Happy Birthday Chester
National Croquet Day on Sunday June 4th was also the 40th anniversary of the Chester Croquet Club, which was inaugurated in June 1977 at the Hermitage bowling green next to the River Dee. Former chairman David Guyton talked about the club’s development from its small beginnings into the thriving, successful club it is today hosting national and international competitions.
The celebration at the club included a croquet gymkhana, won by Alan Clare, in which the Lord Mayor of Chester and the Lord Mayor’s consort also took part. Helen and Steven Brophy won the quiz, and Geoff Reynolds won the raffle, the proceeds of which went to the Friends of Westminster Park.
A special cake had been made by Brenda Pounder and a toast was drunk as Rupert Thorp, the club president, cut the cake. Over 50 members attended the event, which was bathed in glorious June sunshine, enjoying a cream tea and fun croquet.