NEIL WILLIAMS

As many will know, Neil has not been well. He underwent surgery for a brain tumour this week and unfortunately as a consequence suffered a stroke. At the moment his right side is effected and he has lost some speech. He is currently in hospital in Preston but hoping to return to Kendal when he is strong enough.

Neil has been the main stay of croquet in the Northwest for over thirty years and was the first chairman of the Federation when it was formed in the early seventies.

We all wish him well for a speedy recovery. In the interim John Beech will take over Neil’s duties as Development Officer and James Hawkins will look after coaching.

GORDON BROWN – BENEFACTOR OF CROQUET CLUBS?

The April 2002 Budget, allows Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC) to be granted charitable status for tax pruposes. This means CASC’s (your club should be one) are exempt from tax on income from a range of sources such as fundraising, interest, rents, disposals, Gift Aid, donations, etc.

Gift Aid may apply to Subscriptions in which case clubs can claim substantial tax relief backdated to 1 April 2002.

CASC’s must be open to the whole community, organised on an amateur basis, and their main purpose must be to provide facilities for, and promote participation in, an eligible sport. Eligible sports will initially be defined with reference to those recognised by national Sports Councils.

More details: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk