Author: johnlucas25

Alan, centre, has been honoured by having the new, and first, Summer One-Ball trophy named in his honour, the ‘Alan Mayne Trophy’. After all, it is Alan’s groundsmanship that has allowed us to now play regularly over the winter period. On the left is Charles Harding who has stepped into Alan’s shoes as groundsman. Charles now leads a team of volunteers and is happily working with, and learning from, the experienced John Greatbanks. On the right is Nigel Matthews, who presented the Alan Mayne Trophy to the club, as in the photo. Nigel then had the pleasure of walking off with it having won the title last summer – with Alan as runner-up!! You couldn’t write it could you?

In addition to the fulsome praise of Alan’s work on our lawns, many members were able to add their appreciation of Alan’s coaching over the years. Always delivered gently, and with good humour. The good thing about Alan’s retirement as groundsman is that he will now have more time for coaching. We hope.

Thank you Alan for so much.

A good turnout of members attended the AGM on Saturday 2nd December.

After the business part of the agenda we were able to move onto recognising the outstanding services to Bowdon Croquet Club, and the wider croquet community, by those members who had been awarded Croquet England Diplomas. The members present showed their appreciation for the work done on our behalf by Ken, Alan and Kay with long applause.

The next business of the meeting was to present winners of club competitions in 2024 with their trophies. Those present to receive their trophies, from newly installed President Lorna Frost were as below.

A special award was given to Ed Cheetham as the most improved player during the 2024 season.

This year was the last of Brian Storey’s term as our president. You can read Brians final presential address here.

Sylvia Steer has provided a photo of 5 ‘femme fatales’, who were presented with trophies at the AGM. Here they are! Girl Power strikes at Bowdon.

Two of our top Golf Croquet playing members, are competing in the GC World Championship at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club in Virginia. The knockout stage is from the 18th to 26th, with a qualifier tournament starting on the 13th.

Angharrad Walters is playing in Block D in the block stage, and far-country member Euan Burridge is in Block C. We wish them both the best of luck, and hope that they meet in the final.

Angharrad has kindly passed on, via WhatsApp, the URL that can be used to access results.

https://croquetscores.com/2024/gc/wcf-golf-croquet-world-championship

3 determined players assembled to fight hard for the honour of lifting the novices’ trophy, known as the Fotiadi Bowl. Mrs Fotiadi was a leading member of BCC for most of the twentieth century. The 3 contenders were Paul Harris, Mike Dale and Phil Thompson. The first game saw Paul beat Mike in a close encounter. Secondly, Mike had to play Phil and lost to an even closer game. The final was then set for Paul and Phil, and although Paul won 14-0, the final was as much about decisions of ball placement and bisque taking as skill in shot making. All 3 players showed talent in making roquets and hoop running. Without doubt they all have the potential to become proficient players of croquet and compete for more trophies in the future. Well done all 3 competitors, who provided an exciting spectacle for the spectators who braved chilly conditions. Sylvia Steer’s flapjacks were particularly appreciated.

The weather is cooling, it will soon darken. Members’ thoughts naturally turn to indoor activities, and happily Winter Bridge is back from next Monday 7th October from 1.30pm to roughly 4.30pm. All ability ranges are catered for and even partner swapping occurs! Come along and enjoy social bridge where the emphasis is on playing and learning.

This national Golf Croquet event under the auspices of Croquet England is Level Play, without handicap restrictions. Bowdon have been very successful in beating Chester in the first round, High Wycombe in the second round and Hurlingham in the semi-final. Well done team.

Bowdon now have to play Nottingham in the final, starting at 1030am, Saturday 28th September. Spectators are welcome to come along and see some international class Golf Croquet.

Bowdon’s experienced team is:

We wish them good luck and fine weather.