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David Cornes in National GC B Level Final

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David Cornes (Crake Valley) represented the north west in the GC B level National Finals at Compton (Eastbourne) recently. Although hindered by an ongoing ankle injury David managed to win 9 out of 16 games. This total was only bettered by 2 players including Tony McCann (Croquet Durham) who deservedly won the title with 13 wins.

Following his return home David has received a diagnosis that his ankle tendons are damaged and he has to use crutches to get around. This means he had to withdraw from the recent NW Fed level play and also the forthcoming prestigious CA “Ascot Cup” finals tournament in Hunstanton – a big blow after qualifying against the odds. Good luck to our other NW player at the Ascot – Jack Good.

David Cornes playing at Compton

R.I.P. Abdul Ahmad (updated 21 Sep)

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Abdul Ahmad at recent Fed Festival

Pendle & Craven are sad to announce that Abdul passed away suddenly but peacefully in Royal Blackburn Hospital on 31st August 2021.

Abdul has been a long-time member of the club and achieved some success as a player, winning the All England AC Handicap Title in 1999 and the same crown for Golf Croquet in 2002. He also won & defended the CA’s Men’s Silver Challenge Bowl in 2009 & 2010. 

Abdul managed and refereed many events for the club, for the NW Federation and even the World Croquet Federation! Lately he was instrumental in the success of the club’s U3A group visits with his gentle coaching style – “Will be sadly missed”

UPDATE – 21 SEPTEMBER 2021:

A service was held at St Thomas’ Church, Wheatley Lane Road, Barrowford on Monday 20th September 2021 at 2pm followed by committal at Barrowford Cemetery Colne Road, Barrowford.

A well attended service was held for this retired Maths Teacher at St Thomas’ Church, Barrowford on Monday 20th September where eulogies covered his passion for Gardening, Croquet, Poetry, Contract Bridge, Chess & Bowls, his love of Spanish Guitar Music and his tolerance of Live Jazz (due to his love of his wife’s company and taste).

Now reunited with his wife (Judith) in Barrowford Cemetery, who preceded him in 2019.

Paul Rigge Awarded a CA Diploma

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Paul Rigge (l) being awarded the CA Diploma by Angharrad Walters (r) Federation Secretary.

Paul Rigge (aka Riggy) Chair of the North west Federation has been awarded a well deserved Diploma by the Croquet Association, for his massive contributions to Croquet.

Paul started his croquet some 24 years ago at Bury Croquet Club.  In 2002 he was involved in setting up the facility at Heaton Park in Manchester and in 2010 was on the team that organised the MacRobertson Shield there, being instrumental in getting television coverage of the event.  In fact he has been a television and radio presence representing the North West Croquet Scene on several occasions. 

He is larger than life character and has had a very positive effect on croquet in the North West in the last 10 years. In 2012 Paul became Secretary of the Federation and served a three year term.  Since 2016 he has been the  Federation Coaching Officer.  His coaching is second to none for beginners, improvers and at an advanced level.  Together with another player he ran the “Advanced Pods” at Bury.  He is willing to travel anywhere to deliver his help and advice to the Federation members.  

In 2017 Paul also volunteered to Chair the Federation, a post he also still holds at present.  In 2019 he visited Stoneyhurst College and helped establish a new croquet club at the school, which is now a member of the Federation. He has constructed and maintained the websites for both Bury and now Pendle.  For many years he has been Team Co-ordinator for the Lancashire team at the Counties.  

He has recently become a very active member of Pendle Croquet Club and despite the Covid crisis has co-ordinated and run no less than 6 competitions in 2020.  10 more competitions are scheduled at Pendle this year – all motivated and co-ordinated by Paul.  

He is active on the Tournament scene representing the North West countrywide.  He works hard for the sport both on and off the lawns.

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