North West Federation of Croquet Clubs - for everything Croquet in the north west
Alain Giraud retained the Sandiford Salver at the Open Weekend in Southport on 18-19 September.
The tournament marked a return to normality for both the club and the players.
Manager James Hawkins made his first appearance on a croquet lawn since the onset of the pandemic and Rick Harding played well to take the runner-up place, in his first competitive season since winning this event in 1993.
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.
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.