Results, Events and News page for 2023 Season
Wednesday Winter Warriors – Update
Sessions have been suspended for now as it is so cold. Individuals with a key may still pop up to complete odd jobs if they wish, otherwise sessions will resume next year – probably in Feb.
An excellent idea from one of our members was to meet at the clubhouse and continue working on maintenance and improvements over the closed season. Anyone will be welcome to drop in for a mardle and do a bit of work for a couple of hours or so starting Wednesday 15th November from 10:00am. The forecast is not good, but a plan of works could be done and the benches to be cleaned/painted/repaired are inside. It’s a wonderful way to keep in touch with fellow players and be productive at the same time.
Coffee Morning Wednesday 6th December
Work Party Sunday 29th from 9:00
What a fabulous turnout on a bright, sunny morning! I think I counted 22 people all working their socks off on a wide range of jobs. Further maintenance and housekeeping tasks will be tackled over the winter break on Wednesdays, so if you were unable to help, there will be more opportunities to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in! It’s looking like the first session may be on Wednesday 15th November, but lookout for confirmation nearer the time. Sorry, I didn’t take more pics!
AGM in the clubhouse, 10:30 for 11:00 am, Saturday 28th October
It was pointed out that the website is open to the public as well as members so instead of posting here, the relevant documentation was emailed to all members (copies posted to those without email). This documentation is also filed in the clubhouse ‘library’.
The draft minutes will be typed by Secretary Gren in due course and will be available, as this year, before being signed off at next year’s AGM.
A brief summary: President Simon Carter chaired the meeting which was attended by 29 members. The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports had been circulated prior to the meeting. Gren highlighted and explained some key points and passed on the thanks of new member Mary Core to the experienced players who had helped all the new members – this was echoed from the floor. Gwenda summarised the financial situation. Subscriptions for 2024 would be kept at 2023 levels but would need to be increased next year as there continued to be significant increases in costs. There were no questions/comments from the floor. Janet gave her report as Chairman – referencing the many activities and events which had taken place throughout the year and thanking all those involved. Terrey Sparks, Tournament Director gave his report, pointing out that there had been a total of 28 days of tournaments during the season – a valuable source of income which helps to keep subscriptions down and which are only possible to run with the help given by the volunteers before during and after the events.
The members of the committee standing down were thanked. Janet standing down as Chairman and Gwenda as Treasurer, but both staying on the committee, Gary, standing down from the committee, but continuing with the much appreciated ‘Croquet Calling ‘ and also managing next season’s internal tournamnents, and Pat, having given years of service to the club.
The new Officers and committee, having been proposed unopposed were confirmed as follows:-
Chairman: Caroline Harper
Treasurer : Deborah Hardacre
Secretary: Grenville Perry
Committee members: Janet Kendal, Ellie Lewis, Gwenda MacKenzie, Andrew Vickery and James Wilson.
NB These are just brief notes – not a full report of proceedings. Thank you to all who attended.
Presentation Lunch 11th October
A lovely time was had by over 40 members and guests at the Pavilion, Heacham Manor on Wednesday. Huge thanks to President Simon Carter for presenting the trophies and donating a gorgeous scarf for the raffle. Christine Thirtle-Watts won the ‘What a Hoot’ gin and Jim Wilson, the scarf. The raffle raised £158 for Tapping House. The Committee thanked Pat Dawson with flowers for her many years of support for HCC, her work on the committee and for organising the presentation lunches and coffee mornings. She has been an absolute star!
Bright Shirts Day Monday 25th September
Having been wet and dismal on our original planned bright shirts date, today, the sun shone beautifully and 37 members turned up to play. Congratulations to Hazel who had a wonderful top in her wardrobe and was picked as the winner by judge Denis.
Grassroots Final Sunday 24th Septembe
Presentation Lunch Wednesday 11th October
12:30 for 1:00pm, The Pavilion, Heacham Manor. PE31 7JX
All members and partners welcome. Indicate your choice of meal on the notice in the clubroom. Payment in advance to Pat Dawson cash or cheque – payable to Hunstanton Croquet Club by September 22nd
Two courses inc tea or coffee £19.95
Three courses inc tea or coffee £24.95
Starters A Wild Mushroom and Spinach Bruschetta
B Red Onion & Goat Cheese Tartlet
C Soup of the Day
D Classic Prawn Cocktail
Mains E Katsu Curry
F Steak and Kidney Pie
G Salmon Tagliatelle
H Roast Pork
M (added later) Vegetable Lasagne
Desserts I Fruit Salad
J Sticky Toffee Pudding
K Bakewell Tart
L Selection of Cheeses
Kendal Cup Level Play Saturday 16th September
Well done to all who competed for the Kendal Cup in the Egyptian rules competition and congratulations to David Boxell on collecting another piece of silverware.
Carpenter Cup H’Cap Thurs 7th September
Congratulations to all who competed in the Carpenter Cup – many playing in their first ever tournament!
Thank you to Jean Hornbuckle for stepping in at the last minute and saving Terrey from having to redo the schedule. Well done to both Charlie MacKenzie and Janet Martin, two new members in the final and to Charlie the winner. Thanks to everyone involved. Janet Carpenter presenting the cup to Charlie.
Club GC Doubles Thursday 31st August
A full house of 20 contested the doubles tournament today. The players were ‘topped and tailed’ with each new member partnered with an experienced, lower handicapped player. Colin Spencer and Mary Core won all 5 of their group matches and David Boxell with Jim Wilson won their group with 4 wins. It led to an extremely hard fought final with an absolute marathon on hoop 12. The new members played superbly – matching their experienced partners. The golden hoop was eventually won by David and Jim in front of an appreciative audience. Thanks to all participants, Terrey for his expert management and Noelene for the delicious tea. The day ended with the crowning of the King and Queen of the season’s most losses on the 13th hoop and the Peppa Pig trophy for the blooper of the day. (Charlie, the expert flagmaster managing to fly the flag upside down!)
124th Annual AC tournament 27 – 29 August
A shortened tournament this year owing to a smaller entry and accommodation issues. (Huge concert at Sandringham all weekend). Thanks to Phil for playing and managing.
Coaching sessions Monday 14th August
A huge thank you to President Simon Carter and David Thirtle-Watts for, once again running coaching sessions for our members today. It was much appreciated by all participants.
GC Championship Series Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August
Congratulations to winner, Tim Russell; Shield winner, Stephen Custance-Baker and Plate winner, Peter Haydon.
Thanks to player/manager Richard Bilton and to all the volunteers who give up their time to make holding these events possible.
C level at Ashby
Congratulations to Gren Perry on winning the ‘C’ level tournament at Ashby this week.
GC Women’s World Championship 7-14 August
Good luck to Jayne Stevens who is playing in the World Championship at Sussex County Croquet Club. You can follow it on a dedicated fb page; there are clips on youtube and results on Croquet Scores. Go Jayne!
Hoop setting and tidy – Thursday 10th August
A huge thank you to the committee members and volunteers who turned up today to reset all the hoops on all the lawns. Without their expertise and hard work, we would not have lawns fit and ready for tournaments or club hoops for our afternoon social play. Thanks, too, to those who worked on weeding, mowing and tidying and keeping everyone fueled. Good to see some of our new members pitching in and learning what has to happen behind the scenes for our club to run.
Monday 7th August is Members’ Day. Nearest the peg, skittles, races… Great food, games, and craic!
Invitation Weekend 29th/30th July
Sorry I was not there at the end of each day. I hope you all had a super time. Congratulations to Gren Perry, winner of the Mike Percival Trophy (Handicap), Terrey Sparks, winner of the level play and to David Thirtle-Watts and Marion Pile winners of the doubles. Thanks to Gwenda for the pic. Especial thanks to Terrey for both playing and managing and for everyone who helped.
Green Shutters GC handicap doubles 20th July
With only 8 entries, Terrey, the tournament manager decided that it should be all play all – twice – to make 6 games. Topping and tailing produced the following pairs:
David Boxell and Charlie MacKenzie
Gary Lewis and Gwenda MacKenzie
Gren Perry and Ellie Lewis
Lucy Closs and Janet Kendal
Morning play progressed slowly with no clear winners emerging. However, by round 5 Gary and Gwenda could not be caught, so round 6 was played to determine the runners up. With three wins each David and Charlie pipped Gren and Ellie by running a total of 38 hoops to 34. Of the 12 games played, 4 went to 13 hoops and 3 to 12 hoops – the topping and tailing and advantage handicapping was clearly successful in producing an open contest.
Gary has added to his trophy haul this season and Gwenda thinks the trophy is hers now that she has won three times!
GC ‘A’Level 0+ 15th/16th July
Staged at the club over the week-end of 15th – 16th July, the tournament unfortunately only attracted 10 entries -6 down on the norm in the past. To qualify for this National Event, players’ handicaps must not be lower than scratch and usually do not go higher than 5. The players came from various other registered C.A. clubs around the UK including two local members – Pauline Donner and David Boxell. The winner would automatically qualify for a National final which this year will be held in late September at Poole in East Dorset, so competition is played very seriously but, in a sporting way.
Because of the low numbers it was decided to play the block in an all play all comprising of 9 games for each player. From this the top 4 winners would then proceed into a semi – final round and the remaining 6 players playing in another all play all to decide The Subsidiary Plate winner.
A problem looming in the background was the weather, which was forecast to be possible thundery showers. However, play started in bright sun and a moderate SSE wind and apart from a couple of minor showers an incredible 8 rounds of play was successfully undertaken with Mark Buckley of The Leicester Club leading the field undefeated, closely followed by Alison Murray also of Leicester with Mike Bilton Gainsborough, and Kevin Connolly, Watford, in hot pursuit. After the 9th round on the Sunday morning which comprised of the best of 3 the leading four players then proceeded into the two Semi- Finals which were contested between Mike & Alison and Kevin and Mark. Alison and Mark turned out be the winners.
In the subsidiary block section, John Gosden of the Guilford Club showed the other 5 a clean pair of heels wining all 5 of his games outright to lift the Plate. In the Final Round best of 3 games Mark proved the stronger player on the day and despite determined opposition was successful in winning the trophy in only the two games.
Thanks must go to those members who turned up early to set the lawns in the morning and strip them in the evenings. Not forgetting the members who not only provided the refreshments but also kept the club tidy during the day.
Terrey Sparks – Tournament Manager
Veterans (Over 60s)
Hopefully, next year, a few more of our newer members will take part in this enjoyable tournament. It is ideal for those who do not want to play all day, as each session only consists of two or maybe three games. Despite the disappointing number of entries (6), Pat ran a super tournament culminating in a very close finish. Pat and Gary tied on number of wins, but Gary held on to successfully defend his title to win on hoop difference.
Janet Kendal presenting the trophy to Gary Lewis
EACF Club Champions Saturday 8th July
On a hot humid day with thunderstorms a possibility, the club hosted the E.A.C.F. (GC) Club Champions Tournament. This year, it attracted 14 entrants from 9 of the clubs based in the region and was under the management of local member, Terrey Sparks. (The Federation’s Tournament Organiser.)
The tournament was split into two sections with 6 playing in the level singles and 8 in the handicap (Advantage). Due to the humid heat, play at first was predominately slow but determined and of a high standard. However, following a short rain shower in the mid-morning the humidity reduced to a more palatable level and the speed of the games increased.
Overall, the level play section- despite attracting several high calibre players – was dominated by Ross Bagni of the Leighton Linslade club who was the undisputed winner being undefeated.
In the handicap section, using the recently introduced Advantage Rules, play continued at a slower rate as the players got used to the plus and minus positions of the game. Using the Cross Block system in Section ‘A’, local member David Boxell was undefeated – winning all of his 5 games. In Section ‘B’ things were not so clear cut with Richard Keighley of Wrest Park and Bill Ironside of Leighton Linslade being on 3 wins each. However, using the Net Hoop System, Richard was declared the winner of the group by 1 hoop.
In the following final tie between Richard and David despite it being a close game, Richard always held the edge with David nearly turning it around. However, after a very long day in the heat tiredness came into play and Richard ran out the overall group winner 7 – 5.
Overall, it was agreed a very good day’s Golf Croquet played on well-prepared lawns.
Thanks to Janet, Gary and Ellie for putting out the hoops first thing in the morning ( hard work to knock the hoops in such hard ground ), to Ellie and her team of volunteers for providing the refreshments and for everyone who helped bring in the lawns and close up the club at the end of the day.
‘Come and Try’ Thursday 6th July
What a super evening! 23 lovely people turned out to have a go at croquet. Thank you for the support of HCC members who gave up their time to help – we were kept busy with activity on every lawn! Special thanks to Ellie for organising the cakes and for staying in the kitchen dispensing refreshments, to Jeff for providing extra mallets and to Janet who dashed back from her bowls match to help.
Thursday 29th June GC Handicap Green Shutters
Congratulations to Lucy Closs who won all of her matches!
Pictured below: Lucy receiving her trophy from Janet Kendal and the competitors: Hazel Denslow, Ellie Lewis, Gary Lewis, Lucy, Colin Spencer, David Boxell.
Saturday 24th GC B and Sunday 25th June GC Level series
Pics below David Brammer winner of the B level. Judy Crowe winner of the C level. Thank you to everyone who helped before and on the days.
THANK YOU!
A big thank you to everyone (15 people) who came to the club on Thursday morning, 22nd June, to help with the essential task of resetting the hoops and general maintenance – weeding, mowing, making coffee… – you are all very much appreciated. To those who were unable to help this time, there will be further opportunities!
GC Singles level play Thursday 8th June
Freezing wind did not dampen the spirits of the 10 of us playing today. Terrey organised us into two blocks so we played crossed-blocks , 5 games leading to semi-finals and final. The result were so tight that we had a 3 hoop play off narrowly lost by Lucy, leaving the semi-finalists as Gary Lewis v David Boxell and Colin Spencer v Derek Cole. Colin and Gary then battled it out in the final with Colin emerging victorious. Congratulations to everyone involved – especially Jonny for the lawns, Terrey for managing us and Ellie for drinks and cakes.
Jane Neville-Rolfe Salver 2nd-4th June (Over 50s AC)
The sun shone brightly but was accompanied by a chilly north wind which blew all three days. Despite a rather depleted entry of only 12 participants this year, the standard of play on the immaculately prepared lawns still reached its usual high standard. Instead of using the usual Egyptian Format, due to the lower numbers the Manager, Celia Pearce, opted for use of the Swiss Format.
Several players made promising starts but fell by the wayside as the tournament progressed. Michael Owens (Nottingham, set the pace, closely pursued by Martin Russel and Jonathan Toye both from the Downham club. Several other players made valiant attempts to overhaul this leading group, but were not successful.
At the end of play, Michael ended up the overall winner undefeated on 6 wins with both Martin and Jonathan closely following on 4 wins apiece. Due to a better hoop percentage the 2nd place was awarded to Martin and 3rd to Jonathan.
Finally, thanks were expressed by the winner to the home club for the excellent facilities and particularly to those members who had prepared the refreshments.
Terrey Sparks
Grass Roots 18th May
We had perfect weather, immaculate lawns and good company. What better way to spend a sunny Thursday! Terrey organised us in 2 crossed blocks of 4, so we played 4 games followed by the winners of each block playing the runners up in the opposing block in the semi-finals. Gary Lewis beat Caroline Harper and Noelene Wood-Davies beat Grenville Perry. The final between Noelene and Gary was played in front of an appreciative audience who enjoyed both the croquet and tea and cake. Congratulations to Noelene, who won 7-4.
Come and Try (New date) 6th July
Another Come and Try session will be held on Thurs 6th July from 6pm finishing at about 8pm. Please come along wearing flat soled shoes/trainers. Equipment and refreshments will be provided. Spread the word!
Hampson Memorial GC Tournament 13th/14th May
Pictured below are the various winners with Chairman Janet Kendal. The overall winner was Alain Giraud, the Plate was won by Mike Bilton and the Shield by Jayne Stevens. Many thanks to Richard Bilton for managing the tournament so efficiently and to all the volunteer helpers and ground staff who enabled the tournament to take place.
U3A
Congratulations to all the lovely students from U3A who took part in our Introduction to Golf Croquet course. You all made amazing progress. I’m sorry you were not all able to make it to your ‘Graduation’ – your certificates are in the clubhouse.
Pictured below are the students who competed in singles and/or doubles games this morning. (Tues 2nd May)
Mary Core, Linda, Jean, Rachel, Linda and Sue .
Robert Prichard AC 29th April – 1st May
We were blessed with fine weather apart from a shower on the final afternoon. The winner was Ian Lines – pictured below being presented with the Lord Fermoy Cup by Janet Kendal. I believe he won ALL of his matches! Congratulations to all involved and thank you to those who helped out over the three days.
Ian Lines wins the Fermoy Cup at Hunstanton. The weather for this year’s “Prichard” was generally very good for Hunstanton much to the player’s delight.
Up until the Final, Ian Lines had played and won his 8 games with 3Tps amongst his winning scores whilst Mark Avery had won all his 7 games with a Tp. In the final, which featured some interaction, Ian produced his 4th Tp to win +10 to take home the Fermoy Cup.
20 Players ranging from 8 to -2.5 managed 74 games over the weekend with Eugen Chang placing 3rd with 1tp and Debbie Lines 4th with 5tps and a Tpo.
Our thanks to Hunstanton for providing the weather, the lawns, and the teas.
Full scores on Croquet Scores. by Nick Harris at Hunstanton
Apologies for cutting your feet off – I couldn’t see the screen!
Come and Try 22nd April
To be honest, after all the advertising we undertook this year, I was a little disappointed with the turnout. However the weather was perfect and the 15 people who came to try were a lovely group who showed great promise. Here’s hoping that they enjoy their three free sessions and subsequently join our club. Thank you to all club members who encouraged their friends to attend and helped on the day.
Coaching 17th April
Huge thanks to Simon for a super day of coaching. Some of the lucky recipients pictured below.
Helping Hands
A huge thank you to all the people who turned out to help open the clubhouse on the 18th and with hoop setting on the 23rd March. Despite an unexpected water leak, everything was done and the clubhouse and lawns look great. I calculate that over 100 hours of voluntary labour were used in total – a mammoth task and clear evidence of why we all need, and are grateful for, members responding to calls for help.
Hello everyone and welcome back.
A gentle reminder that membership subs are due as from 1st January. The latest date is March 31st but please try not to leave it until the last minute or our poor treasurer will be tearing her hair out. Cheques or BACs transfers are fine as long as you follow the instructions re reference so that payments can be traced. Please note that the forms to accompany payment are essential even when there have been no changes in your details since last year, as our club records have to be kept completely up to date. If you are having problems in printing the documentation, please let Gwenda know and she will print out a limited number that can be collected at the coffee morning next month. On which note…
Coffee Morning at Norfolk Lavender – Wed 22nd Feb
How lovely to see lots of croquet friends this morning at our last social event before the start of the season.
