The recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of Croquet England, Andy Dalby-Walsh, visited Bury Croquet Club on Wednesday 17 June 2026 as part of a tour of croquet clubs across the North of England.
Based in Cheltenham, Croquet England is the national governing body for the sport and supports clubs, players and the development of croquet throughout the country.
During his visit to Bury Croquet Club’s Whitehead Park lawns, Mr Dalby-Walsh met club members, toured the facilities and enjoyed the opportunity to play on the club’s lawns. The visit was part of a wider Northern tour, which also includes a visit to Bowdon Croquet Club, hosts of a major international England v Spain Golf Croquet Tournament taking place from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June.
Speaking after his visit, Mr Dalby-Walsh said:
“It has been an absolute pleasure to visit and play at Bury Croquet Club, and brilliant to receive such a warm welcome from club members. It has beautiful grounds with excellent facilities, including a unique indoor playing area.”
On behalf of Bury Croquet Club, Vice Chair Roy Spencer presented Andy Dalby-Walsh, accompanied by Croquet England Communications Officer Alison Maugham, with engraved handmade wooden bowls as a memento of the occasion.
Andy Dalby-Walsh has more than 20 years’ experience of leadership across the sport, disability and youth development sectors. Most recently, he served as CEO of London Youth Games. Prior to that, as Deputy CEO of Activity Alliance, the national lead organisation for getting disabled people active, he worked to influence disability inclusion nationally and oversaw governance reform towards a federated structure.
Andy is visually impaired and represented the England Blind Cricket Team over several years, bringing personal experience of inclusive sport alongside his professional expertise.
The visit highlights Croquet England’s ongoing commitment to supporting clubs across the country, strengthening relationships with local organisations and promoting the growth and accessibility of the sport.
Further information or photographs contact Roy Spencer
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