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Geoff Young R.I.P.

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Geoff Young RIP-1Bury Croquet Club are sad to announce the death of Geoff Young. Geoff was one of the earliest members of Bury Croquet Club and supported the club as a player and officer in many capacities, including Tournament management. Geoff was well known throughout the Federation from playing in tournaments and league matches. He loved the game and served the Federation well as an Officer and also as our representative on CA committees. On the lawns, he was always a very fair and friendly opponent, he will be sadly missed. The Federation extend out condolences to Barbara and his family.

The funeral will take place at 11.30 on Tuesday 17 November at Radcliffe Crematorium, with refreshments afterwards at the Goat’s Gate, Radcliffe New Road. The family request no flowers but donations to The Christie would be appreciated.

The Most Famous Croquet Bandit

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Billy the Kid – Real Croquet Bandit

Billy the Kid (left) playing Croquet in 1878 (Pic: Kagin's)
Billy the Kid (left) playing Croquet in 1878 (Pic: Kagin’s)

A shopper called Randy Gijarro purchased the above picture from a junk shop in Fresno (California) in 2010.  The picture is now for sale having been valued at £3.3 million.  The above image has been cropped from the original 4in by 5in tintype picture, shown below.  (Tintype was an early form of photography with the image being etched onto thin metal).

The picture shows Billy the Kid and his gang, known as the Regulators, enjoying a game of Croquet after a wedding in 1878.  The photograph has been subject to a year of methodical study, involving facial recognition technology and inspection of the site.  It is now believed to be authentic.  The only other known photograph of Billy the Kid, taken in 1880, sold for £1.5 in 2010.

Billy the Kid and his gang, the Regulators, relaxing after a wedding (Pic: Kagin's)
Billy the Kid and his gang, the Regulators, relaxing after a wedding (Pic: Kagin’s)

Thank you to Ray Lowe of Southport and John Dawson of Chester, for spotting the press articles on Sky News and The Times – you can read them at:

http://news.sky.com/story/1568658/billy-the-kid-photograph-could-be-worth-5m

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/americas/article-4585243.ece

COMMENTS:

Ray Lowe: Always thought some wrong uns played croquet.

John Dawson: I am not sure I would be volunteering to ask Billy for his handicap card.

John Dawson: Lovers of Chester lawns will note that there appears to be a bit of a slope in the picture.

Peter Wilson: Working for Top Gear now John?

 

 

 

 

 

James Hopgood Wins Croquet Salver

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James Hopgood wins the Chairmans Salver at Southport (10-13 September 2015)

James Hopgood won a tense final round game against Ian Lines to win the Chairman’s Salver for the second time.

11 wins James Hopgood;  10 wins Duncan Reeve;  9 wins Ian Lines;  6 wins Ian Burridge, Marcus Evans and Chris Williams;  4 wins David Goacher and Matt Holmes.

Southport Chairman Don Williamson presents the 2015 Chairmans Salver to James Hopgood (Edinburgh)
Southport Chairman Don Williamson presents the 2015 Chairmans Salver to James Hopgood (Edinburgh)

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