Archive 2013

Results and Events page for 2013 Season

Results are here,   News Archive is below.

Saturday  19th  October, Level Play Competition. 

This event was a  first for the Club- 20 Golf Croquet members took part. The format was the best of 7 hoops with games starting every 30 minutes
i.e.  23 minute games with 7 minutes change over. The players were in 2 blocks and all played everyone else  (level play) with the winners of each block competing in the final, which was between Myfanwy Dunford and Chris Ward.
Chris Ward won the event 4-2.

Organiser, Derek Cole, Runner up Myfanwy Dunford, Chairman Terry Kendal and the winner Chris Ward.
The day was very well organised by Derek Cole and managed by Carole Ward.
Everyone enjoyed the home-made cakes ,throughout the day, which were provided by the members.
Friday League-   Final played on Monday 7th October-  between Chris Ward and Pauline Donner
and once again well managed by Barry Joyce

Won by Chris Ward.
Association  Croquet   Results.
Albert  Trophy   – won by Bryan  Saddington
Butlin   Cup       –   won by Bryan  Saddington
All England (Golf Croquet) 2013 Handicap Final

Francis Colman (Manager) Peter Balchin Dyffryn Club and Jeff Dawson Chairman
During the week-end of 21/22nd September the club hosted the 2013 Golf Croquet All England Handicap Finals. This annual CA run competition attracts entries from all over England and Wales who qualify by winning their clubs qualifying rounds. The next step is to qualify into the final round by winning through one of the three Area Finals. The final round consists of 16 players including Terry Kendal and Derek Cole representing the home club.
Prior to the commencement of play the participants were asked to stand for a minutes silence in respect to David Waterhouse a past Club Chairman from 2005 – 07 who had passed away the previous week. David being an Arts Teacher was responsible for designing the Club Badge and it was ironic that for the first time a Club Flag in that design was flown  at half-mast in respect. The flag was commissioned and donated to the club by Terrey Kendal and Janet Hedges.
The format of the tournament jointly managed by Frances Colman and Chris Roberts was all play all. Eight games scheduled for the Saturday and seven for the Sunday. It was noticeable that for a handicap event the range of handicaps was quite low and this became apparent by the high standard of play over the week-end. During the first day Peter Balchin from the Dyffryn Club built up a commanding lead by winning all his games and almost looked unassailable. However, on the Sunday things took a different course when Peter losing his first two games was overtaken by Rich Waterman from Maldon. Also almost unnoticed Graham Good form the Bury club had managed to join the leaders. As the tournament proceeded into the final round Rich was leading Peter by one game however, having previously lost to Peter needed to beat Ian Dampney of Broadwas to make sure of the title. On the other hand if Peter lost his final game as well then Graham if he won would run out the overall winner. In an exciting finish Rich closely lost his final game and with Peter managing to win his ran out the overall winner.
Jeff Dawson Chairman of the CA Council presented the trophy to the winner and thanked the club for hosting the tournament providing excellent facilities, good weather, superb food and a warm welcome that had become a trademark of the club.
Peter in play

Ian Norris Phyllis Court Club – Jumpshot.

Rich Waterman
Carpenter CupGolf Singles  (High H/C)
On Thursday  12th September, 12 members  – 5 having only joined the Club  this season- played  in this tournament.
The final was between Richard Moor  and Denis Johnson. The trophy was won by  Denis Johnson 7-4.
The day was very well organised by the manager – Jeff Race.
THE OPEN  GOLF  DOUBLES

Thursday  August 29th    2013. Twenty members entered for this tournament and played 5 games each of 45 minutes duration.
The final was between –  Trish Johnson & Terrey Sparks and Myfanwy Dunford and Terry Loades.
The winners of the Trophy were-  Myfanwy Dunford & Terry Loades.
The tournament was very well managed by Ken Wheeler.
Solomon Trophy 2013,
The  Annual International Croquet Event between GB and the USA
To view the pictures and match report please click here
Green Shutter  Doubles
Thursday  1st August 2013, On a very hot day this tournament was played by 16 members of the Club. The final was between Derek Cole & Charles Ostler v David Gray and Chris Ward.
The winning pair were Derek Cole and Charles Ostler.  The day was very well  organised  by Jeff Race.
Golf Croquet Invitation Weekend  27th and 28th July
Entries came from various parts of the country to take part in this tournament, and included 12 members of the Hunstanton Croquet Club. Saturday 27th July-  Singles-  24 entries.
Results –  Level Play –  Simon Carter(H’ton)  7-5  Jeff Race  (H’ton)-
H/cap play- Terry Kendal(H’ton)   7-1  Pauline Donner(H’ton)Sunday  28th July-  Doubles –  20  entries
Results- Ann Brookes &  Val Popplewell( Colchester)  7-3 Christine T.Watts (Hunstanton) &Stephen Dennis(Watford)
The weekend was successfully managed by Ken Wheeler.
Visit of Leighton Linslade
Over the week-end 20/21st July 10 members of the Leighton Linslade club made what has become an annual visit to play 10 members of the home club in a one day Golf Croquet tournament. Despite being in the middle of a searing heat wave with the temperature managing to reach the high 20’s the weather relented cooling down significantly and developing into occasional showers.
Playing a mixture of handicap singles and level play doubles the Hunstanton side started off at a blistering pace and in the first & second round built up a 11 – 4 lead. Despite a fighting recovery and finishing flourish the visitors over the day were unable to reduce the deficit and at the end of play with the final score still standing in Hunstanton’s favour 26 – 19 retained the trophy for another year.
During the day the visitors were provided with copious amounts of tea and coffee with the provision of an interesting variety of homemade cakes provided by several of the home side ladies.
In the evening in what appears to have become the accepted custom the guests were entertained with a fish & chip supper followed by a raffle and a quiz prepared by Myfanwy Dunford.
Sunday morning several of the guests accompanied by club members took advantage of the clubs lawns and played a variety of Golf games before their departure in the early afternoon.
Golf Singles- Green Shutters
On Thursday 11th July 10 Club members took part in this handicap tournament-in very cool conditions. Play was – 4 Singles and 2 Doubles games culminating in 2 semi-finals and the Final played between Terry Kendal and Bryan Montgomery.
The winner  was Terry Kendal- Club Chairman.
The day was very well organised by the Manager – Jeff Race.
The players ended the day with a tea of home-made cakes- provided by several of the lady club members.
EACF Handicap (GC) League
On Tuesday 9th July the clubs handicap team comprising of Derek & Ruth Cole, Terry Kendal and Myfanwy Dunford who stood in at the last moment as one player failed to show, recorded their first win this summer by beating Bury St. Edmunds by a convincing 12 points to 6. On a beautiful summers day all the team played well utilising their bisques successfully to gain a full advantage apart from Derek. Despite being the lowest handicap player of both teams he still managed to pull off wins in all his single games plus his doubles. The rest of the team each recorded two wins from their four singles game plus a win each in the doubles.
At the end of play before they departed the visitors were provided with an afternoons tea and cakes generously provided by the home team.

Montevideo Cup

On 15th June Hunstanton member David Thirtle –Watts won The Montevideo Cup which is the Royal Tunbridge Wells’s one day Golf Croquet tournament. A full complement of 12 players took part and enjoyed (?) the gales and lively showers of TW.
Richard Brooks (1) Sussex County had returned to defend his trophy, but lost decisively in the final (10 – 4 in a 19 point game) to David Thirtle-Watts from Hunstanton, who got his handicap reduced from 4 to 3 as a result.
Over 50’s Annual Handicap Tournament, Jane Neville Rolphe Salver.   14th–16th June 2013

Winner Ken Anderton and runner up Margaret Andertonwith the Chairman Terry Kendal.
The annual over 50’s tournament attracted entries from 11 clubs including one visitor from New Zealand. Played on the superbly prepared lawns of Hunstanton, play at first proved difficult due to the tight setting of the hoops. However, as time progressed the players gradually mastered the difficult conditions and the length of the games became gradually shorter in length.
The weather on the first day was pleasantly sunny marred by a slight chill to the wind. However, the second day proved distinctly unpleasant with strong winds and heavy showers that on occasions stopped play causing the players to seek shelter were they could from the elements. The third day proved to be a magnificent summer day with the wind dropping and the temperature rising, that saw fleeces and jumpers abandoned in favour of short sleeves.
From the start of play the pace was set by Jonathan Toye from the Downham Market Club who powered ahead in unbeatable form winning all of his games in the first two days to what appeared to be an unassailable lead. However, on the third day Jonathan lost his way succumbing to the steady play of Ken Anderton a regular visitor from Bury in Lancashire. At the start of the final round the winner would be one of three players. Ken and Margaret Anderton and Jonathan provided he won his final game. However, this was not to be as Ken in his usual steady way saw of his opponent to run out the undisputed winner with his wife Margaret the runner up and Margaret Hampson of Surbiton in third place and Jonathan coming in fourth.
Even though the weather proved variable for the time of the year the tournament was played in a very good spirit and the excellent meals provided by club members proved to be conducive to an enjoyable atmosphere throughout.
Suffolk Success in Winning the Ken Wheeler Shield,   Hunstanton 8th June 2013
There is a new name on The Ken Wheeler Shield this year as Suffolk managed to depose Hertfordshire the holders for the last two years. This is the third year that this E.A.C.F. Inter-Counties Golf Croquet event has been staged and the standard of play continues to rise year on year.
At the end of the first round of games Norfolk emerged as the early leaders proceeding into The Gold Medal Round with 10 points closely followed by Suffolk with 9 points and the surprise underdogs Essex on 8 points.
In the Gold Medal round the format becomes doubles with each county playing each other for double points added to the first round total.
The first Norfolk Pair of Simon Carter and Dave Watts had an early win against Essex retaining the Norfolk lead on 12 points. However, the Suffolk pair of David Crawford and Paul Strover kept up the pressure likewise, by seeing off their Essex opponents to closely follow on 11 points. This meant that the overall winner would be decided by the final game of Suffolk pairing Jill Waters and Martin Hart and the Norfolk Pair of Jeff Race and Tony Lee. This game provided an exciting climax to the day by going to the 13 hoop by which the Suffolk pair by keeping their composure managed to secure an unexpected victory taking the trophy with an overall team win of 13 points.
The trophy was presented to the winning side by the Hunstanton Club President Ken Wheeler who had not only devised the current format but ably managed the tournament.

Successful Suffolk Team    Martin Hart,  Paul Strover, Jill Waters,  David Crawford
E.A.C.F.  (GC) Handicap League
On Sunday 9th June the club fielded a handicap team comprising of Terry Kendal, Terrey Sparks, Derek and Ruth Cole to entertain an Ipswich side in the Northern Section of the Handicap league comprising of 16 single and 2 double games. Despite a good start which saw each side on 6 wins apiece. After the lunch break the home side unfortunately fell two games behind which meant they had to win both their final doubles games to draw the match. This was not to be as by winning one and losing one the visiting side Ipswich ran out the overall winners 10 – 8 in a very close match.
Afterwards before their departure the visitors were entertained to a light tea of homemade cakes.

Golf SinglesOn Thursday 6th June this tournament was played in very cool weather conditions by 12  Club Members.

The Trophy was won by Jeff Race.  Manager was Ken Wheeler.

All England (GC) Handicap Qualifier

On Saturday the 25th May the Hunstanton Club staged its club qualifying round of the All England Handicap Golf Croquet Tournament which attracted 12 entrants. From these the 3 highest participants would go on to represent the club at the Area Finals at Nottingham on Sunday 11th August. From two Area Finals the top 16 players would take part in the All England Final which this year will be staged at Hunstanton on the week-end of 21st and 22nd September.
Play commenced at 10am on a day that although sunny was slightly marred by a chilly wind. The Manager used the Egyptian Pyramid Format in determining who played who. After playing  5 games each the leaders who were declared the winners each having 4 wins were Noelene Wood-Davies on 126 points, Derek Cole also on 126 points and Terry Kendal on 122 points.
All three will represent the club at Nottingham during August and hopefully win through to the England Final at Hunstanton later in the year.

E.A.C.F.  (GC) Level Play League

The following day on Sunday 26th May under a warm sun and little wind the club commenced its league programme by entertaining, a team from Colchester.  The home team comprised of Dave Thirtle Watts, Derek Cole, Tony Lee and Terrey Sparks. At the lunch break things stood on equal footing of 4 games each. However, from this point the home team’s performance fell away and they eventually lost the match 8 – 10. However, the star of the home side was Derek Cole who played superbly against much higher rated opponents to win 4 out of his 5 games.
Before their departure the visitors were entertained with tea and home-made cakes provided by the club ladies which was most appreciated.
The next league match will be a Handicap match against an Ipswich side on Sunday 9th June and will again be at home.

Invitation mini Demonstration Tournament at Congham Hall won by Terry Kendal and Myfanwy Dunford

The Robert Prichard Weekend 4th 5th & 6th May 2013


Chairman Terry Kendel presenting The Robert Prichard Trophy to the winner Phil Eardley

Veronica Carlisle preparing to take her shot.

E.A.C.F.  Club Champions Tournament  –  2013
Hunstanton  –  21st April

As the Wrest Park lawns were not available this year due to their reallocation it was decided to stage this tournament the first in the Federations calendar at the Hunstanton club. Any doubts that the Manager had had regarding the clubs remote location were soon dispelled with a substantial entry of 16 from 7 of the regions clubs. In fact several of the entrants decided to avail themselves of the notorious Hunstanton micro-climate and book in for the night at local B & B’s to take a week-end break. They were not to be disappointed as after weeks of the notoriously easterly winds and bitter artic temperatures the croquet gods smiled the sun put its hat on the winds relented and spring at last was finally here.
As the usual practice the tournament was split into three sections advanced, ‘B’ level advanced and handicap. Each player played 3 games which because of the time constraints, were, timed at 2.5 hours. However, although the lawns were in very good condition they were moderately paced and the hoops generous so that few games went to time.
In the advance section which comprised of 4 entrants despite a sluggish start Simon Hathrell from Watford ran out the overall winner with a 100% record. Likewise in the ‘B’ level section of 6 entrants last year’s winner Tim Brewer of Wrest Park dominated the group winning all 3 of his game to retain the shield. Things were a little different in the handicap section were despite a strong start the out bisqued John Bevington from Wrest park playing off a handicap of 1 grubbed out wins in his first two games and looked the favourite to win the section. However, an unexpected defeat at the hands of David Haslam in the 3rd game turned the apple cart up and to compound the Managers problem the group ended up with 4 players John Bevington, Jonathan Toye, David Haslam Colchester and David Wicks Ipswich all on 2 wins apiece and a tie breaker looked in the offering as the who beat whom rule appeared neutral. However, invoking the number of games finished in time Jonathan Toye of Downham Market ran out the unexpected winner with both his wins in time whilst the other 3 each had only one.
Our thanks go to the Hunstanton Club for allowing the use of the splendid lawns superbly prepared by their grounds man Jeff Race.
Match Report & Photo’s  –  Terrey Sparks

News page for 2013 Season.

The club will finally close ,for play on 23rd November, until March 2014.  Details will be in  the  December news letter.

 

 

2013 Committee

Back row, John Toll, Eric Miller, Chairman Terry Kendal, Derek Cole,Barrie Joyce, Ruth Cole, Richard Moores
Front row, Myfanwy Dunford, Pat Bailie, Joyce Robins, Noelene Wood-Davis.Club Lunch – Wednesday 9th October 2013

A very successful lunch, held at  Le Strange Hotel,Old Hunstanton, was enjoyed by members and several guests- in total 40 attended. The event concluded by the Chairman,Terry Kendal, presenting the Salvers and Cups, which had been won during the past season.
Front-  Jeff Race,Terry Loades,Myfanwy Dunford,Denis Johnson,Terry Kendal.
Back –  Charles Ostler, Chris Ward.
Chairman’s Day –  Saturday June 22nd
A very successful and happy day was enjoyed by at least 44  members.
Though the weather did not behave itself all the time, the members enjoyed Golf croquet, games, and several “Hoop” running competitions, all under the excellent management of Jeff  Race.
Members enjoyed”Pims” during the lunch break.
The day ended with a ‘Hog Roast’,salads and strawberries and cream- which was prepared and served by Pat and Samantha, and also included a superb cake.
The prizes were presented to the winners of the competitions- all courtesy of the chairman- Terry Kendal.
You can view all the excellent pictures, click here  To print them yourself, click on picture, right click on the picture, save it and print it.
It has been agreed by the Committee that Thursdays will be a designated Assoc.Club Day apart from days allocatedd for Hoop Setting and Competitions.These days are listed on the calendar,on the Website.
There must always be 1 lawn available for any Golf Players. Please check that you have a key or access to one.
e.g  Mary Coombs / David Maddocks/Terrey Sparks.
100 Club winners.:
January-      1st  June Chritcher   2nd  George  Noble  3rd  Jenny Waterhouse
February –   1st   Ruth Cole         2nd  Chris Ward      3rd  Pat Dawson
March –       1st   Chris Ward      2nd George Noble    3rd  Helen Pearson
April –          1st  Barrie Joyce     2nd  George Noble   3rd  Margaret Toll
May –         1st  Derek Cole        2nd  George Noble   3rd Eric Miller
June-          1st  Margaret Toll     2nd  Tony Lee          3rd  Janet Race
July            1st  John G Williams  2nd  John  Ennis    3rd  Helen Pearson
August –     1st  D.M.Thirtle-Watts 2nd Pat  Gray        3rd  Charles Ostler
September  1st Derek Cole,        2nd Pat Dawson       3rd John G Williams
October:     1st Mary Coombs,   2nd Bryan Montgomery,3rd  Chris Ward
November   1st  Joyce Robins     2ndSimon Carter       3rd Terry Kendal
December   1st  Eric Miller         2nd  Pat Dawson       3rd  Michael Bett
January – 1st   Meg Clark    2nd    John Williams    3rd    George  Noble.
February – 1st  George Noble    2nd  Joyce Robins    3rd  Charles Osler
March –  1st George Noble    2nd   Jayne Mann    3rd   Veronica Moores
April  –  1st Terry Loades 2nd   May Race    3rd   Marion Loades

Newsletter February 1st

Hello everyone. Only a couple of months to go before the new season.  It’s a long Winter.
No doubt you are looking forward to seeing old friends again and hopefully some new faces. I f anyone can bring someone along  it would be excellent.  The Come and Try Day has been brought forward to April 6th so hopefully it won’t be too cold. It can’t be any worse than it was last year, can it ?  And last year’s was in May.   I’m glad the recent cold snap has ended. A friend of mine was a bit confused; he was trying to find a shop which would sell him one glove because the weatherman said that on one hand it could be cold but on the other hand it could be warmer.
Not much happening at the Club ;  no Social events. The Club house stands cold and deserted although  there  is some decorating to be arranged.   Probably with an outside contractor.
Behind the scenes though, quite a bit is happening. We are already studying  literature and instructions for the GB v USA Tournament in August and entries are coming in for other events, so don’t miss out.
100 Club.  Why not have a go?   As you will see from the following , I have won twice and if I can win, then anyone can. I never usually win anything  , If I had been a triplet, I would have been the one on the bottle!.
Winners for November and December. Nov  1st Prize £25  John Williams   2nd £15 Derek Cole  3rd   Colin Baillie. Dec      1st George Noble   2nd Derek Cole   3rd     Pat Gray.
Contact Joyce on  jrobins@posmail.co.uk

Terrey Sparks, our Tournament Sec would like to see more of us play Inter-Club matches this season so please put your names down   . Don’t be shy,   you are good enough.        competitionsecretary@hunstantoncroquetclub.co.uk
See you at the end of March so make sure your mallets are sharpened.
Derek Cole HCC Club Sec.

Autumn Newsletter

Hello everyone.
Our apologies for the delay in getting the Website News updated, but we have almost an entirely new Committee since the AGM and we have had to do quite a bit of re-organisation and it is taking some time to familiarise ourselves with the various systems  expertly done by our predecessors.
We have unfortunately had to defer  Club matters in the past few weeks due to the unexpected passing away of one of our new Committee members, Teresa Kendal, wife of our new Chairman Terry. This has, of course, brought great sadness to her family and to those who played with her every week during the season. We had hardly taken that in when we heard that  Roy Hedges, husband of Janet, had also succumbed to a relatively short illness, he will also be missed at the Club . Roy was a previous Committee member.   We have been informed that a previous member , Douglas McKenzie, husband of Fiona, has also recently passed away. Our thoughts are with all these families.
We have also heard that Mary Coombes has fallen over and broken her femur. She has now had a total hip replacement and is recovering at home.  Bryan Montgomery goes into hospital on Weds, this week , the 5th  for a hip replacement and we have heard today that Ruth Cole goes in for her second knee  next week, the 13th. We hope both operations are totally successful. Good time of the year to get them done.
This is a quiet time of the year; some of you may be playing indoors , but of course  it isn’t quite the same. Before we look forward to next season,  the Committee, on behalf of you all, would like to thank the outgoing Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Committee members for all the effort they have put in over the past few  years. Under their management we have had a very successful period with the main highlight being the Under 21 World Championship but there were many other superb events too. We will miss their expertise and knowledge but they have offered to give a hand at some events and will always give help and guidance to a relatively inexperienced Committee. We would also like to thank their respective partners for their long suffering backing which is essential to all serving Officers.  An outstanding effort by all.   However, we have been extremely fortunate, Terry Kendal is our new Chairman, Barrie Joyce is the new Vice Chairman.  John Toll, has now taken over as Treasurer and Terrey Sparks is taking on the new position of Tournament Secretary. All have many year’s experience and will be invaluable to the Club. More about various new positions in the Club a little later.
The Club finances are in good order , also thanks to our predecessors but our rent has been increased dramatically and there may be other unwelcome surprises in the pipe line.   However our Membership Fees are remaining the same  for this year, so count your blessings
Terry Kendal,  presided at the first Committee meeting of the new financial year and he has organised the Committee into several Sub Committees as follows.  Welcome to our new Treasurer ,John Toll,  thank you for taking up this position. His SC comprises Derek Cole,  Noelene Wood-Davies and Terry Kendall.   My SC , as Club Secretary, is Myfanwy Dunford, Pat Gray and Terry.  We have a Grounds SC under Barrie Joyce assisted by Eric Miller, Richard Moores, Ruth Cole  and myself;  an Internal  Competition SC with Barrie and Eric;  a Housekeeping SC under Joyce Robins which consists of Noelene and Pat Gray, and  a  Press and Publicity SC of Myfanwy and Richard.
We also have a new accounts scrutineer who is Veronica Moores and a new Tournament Secretary .As I said earlier, Terrey Sparks has volunteered his services to this new position. We also have Pat Dawson as Child Safety Officer and Chris Ward is our Website Manager. These positions are non-Committee. Terrey’s and my address and Email addresses are in the Contacts column on the Website.
We have several prestigious events next season ; the most notable will be the Solomon Cup; England v USA but there are several others [all on the Calendar on the Website] so we will need plenty of help. Remember, these events help to keep our Memberships  down by a considerable amount. We must all make a great effort to welcome and look after all our guest players.  Let’s be the most friendly Club in the CA.
We are a bit short of members and could do with another 10 or so , so if you have any friends or acquaintances you could bring along they would be welcome. The Come and Try Day has been brought forward to April 6th next year to try to get some new members early in the season and our Press SC are to advertise , I believe.
A Membership Renewal form is now on the Website and will also be with the January Newsletter. Our year runs from January 1st each year so Memberships are due on that date. Please note that Membership forms and remittance are to be sent to Myfanwy Dunford at the address on the Form.
Joyce  Robins has been running a very successful 100 Club and a renewal form will be with the January Newsletter.
Internal Competitions will no longer be ‘Enter in Advance’ but Barrie will put up Entry Forms about a month in advance and will take the fees on the day.
So don’t forget; our new Chairman’s  slogan is  WELCOME, SMILE, LAUGH and ENJOY . in remembrance of Teresa who never did anything but that.
A variation of this letter will be sent out on January 1st so don’t worry if you can’t download the forms.
Have a very happy Christmas and a successful New Year and I will see you in the new season.
Regards  Derek Cole.