Bury Croquet Club held their annual open day on Saturday 26^th April at Whitehead Park, visitors and club members alike were in agreement that it proved a big success with approximately 130 visitors.

The club hosted their annual event, which in addition to encouraging people to try the sport of croquet, also raises funds for Bury Hospice.

Visitors included the Mayor of Bury Cllr Khalid Hussain and the Mayoress Carol Bernstein along with several councillors from neighbouring wards supporting the event. 

Bury North MP James Frith also attended and enjoyed a competitive game against the mayor and mayoress alongside Elton councillors Martin Hayes and Charlotte Morris, under the watchful eye of 2023 All England Association croquet champion Anne Alvey and Club President David Barrett.

Mr Frith (a member of the parliamentary Culture Media & Sport Committee), stated that it was “Great to be able to attend the event, supporting Bury Hospice, and I had a brilliant time learning more about the sport and the club” and encouraged anyone interested in finding out more to give it a try. “The club is friendly and welcoming”.

Bury Hospice was represented by volunteer ambassador Pat Lomas who was delighted to attend adding that “The Hospice needs to raise over £4m a year, and fantastic community events like this at Bury Croquet Club are a great help in contributing to that figure”.

Club Chair Roy Spencer commented “We are delighted to have welcomed so many guests to the club today, and in addition to raising funds for Bury Hospice, pleased to have the opportunity of overcoming misconceptions about the sport. It is in fact a sport for everyone, the club has members from diverse backgrounds and age ranges, adding that only recently the under 21 world team championships took place in Tasmania, the youngest player on the England team being 18 – and a former member of Bury club”. Last month there was also an under 21 open world championship held in Florida which was won by an 18 year old player from New Zealand.

In addition to the opportunity for visitors to try playing croquet, there were fun games for children along with stalls including tombola and hamper raffle and refreshments. 

Anyone not able to attend the open day that would like more information about the sport and club can email enq@burycroquet.com

Long standing member of Bury Croquet Club, Barbara Young sadly passed away on 6th November 2024 following a long-term illness. Barbara joined the club in its very early days, an extremely keen and determined AC player, well known throughout the North West Federation. She took part in many tournaments around the country and abroad, and particularly enjoyed visiting Nottingham CC.

A popular well-liked and respected member, she played a very active part in the running of Bury CC holding a number of committee positions including Chairman, and always encouraged and advised players. In 2023 she was appointed as an Honorary Vice President of the club in recognition of her work, involvement and dedication.

Despite difficulties brought on by her illness she was determined to keep playing croquet whenever she possibly could, despite often being in pain. She amazed members only recently when after a period in hospital she turned up at the club to play! She would often be heard to say “It’s alright my mallet knows what to do”!

Barbara will be sorely missed by all.