sunday was dank and damp with conditions steadily deteriorating into heavy, steady rain where the manager was pleased to be wearing full waterproofs with an umbrella and the opportunity to retreat to the pavilion when necessary. And it seemed to be necessary for much of the time.

The players meanwhile continued; the fourth round results meant that only two players could win the event and if Phil gained 11 hoops even in defeat in the fifth round he would be the 2024 champion. In the event, and on adjacent rain-sodden lawns, Phil reached the 11 hoop mark at precisely the time Robert was defeated and thus Phil became the 2024 Millennium AC H/C champion.

Many thanks are due to all the players for their perseverance in trying conditions; for the sporting approach to their games; and for their determination to enjoy themselves. Well, that’s what they told me. Thanks are also due to Chester members for helping in setting out the courts and for providing refreshment across the weekend.

Robin Tasker

(Left to right: David Venables. Robert Cutts-Watson, Peter Williams, Phil Snowden, David Beddy, Sarah Clements, Andy Challon-Wilson, John Bagnall)