Ten clubs were represented by 30 people at the Spring Meeting held at Culcheth on 3 March 2012. Chairman Liz Wilson welcomed delegates and especially the representatives from our latest new club – Flixton. The meeting was pleased to hear the news that the CA have awarded Ian Lines an award for outstanding achievements in coaching. The acting Secretary, Tony Thomas, was delighted that Paul Rigge has volunteered to take over as Secretary.

There has been an upsurge in developing new clubs and Janet Davies was pleased to report the CA Development Fund had been increased. Clubs are reminded that applications for Apps Heley, Townsend and Millenium Awards can be made this year for clubs who have made excellent progress during the last two years.

The committee will be reviewing the Federation Constitution and bring proposals to the next meeting. A working party has been established by the CA to look at the relationship between the CA and the various Federations and Geoff Young will be designing a questionnaire to ascertain club views.

The League Fixtures for 2012 were distributed and the meeting ratified cosmetic changes to the League Rules. 167 matches will be played this year. Chester have replaced Liverpool in the Advanced league, Birkdale have moved from the Short to the Handicap league and Westmorland have joined the Golf league.

Ken Cooper has organised several Coaching courses at Silver, Bronze, Golf and Coach Trainer levels. There was a discussion about allowing players of other Federations to join our coaching courses – in principle no problem, providing NWFCC players are not disadvantaged, however the committee need to look at issues regarding administration and costings.

Organisation of the Millennium tournaments, Festival of Croquet, Pennine Cup are all progressing well. There were progress reports from all thye clubs.

Date of next meeting will be 3 November 2012 at Culcheth, all club members are welcome.

You can download the full Minutes of the Meeting here.

Summary of Federation Autumn Club Meeting (5 Nov 2011 by Tony Thomas):

38 people attended the NWFCC Autumn Meeting at Culcheth on Saturday 5 November. The meeting agreed changes to the committee, new league rules for 2012 and agreed tournament dates for next year.

The meeting received reports from each committee member and then progress reports from the clubs. Retiring chairman David Barrett presented the league trophies to the successful clubs.

Liz Wilson was elected new chairperson replacing David Barrett who was not eligible to stand having served three years. Former Secretary Ian Lines has relocated and his position remains vacant. Tony Thomas will carry out the role on a temporary basis until a volunteer comes forward. Bob Connop was elected Treasurer with former treasurer, Peter Wilson, agreeing to serve as Federation Auditor. All other positions remain as before. The meeting also agreed to co-opt David Barrett onto the committee.

Some changes to league rules were agreed for 2012 – updating rule 8b defining scores for ‘walkover’ games, clarification of rule 23a explaining doubles pairing in Golf Croquet matches, rewriting rule 2b on procedures for postponed matches (two weeks to agree a new date or concede the match).

Dates were agreed for various events in 2012 and these are listed in the Diary column on this page.

Club subscriptions for 2012 remain as £20 and are due now.

Date of next meeting: 3 March, 10.00 am at Culcheth.

Clubs are asked to: (a) Ensure league team entry forms are with the League Manager by 31 Dec 11. (b) Ensure Ken Cooper has any amendments for the Croquet North leaflet by 28 Feb 12 (c) Keep the Federation Secretary informed of any changes to club contacts. (d) Keep the webmaster informed of any club events, tournaments, etc for inclusion in the web diary.