As part of a Community Cohesion development, Bury Croquet Club hosted an inaugural friendly croquet tournament for the Queen’s Jubilee Bury Croquet Cup at Whitehead Park. The event was attended by Bury Council, Community Hub Managers and Community Engagement Champions who played against members of Bury Veterans Hub. Also in attendance were local ward councillors Dene Vernon, Jackie Harris & Shahbaz Arif.

Most of the competitors, many of whom had not played croquet before, quickly grasped the rudiments of the game and some competitive and close play took place. The trophy was in the end lifted by The Veterans team following a penalty shoot out.

Cllr Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “We were delighted to help organise this event, giving people a chance to learn a new sport and get out into the fresh air. Well done to the veterans, who fittingly lifted the trophy on the Queen’s jubilee!”

Croquet Club Chairman Roy Spencer commented that the club is pleased to have worked in conjunction with Council Community team to organise this event, as it fits nicely with our “Opening Doors to Croquet” initiative.

Pleased to say it was a successful well attended event which introduced croquet to a number of people who would never previously considered playing – which is the prime aim of the programme, and a number of the visitors have expressed an interest in taster sessions and visiting again. Thanks are due to a number of the club members who assisted.

Mid-summer? Time for the Pendle AC Advanced weekend, freshly cut grass, championship hoops firmly set into new holes, ready to greet this year’s ten entries – all from inside our Federation, for a great friendly tournament.

A random draw began the first round of this Swiss, and as expected with no time limits in place – some staggering of game finishes occurred… mattered not, new pairing were quickly sorted.

Saturday started bright and mild, but temps soon dropped as a weather front moved through (most players donned jumpers).

Most managed either three or four games on the first day. Sunday was not only warmer but even the sun broke out as more rounds ‘ticked’ off.

All things shake out, so by the mid-afternoon, the silverware could be presented

Chris Clarke Bowl(‘A’ Class) – Lee Hartley

Jeremy Dyer Bowl(‘B’ Class) – Roger Staples

Overall Tournament Champion (the David Openshaw Claret Jug) – Paul Rigge (retained)

8 players contested the Crake Valley GC A level National Qualifier over the weekend of 18th & 19th June. A strong field saw “all play all” on day 1 with the top four to qualify for the knockout stage on day 2. 

Most games went to the 12th or 13th hoop with home player David Cornes playing a solid game to win all 7 of his games. Glynis Davies (Northampton) showed all her skills that have earned her a place in National Development Squad with delightful play and great hoop running to win 5 games. Mike Bilton (Gainsborough) and Christine Wood (Tyneside) gaining 4 wins each to also qualify for the knockout.

In the Semi Finals David proved too strong for Christine 7-1, 7-5, Mike and Glynis battled with Glynis winning through 7-5, 7-5.Christine won the 3rd place play off 10-8 and it was great to see her back on the circuit after a couple of years break.

In the Final David managed to win the tournament with a 7-6 & 7-1 win. 

All players were impressed with the quality of the lawns and the hospitality offered by Crake Valley members.

During the week Crake also held C level (Winner – Giles Pepperell – Llanfairfechan) and B level (Winner – Neil Adams – Westmorland).