Citations for CA Diplomas

CA Diplomas recognise those club members who have been active in club affairs over a long period. The Diplomas have nothing to do with croquet prowess and everything to do with help given to other members.

If your club would like to make a nomination for next year it must be approved by the club committee and accompanied by a citation of not more than ten lines. Applications should be signed by a club official on behalf of the committee and sent to the CA Secretary before 1st August.

2008

Chris Bennett and Esther Jones with CA President Bearnard Neal

Chris Bennett and Esther Jones - Edgbaston Croquet Club

In 2002 Edgbaston Croquet Club was facing a falling membership, deteriorating lawns, a potentially prohibitive renewal of its lease and a general lack of funds. Chris Bennett and Esther Jones offered to 'run' the Club for the time being, increasing the number of tournaments, improving the standard of play and encouraging a more active membership - they guaranteed to cover any losses personally.

The first task was to get Birmingham City Council to admit liability for extensive lawn damage and flooding due of lack of maintenance of a culvert, and to make appropriate guarantees and compensation. By 2005 the lawns were so much improved that the Club was invited by the CA to be one of the venues for the World Croquet Championships. This gave Chris and Esther the opportunity to successfully apply to Birmingham City Council for a grant of £8,000 - mainly to provide a badly-needed new cylinder mower and other lawn machinery, also 6 sets of Dawson balls and 15 club mallets. It also enabled them to persuade their landlords and neighbors to carry out in excess of £10,000 worth of surgery on surrounding trees which were causing damage to the lawns, at no cost to the Club. The promotion of croquet parties with local corporate organisations was another project which now provides an annual income of some £2,000. All of the above resulted in a long-term renewal of the lease on very favorable terms incorporating a deal on the connection of an electricity supply - a grant from the CA covered the purchase of appliances.

In 2007 the Club celebrated its Centenary and was transferred back to a traditional committee structure. It is now a regular and popular venue for CA events. The award of a Diploma to Chris and Esther would be appropriate recognition of their work over five years in carrying the Club through its crisis.

Tony Backhouse - Cornwall Croquet Club

Having served on the committee of the Woking club, Tony moved to Cornwall in 1995, found no formal club there and contacted seven enthusiasts to set about forming on. In 1988, Tony because the Chairman/Secretary of a club that relied on private lawns and, after eight years of searching for a permanent site, established a two-lawn venue, at Porthpean, that was opened in May 2005.

The Club has gone from strength to strength, with Tony as the guiding light. When he retired as Chairman this year, all members acknowledged the work and effort that Tony has put into making this a successful club, with some forty members playing both codes, and entering teams into the South West Federation Leagues. His work for the club continues as Tournament Secretary and wherever, he is needed, including duties as Association Grade One coach and referee.

Undoubtedly, without Tony's persistence and vision the club would not be as healthy as it is.

Ian Burn with CA President Bearnard Neal

Ian Burn - Rother Valley Croquet Club

Ian, a retired surgeon, has been a member of Rother Valley Croquet Club since its inception in 2000, and before that for at least three years when the club played less formally in Fittleworth. He took a leading role in the decision to move to the club's present site and in all the work involved in setting up a new club. He has been on the committee for most of his time in the club, and has served as Chairman and latterly as Vice-Chairman. He has been Club Tournament Secretary from the beginning, and was Club Captain for five years. While encouraging and often coaching others in both Golf and Association croquet within the club he has also done much to promote our club's standing in the wider croquet world. He is currently Club Archivist, and is presently working on a brief history of the club's first ten years, to be ready for the 10th anniversary in 2010. In 2002 he wrote a widely publicised article on the health benefits of croquet.

Ian is a natural leader and inspirer of others, generous and full of encouragement, but never seeking the limelight for himself. His wise counsel has helped to steer the club through difficult times. Without his tact and hard work behind the scenes we would not be where we are now. He has been supported throughout by his wife Fiona, who plays an active role in the club's hospitality.

Ian is moving away from the area for family reasons, and he will be greatly missed.

David Barrett - Bury Croquet Club

David was a founder member of the Bury Club 20 years ago and has served on the committee in many different capacities ever since. He has run coaching courses at the club every year and has also helped other North West clubs. Ten years ago he arranged the relocation of the Club's present lawns and also negotiated with Heaton Park for the use of the Commonwealth Games bowling greens for croquet. During his last three years as chairman he raised money and organised all the work required to bring electricity to the club house and put in a very good fitted kitchen. He has inspired everyone in the club to work on improving the clubhouse and also to play for club teams and in the North West Federation Leagues. This year (2008) marks two significant anniversaries at Bury and David has been committed to the development of the club in every way over the whole time.

Christine Constable with CA President Bearnard Neal

Christine Constable - Sussex County Croquet Club

Christine started playing croquet at the Worthing Club in 1991. In 1992 she joined Sussex County Croquet club and quickly established her self on and off the lawns.

In 1995 she offered to take over the running of the Club's substantial catering operation. On numerous occasions under her leadership, the club has catered for in excess of 60 people each day, a number that many successful restaurants would be proud to serve. During her leadership of this important operation, she continued to obtain volunteers, raise standards and most importantly maintain the catering operation as a major contributor to club funds.

In 2007 she relinquished her catering responsibilities to step into the breach as Club Chairman for 12 months in spite of just having been appointed a magistrate. Chris is an active referee and has also managed Tournaments since 1999. In spite of her heavy workload she is still a member of the Club's Management Committee and club Vice-Chairman.

Roger Bowen - Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club

Roger is a past grounds manager, a past Croquet Chairman, a General Committee member, with extensive sub-committee service, a referee (Association and Golf Croquet), a hoop setter, assistant coach and mentor. He is an enthusiast with a penchant for innovation: for example he played a leading role in effecting major improvements to four lawns and the raising the necessary funds for this from various sources; he installed automatic watering on eight lawns; he designed a retaining wall with a honeycomb structure for the full length of one lawn and personally built it; he set up and ran for a time indoor croquet sessions at various locations, and these attracted new members; he set up and maintains the club website and he has written a history of the Club.

Connie Chick with CA President Bearnard Neal

Connie Chick - Littlehampton Croquet Club

Connie became the Club's president in 2002 having been the Chairman for the previous four years. Since she joined Littlehampton Croquet Club in 1988 she has served on the Committee almost continually and her many activities have included coaching new members, catering for match teas and fund raising, which are met with equal enthusiasm.

Connie has been a member of both the South East Croquet Federation (SECF) Croquet Committee and the CA Golf Croquet Committee. She has been match secretary for both friendly and SECF League matches and has represented the club in the SECF League.

In the winter of 1994/5, together with her late husband Don - Treasurer and Sportsfield representative - Connie oversaw the relocation of the Club's elderly wooden clubhouse to its present site on the sports field. Next year, 2009, marks the centenary of Littlehampton Croquet Club and, no doubt, Connie's boundless energy will be spearheading the celebrations.

Margaret and Tony Garner - York Croquet Club

Margaret was a founder member of the club and has been on the Committee for most of the last 20 years. She was Social Secretary for two years and Match and Tournament Secretary for five years but perhaps her greatest contribution to the club has been in the four years up to last December when she was Club Secretary and devoted much time to instruction and enthusing newcomers.

Tony joined the club one year after his wife, son and daughter (if you can't beat 'em ...) and joined the Committee in 1993. He became Match and Tournament Secretary in 2001 and despite poor health has ensured that the club completed every fixture for the last six years - no small feat in a small club in up to four leagues. He has also been 'official' photographer and webmaster and 'unofficial' policeman when they lived nearby and there was 'yob' trouble.

Tony and Margaret have worked as a team in all aspects of club activity which has sadly come to an end because of Tony's ill health and moving twenty five miles away.

David Godfree with CA President Bearnard Neal

David Godfree - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

David Godfree has acted as croquet secretary for over 30 years. During that time he has developed a full range of internal club competitions, both Association and Golf croquet. With infectious enthusiasm he has persuaded many club members to try their hand at croquet, and to maintain their interest, has organised regular informal club days. David also developed indoor croquet to keep up interest in the winter, using snooker balls, small mallets and hoops fitted to sockets under a carpet.

Due to David's initiative, there is now a programme of club matches, both home and away.

Gordon Hopewell - Nottingham Croquet Club

Gordon Hopewell first played at the club while a pupil at the Nottingham High School, being one of a group of six talented players who contributed significantly to the revival of the sport. He won the Association Plate and played in the Chairmans's Salver. He returned to Nottingham in 1980, served briefly as Treasurer and then generously as President for 16 years. Throughout this time, he played a full part in managing and catering for tournaments, coaching beginners and passing on his wisdom to more experienced players, and undertaking improvements to the pavilion, in addition to his ceremonial duties.

Peter Jones - Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club

Peter is a past Club Secretary, a past Club Chairman, current Chairman of the Club's Handicap Committee, current Chairman of the Club's Federation League Team, an Association Croquet referee a Grade 2 approved coach, a manager of CA and Club tournaments, and a past member of a busy sub-committee. For many years he has given generously of his time, his talents and his energy. He has coached extensively and acted as a mentor; he has also done an enormous amount of work recruiting and training hoop setters throughout the season (ten lawns and a practice lawn) and has performed much of the hoop setting himself.

Beatrice McGlen - Nottingham Croquet Club

Beatrice McGlen joined the club while working and playing at the Bretby Coal Research Establishment and improved rapidly, winning the Steel Bowl and playing for winning Nottinghamshire Inter-counties teams. Despite living an hour away from the club, with family and work commitments, she has been generous with the time she has given to it, and in encouraging new members. She has served as a very efficient Chairman of the Committee for two spells and, notably, she reintroduced the practice of members catering for tournaments, after a period when it had been contracted out. She did this by organizing rotas, cajoling members to take part, and most importantly, leading by example, taking on the task when others were not available.

Graham Roberts with CA President Bearnard Neal

Graham Roberts - Cheltenham Croquet Club

Graham Roberts joined the Cheltenham Croquet Club in 2000 to learn to play croquet as his wife Maryse had done the year before. He has succeeded very well and frequently plays for the club in various leagues and competitions. He was talent spotted early on by the Committee as someone with other abilities and over the last few years has transformed many areas of the club buildings. Graham sees what needs doing and proceeds to do it with great skill and little fuss. He was also talent spotted by the lawns manager and Graham uses his careful and accurate approach as part of the hoopsetting team and his contribution to he club's activities do not end there. He is a calm and able manager of members' days and group visits to the Club. He can also be found in the kitchen that he has so improved, helping with the catering. We sincerely hope Graham doesn't go off croquet.

Andy Mitchell - Ramsgate Croquet Club

Andy Mitchell was one of the founder members of the Ramsgate croquet Club when it formed in 1984 and is now Vice-Chairman, having served as Chairman for four years.

He heads the Club's maintenance team, dealing with any mechanical items that need repairing such as mowers and sprinklers. He has devised a method of using drainpipes as stop-boards which are much easier to use than wooden boards and he is responsible for painting lines and hoop setting. The Club house is a dilapidated listed building and he and his maintenance team keep it in as good order as possible.

Andy organises all club competitions usually with at least 60 competitors, and organises the First and Last days, which although trophies are presented are considered fun days and supported by nearly all members which requires a great deal of juggling of numbers.

Although in full time employment, Andy can be found at the club at weekends for most of the year, doing something and he also helps with the Saturday Junior club if there is a shortage of volunteers. When he takes a holiday it is to catch up with a job at the club, He is the hoopsetter and assists with all the CA tournaments at the club, usually being first to arrive and last to leave. He has a phenomenal memory and can recall incidents since the Club opened, and past members which is a great help on occasion.

Liz Wilson with CA President Bearnard Neal

Liz Wilson - Fylde Croquet Club

Liz has been a member of the club for almost 20 years and during that time has dedicated herself to the Club and sport of Croquet. Soon after joining, she began to take an active part in running of the club, becoming treasurer and running annual beginners' courses. Her teaching methods are lively and fun and she keeps the social side of the club active which we believe contributes to the success in obtaining new members who stay with the club and develop as players.

Liz served on the North West Federation Committee for several years and his post brought her into contact with the larger world of croquet and the best players in the region. Liz brought this knowledge back to the club and used it to help each and every member improve as players.

Over the past six years the club has grown from only having one short lawn team in Federation leagues to having five teams covering all the four disciplines of the game, and this is because of Liz's drive, enthusiasm and coaching skills. She now holds the position of Match Captain and recently became a Grade one Association Coach. Liz has also been a member of Pendle and Craven for many years and has managed several tournaments there and often will assume ROT duties.

2007

Roger Morris and Richard Clarke with CA President Bearnard Neal

Sheila Watts - Tyneside Croquet Club

Shelia has been an active member of the Tyneside Club since 1991. She has developed into a formidable player, representing the club in CA competitions and league matches. Her greatest asset to the club however has been her involvement in the Administration activities, where she had been a long serving member of the Management Committee and was for a time Club Secretary. More recently she has undertaken responsibility for the organisation of the club catering, producing lunches and teas for home matches and organising the very successful Annual Club Dinner.

Hamish Hall - Bristol Croquet Club

Hamish joined the Bristol Croquet Club in 1986 and is still remembered by Dr. Gugan, as the most promising beginner he ever coached. Hamish soon joined the committee and was elected Chairman in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Since then, except for a break of 3 years during which time he chaired the CA's Development Committee, he has been on the committee every year notably combining the demanding roles of Ground's Secretary and Treasurer for three years. Hamish is always there when needed, either doing the work, coaching, organising, encouraging volunteers or dispensing advice of sterling quality and superior audibility!

Roger Morris - Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club

Since September 2004 Roger had spearheaded the project to completely upgrade the Club's facilities. This included the replacement of the existing 3 lawns; installation of the irrigation system; purchase of the necessary lawn maintenance equipment, building of the Equipment Store; upgrading of the clubhouse facade and the conversion of the neighbouring Bowls Club lawn for croquet use. All this work was completed over a 12 month period. The work was completed on time, within budget and to a standard well above expectations. His commitment had been "awesome".

Richard Clarke - Tunbridge Croquet Club

Richard took over as the Chairman of the Club two years ago. He has been able to mastermind the sourcing of all the required funding (£42,000). He has ensured that, during a time of great change, the Club has not been diverted from its main aim to become more than simply a traditional private members club. He has been commended for his work by the local Civic Society, which considers that he has enabled the Club to make a significant contribution to preserving and enhancing Calverley Gardens; and providing enhanced leisure facilities for the community.

John Hobbs - Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club

Most veteran croquet players know John as the master mallet maker and the "giant killer" of croquet. Members of his club would add that he was also the force behind the founding of their club in 1984. His dedication and professionalism has guided the club through its initial years. He can also be described as a committed worker/beaver during the major year of club development. He has spent many hours using a full range of construction skills. In addition he continues to make a major contribution to coaching, managing, chairing, refereeing, handicapping and captaining.

Gerry Eccles - Cheltenham Croquet Club

Gerry has, during his long membership of the Cheltenham Croquet Club, been active in many aspects of club life. Gerry joined the Club Committee in 1990 and, in his quiet undemonstrative way, immediately set about making himself extremely useful. Throughout his years of service to the Club, he continually sought out those often tedious, sometimes unattractive jobs that need doing in any organisation. These are the tasks that are rarely life threatening and never reach the forefront of most people's attention but tasks that make the difference between a smooth flowing organisation and one that creaks and groans. Gerry has never sought to advertise his contribution and will probably be embarrassed by the citation but it is an undoubted truism that every Club should have an Eccles.

Peter Stone - Cheltenham Croquet Club

Peter is a quiet but major contributor to the standing of the Cheltenham Club. A relatively recent convert to the game, he has nevertheless found time to look outside his efforts to improve his own game, to areas where he might make a more total contribution to his new sport. Soon after joining the Club he started to take a keen interest in the state of our playing surfaces and he now devotes a considerable amount of his time and effort to improving their quality. He has also applied his practical skills and technical knowledge to the design and making of many labour-saving devices that have greatly improved the presentation of our courts throughout our busy tournament schedule. His input before and during the 2005 World Championships would merit a medal on its own. Peter willingly makes himself available for those club events where beginners to the game rely heavily on the help and goodwill of more experienced players.

Ken Mason - Sussex County Croquet Club

Ken joined the club some ten years ago and immediately joined the winter working party. He is a skilled DIY'er and has developed many facilities to improve and maintain the club premises. He has designed and built the huge working table in the kitchen; redesigned and built a new Bar and has recently constructed and fitted out a service counter. He has also made and fitted new back gates and also designed and built a workshop and store.

Ken designed and made the eleven scoreboards used for the World Golf Croquet championships.

Ken now organizes the winter working party which meets weekly to keep the club in good condition.

Ken's playing abilities have been affected by his physical disabilities, but he has played Golf Croquet to a particularly high standard, having represented England at the World Championships in Cairo.

The club is deeply indebted to Ken and he is a very valuable and valued club member

Patrick Alden - Sussex County Croquet Club

Patrick became the club Treasurer in 1991. His banking experience put the club "back on track" and he kept a close eye on income and expenditure. He introduced fund raising activities and soon the club began to flourish again. Patrick put and enormous amount of time into the club and kept meticulous records, accounts and graphs which have proved invaluable to all members. The Auditor has praised the "competence and thoroughness" of Patrick's work. He is a great supporter of club activities and has made generous donations.

Patrick resigned from his financial responsibilities in 2006. He has a great sense of humour and is a very valuable member of the club.

2006

Mrs GD Harris - Cheltenham Croquet Club (2006)

Bo Harris with CA President Bearnard Neal

During her long membership of Cheltenham Croquet Club Bo has been active in many aspects of club life. She was Secretary for many years when the post included that of Membership Secretary. The kitchen and management desk have also benefited from her competent attention. She has represented the club in many competitions and won the top national ladies events.

It is perhaps in her sphere of coaching beginners that Bo has contributed most to wellbeing of the club. In 2002 she was presented with the Gloucestershire Lifetime Services to Coaching award in respect of her effective no nonsense approach to introducing new members to the game.

Bo is still passing on her sound playing skills informally and she also co-manages the club's High Bisquers Tournaments.

Pauline Softley - Sussex County Croquet Club (2006)

Pauline has been a member since 1990 and has served on the club committee for 10 years, during which time she was an excellent club secretary for 6 of those year. She copes with organising the extensive duty rota for the Inter Counties Championship which is a mammoth task tactfully and efficiently accomplished.

Pauline is a quietly useful member doing all the things which keep a large club running smoothly particularly during tournaments.

Pauline prepares tea every Tuesday for the Golf Croquet afternoons as well as for many other club events. She will turn her hand to a wide range of ancillary duties. She still finds time to enjoy both Association and Golf Croquet.

John Gosney - Sussex County Croquet Club (2006)

John joined the club some 9 years ago and within two years had joined the grounds sub-committee, assiting in setting and moving hoops. This required early attendance at the club, sometimes before 7.00a.m. Prior to the start of the season he assists with the marking out of the eleven lawns. Each year he undertakes the many maintenance and repair tasks required in respect of buildings and club equipment.

John was a major contributor to the club's tree planting scheme and he has formed the trees into a fine hedge.

John has always volunteered to undertake any task required at the club and is usually one of the first to volunteer.

John played a major part in the planning, design and implementation of the irrigation system and has now mastered its computer programme.

John is not only the first to volunteer for the various tasks undertaking by a team of about 20 club members but also uses his initiative in spotting and dealing with problems. He is a real "gem".

John is also a good playing member with an association handicap which is still falling. On occasions he can also be persuaded to play Golf Croquet.

Bob Whittaker MBE - Bath Croquet Club (2006)

Bob was the secretary of the club for three years; Lawns and Equipment Manager for 5 years; and Chairman for two separate spells. He "retired" from the committee this year after 12 years service.

Bob was instrumental in leading the Club's successful bid (from the lottery fund) in 1996. The money was used for a major lawn levelling project and Bob rightly represented the club at the opening ceremony in front of the Mayor of Bath and John Solomon.

Bob is a Grade 1 coach and regularly coaches beginners and improvers.

During the winter months Bob helps with all maintenance tasks; liaises with the ground staff and also Council officials over parking arrangements.

Bob carried out liaison work with the Council and solicitors in respect of the club's leasing arrangements.

Bob is a qualified referee and has officiated at many tournaments. He also regularly sets hoops for club and CA Tournaments.

Bob has also carried out much work for the CA and South West Federation.

David Magee - Cheltenham Croquet Club (2006)

David Magee with CA President Bearnard Neal

David is another all round club performer. He is well known as a manager of tournaments at all levels. He has been active in the coaching of beginners and can often be seen giving ad.hoc. lessons to more advanced players. He helps in the tea room with tournament lunches and in many areas of the club where so many jobs need to be done.

David was instrumental in the provision of the new CA office.

On retirement three years ago David became the Lawns Manager. He has recruited and trained a most effective team of hoop setters.

There is no doubt about the level of David's contribution to the World Championships in 2005, he was everywhere and is very much a "work in progress".

Mike Cope - Bath Croquet Club (2006)

Mike recently retired from the committee after over 15 years service. He was Secretary for 10 years in 2 separate spells.

Mike was a leading part of the team which successfully bid for Lottery funding.

Mike is a qualified coach and organises the club's regular Saturday morning sessions for beginners. He has also regularly coached "improvers".

As Secretary Mike regularly liaised with the CA and organised the club's Annual Dinner.

Mike carried out extensive work with the Council and Solicitors in relation to the club's lease.

Pat Hetherington - Colchester Croquet Club (2006)

Pat was on the Colchester Committee from 1979 to 1996, being Chairman from 1987 to 1996 and gave her time unstintingly to the club. During this period the club went through a period of decline membership. It was due to her hard work that Croquet was promoted in the Colchester area and the club returned to a healthy position. She has managed innumerable tournaments, organised and provided refreshments and, when the club was at low ebb, almost single handedly ran the club.

Ramsay and Barbara Bettinson - Middlesbrough Croquet Club (2006)

The club committee would like the behind-the-scenes contributions that Ramsay and Barbara have made to croquet on Teeside, over nearly twenty years, be recognised by the award of CA Diplomas.

Ramsay and Barbara have been tireless in their support for croquet firstly in 1989 at Ormesby Hall, then 10 years later at Prissick Park. They also both played a full part in competitions and other activities. Ramsay regularly took on lawn mowing duties and helped with equipment; whilst Barbara often provided tasty meals. Heart problems have more recently curtailed Ramsay's active involvement, but both members are now key to the club's use of an excellent indoor venue for carpet croquet during winter months.

John de Winton - Taunton Deane Croquet Club (2006)

When it became obvious that the club would have to move from its premises John persisted in and eventually located a potential site for 3 lawns at Taunton Vale Sports Club with its modern spacious facilities. He then set about the daunting task of leading the team to obtain substantial funding from Sport England as well as persuading Taunton Deane Borough Council, the CA and members to contribute. Having raised the funds he oversaw the construction of the lawns. Without John's unstinting dedication it is unlikely that Taunton Deane Croquet Club would exist now.

Mike Evans - Beverley Croquet Club (2006)

Mike brings what can only be described as sheer energy to the game of croquet. Over the years he has contributed at the local and national level.

Mike had played a form of the game while in the Army. When he left the Army in 1983 he moved to East Yorkshire and joined the Beverley club shortly after it was formed. He has played a prominent part in the development of the club, and has been Secrtary, Match Secretary and Chairman. He also joined the east Riding and Bowdon Croquet Clubs.

Mike has been Secretary and Chairman of the Northern Confederation and in 1993 he published a guide to Northern Croquet Clubs. He subsequently co-edited Help 2 which was a national guide to croquet clubs.

From 1997 to 2001 he was on the CA Council and served on several committees.

The truly impressive thing is his enthusiasm for all things to do with croquet. This rubs off on others and has a knock on effect which extends beyond the club.

Mike was responsible for obtaining the indoor carpet which is shared by Yorkshire clubs and he formed a winter league to maximise the carpet's use.

Mike has been heavily involved with the coaching of beginners and also with corporate events.

Mike is a credit to croquet and much deserving of official recognition.

Peter Taylor - Bowdon Croquet Club (2006)

Peter is the Ground Manager at Bowdon Croquet Club. He has been an active playing member of the club for 14 years. Peter actively supported all aspects of club life in addition to becoming a good player. He offered to take over responsibility for the grounds in 1997. The high standard of the lawns has been maintained and steadily increased.

The whole appearance of the club has been radically improved and enhanced through his hard work and the way in which he has supervised a team of some 20 volunteers.

The major work inspired and supervised by Peter involving the moving of some 150 cu meters of earth and increasing the available lawn space has been a major contribution to the age old problem of boundary "fall off".

Peter had a novel approach to improving drainage problems on one of the lawns. He was able to create a system for improving the drainage to enable surface water to escape to the sand sub-strata.

Peter was also fully committed to the restructuring and refurbishment of the bar and kitchen bringing them into line with modern health and safety requirements.

None of the above projects would have been concluded without the help of all the other volunteers in the club but none would have started without the energy supplied by Peter.

Patricia Duke-Cox - Woodhall Spa Croquet Club (2006)

Patricia was the driving force behind the formation of the croquet club. In 1991 she urged a group of friends to form a proper club and join the CA. She became the club's first Secretary and served on the committee for over 13 years, holding positions of club coach, press officer and Chairperson.

Patricia was the prime mover in persuading the club to join the local federation so that they might enjoy competition with other clubs. She later became a member of the Federation Executive Committee and served as Secretary from 1999 to 2004. In 2000 she was elected as the Federation representative on the CA Council later becoming Chair of the Development Committee.

Patricia has always "been there" to coach and encourage members to play in competitions. She has always been willing to pass on her knowledge and has been instrumental in the encouragement of youngsters.

There is no doubt that without Patricia's driving force, and the numerous tasks she has tackled, Woodhall Spa Croquet Club would not have progressed as far as it has.

Barry Marsh - Dyffryn Croquet Club (2006)

Barry joined Dyffryn in 1988, shortly after the club was founded, and by 1991 had taken on the role of club treasurer, a position he held until this year. Other office holders have come and gone, but Barry has been the glue holding the committee together over 15 years. In addition, he has looked after all the club equipment over the winter, ensuring the club has newly painted hoops and complete sets of balls and clips to start each season. He also works tirelessly with inexperienced players at club evenings and continues to be a huge asset to Dyffryn Croquet Club.

2005

John Beech - Pendle and Craven Croquet Club (2005)

The CA Diploma was presented to John, by Ian Vincent, at the official opening of the Club on the 12th July 2005. John was awarded the Diploma for his tireless effort and inspirational leadership in ensuring that new facilities, including five lawns and a Clubhouse came into existence. He continues to work hard to ensure that the lawns quickly reach the standard required to attract major competition.

Derek Buxton - Ashby Croquet Club (2005)

Derek learned to play croquet in 1995 and since then he has been at the centre of transforming the club, which now has the facilities and players to be part of the national scene. He has been a pioneer in playing in external events and returning to his club to encourage others and to coach and manage club teams. Derek is a patient, good humoured member of his club. He is liked by all and participates in all aspects of club life. Since retirement in 2002, Derek has become the club secretary and also Vice-Chairman of the East Midlands Federation Committee.

Iris Dwerryhouse - Sidmouth Croquet Club (2005)

Iris, at 40 years, is the longest serving member of Sidmouth Croquet Club. She was Chairman of the Committee for 10 years. In order to increase the membership of the club she became a coach, referee and member of the Handicap Committee and is still active in all of these areas. Iris has been Secretary of the South West Federation and a Trustee of the main club. She has recently accepted the Presidency of the main club, which covers Tennis, Cricket and Hockey in addition to Croquet.

John Hatherley - Sidmouth Croquet Club (2005)

John has been a member of Sidmouth Croquet Club for 25 years having served two terms as Chairman. He is a coach, handicapper and referee. He has given countless sessions of coaching and has a very strong knowledge of the laws. His health now prevents him from playing as often as he used to but he can still be seen at the club encouraging members and offering help and advice.

Rose Jenner - Sussex County Croquet Club (2005)

Rose used her culinary skills to raise funds for the club. The club Building Fund has benefited from Rose's efforts over a period of 15 years. Her steak and kidney pies, provided for the Inter-Counties Championship, have become "legendry". Catering plays a pivotal role in fund raising for the club and Rose, now in her eighties, has been central to this effort for nearly 20 years.

Maragaret Roberts - Plymouth Croquet Club (2005)

Margaret is a founder member of the club but is no longer able to play. For many years she has been the Social Convenor. She leads a team of helpers who provide an extensive social programme including strawberry teas, pasty suppers and ploughman's lunches. The catering is superb and has become a very important part of club life. Plymouth Croquet Club has become noted for its hospitality and this is due in no small part to the effort of Margaret.

Jill Austin - Sussex County (2005)

Jill joined the Croquet Club nine years ago and since that time has gradually taken over the care and maintenance of garden areas in front of the pavilion and clubhouse, the 100 metre border alongside the railway line and the borders of the car park. She has also taken on responsibility for other gardening aspects of the club grounds. She keeps the garden areas well stocked from her own cultivations and the gardens are always beautifully tended and a colourful sight. Jill is also the club's "recycler" and ensures that nothing goes to waste. Jill organises Golf Croquet afternoons twice per week and also helps with club competitions. She is a steadily improving player.

John Morgan - Cheltenham Croquet Club (2005)

Ever since John "discovered" Croquet he has supported the sport, more especially Cheltenham Croquet Club with remarkable energy and enthusiasm. When other club members were reluctant to take on the role of Honorary Treasurer, John volunteered himself with enthusiasm and without hesitation. He devoted considerable time to the job and produced immediate benefits as he set about identifying areas of profit and loss as well as maximising returns for Club reserves. Whatever his contribution he makes things really "hum" and his broad range of experience led him to take on the role of Bar Manager. Not only did he bring organisation to the bar but also turned loss into profit. Despite periods of ill health, which has forced him to give up the position as Treasurer, John continues to demonstrate his keen interest and support for croquet and the club.

William Hill - Tyneside Croquet Club (2005)

Bill has been a member of the Tyneside Croquet Club for over 15 years. He has been Hon Secretary for 12 years. He was largely instrumental in organising a successful move to the new site in Exhibition Park. He has developed a cooperative relationship with the club landlord ensuring that the lawns are maintained in good order. His duties in this respect seem to encompass both rabbit and child control! Bill's expertise in the DIY field has been put to good use both in respect of croquet "furniture" and on the two occasions when the club kitchen had been vandalised.

Rick Davis - Nottingham Croquet Club (2005)

Rick retired from the post of Hon. Treasurer in April, after seventeen years service, during which time he not only kept the books meticulously, looked after the equipment (reshafting mallets, making bisques and painting pegs), managed tournaments and the Mary Rose team, and not least, stocked the bar!

2004

Alan Linton - Bowdon (2004)

A member of club since 1986, Hon. Sec. 1992-4, Chairman 1996-8, editor of the club newsletter for 4 years, and Tournament Secretary for many years. He has provided regular hospitality for many visiting tournament players. His regular weekly coaching sessions have helped ensure that new recruits to the game have gained the confidence to become tournament members of the CA, and been secured as long-term club members. With Daphne he has contributed a great deal to the social activities of the club, which contribute so much to its atmosphere and success.

Christine Bagnall - Budleigh Salterton (2004)

A member of the club for 28 years. During that time she has at various times served on the Croquet Committee both as a member and as Chairman, acted as Coach and Handicapper, and off the lawns as Bar Officer, member of the General Committee of the Club, and for six years Trustee of the Club. Unable any longer to play croquet, she remains a loyal supporter of all the Club's activities, tournaments and competitions, and has been a most generous benefactor.

David Purdon - Budleigh Salterton (2004)

Arrived at the club in 1987 as an accomplished player, and immediately involved himself in all aspects of running the club. He has acted as a CA Handicapper, has been Senior Coach in the Club, running Bronze and Silver courses, and as an Examining Referee has organised Laws Course and trained referees. Administratively he has been Secretary of the Croquet Section, Club Secretary and Chairman, and now serves on the General Committee of the Club as a Trustee.

Derek Trotman - Croquet North (2004)

Derek was Chairman of Croquet North for over ten years until 2002. During this time he was responsible for producing a four year plan for croquet in the region. He has served on the Council of the CA for over twelve years, and has been Chairman of the Development and Tournament Committees. He is a member of Belsay Hall Croquet Club, and a founder member of Tyneside Croquet Club, now in its twenty-first year. The Federation nominates him for the Diploma in recognition of the hugely valued contribution he has made at club, regional and national levels.

Canon Peter Cole - Rother Valley (2004)

Peter founded the club in 1994, has overseen two changes of location. He has served on the committee of the club for its whole life, and devotes large swathes of time to ensuring that the lawns are properly fed and watered, and to coaching beginners in the skills of both association and golf croquet. Without his inspired leadership and dedication the club would not be where it is today.

Peter Dyke - Nailsea (2004)

Peter is a founder member of the club, and was Chairman for the first ten years. He has continued to serve the club in many capacities, and he acts as Tournament Secretary. Perhaps he is best known for his work with junior members in local schools, which has produced a number of junior champions. He is Schools Officer for the South West Federation, and also gives a lot of time to coaching adult beginners and improvers.

Geoff Hughes - Nailsea (2004)

Geoff's main contribution to the club has been as handyman par excellence. He spends hours both on site and in his workshop at home repairing, inventing and/or making equipment for use on the lawns and in the club house. His involvement with the maintenance team includes researching and negotiating best value on all machinery and materials used, ensuring best use of club funds.

Hazel Kittermaster - Surbiton (2004)

Hazel's main contribution to croquet has been the setting of a new standard of catering, which is now widely applied but was extraordinary at the time. Through her own work and the leadership of others she has contributed catering profits which have been crucial in financing the development of the club for the benefit of both members and visitors.

Diana Brothers - Sussex County (2004)

Quite apart from Diana's generous backing when the club was in dire financial straits, there seems to be no aspect of the Southwick club that she has not been heavily involved with at one time or another. Recruitment, coaching, lawn maintenance, building maintenance, catering, accounting, club secretary - you name it, Diana has done it, and earned the award of the CA Diploma many times over.

Hyacinth Coombs - Sussex County (2004)

A member for some 22 years, Hyacinth has not only been one of the club's better players and a generous benefactor, but has also turned her hand to a wide range of ancillary duties. She has made valuable contributions both as a coach and tournament manager, and has served on the Club Management Committee. In recent years the role in which she has been most prominent has bee the management of the club bar. In 2001 she was made an honorary member of the club, and she is equally deserving of the award of a CA Diploma.

Bryan Teague - Sussex County (2004)

Bryan joined the club in 1990, was elected to the committee in 1995 and became Chairman two years later. Under his leadership membership has increased, as have the number of tournaments and the Club's participation in national, Federation and social events. He has been extremely active as a coach and as a Tournament Manager, and since 1996 has supervised the maintenance of the lawns and grounds. His enormous contribution has helped make Sussex County the thriving club that it is today.

Les Butler - East Dorset (2004)

Les Butler is a name known to anyone who has visited East Dorset Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in the last 40 years. Throughout the late '70s and '80s he was chairman of Parkstone Croquet Club, kept the club going with dwindling numbers of members and was responsible for moving the old lawn 5 to the new lawn 1. The work he did for the club cannot all be recounted but his legacy is there to be seen. He was a very competent player ,and was selected for the Spencer Ell on 2 occasions. He sat on Council and contributed to the national management of the game. But above all he will be remembered for captaining Devon and Dorset county side. Winning in 1996 was perhaps his proudest moment.

2003

Whitford Harris Naylor - Auckland (2003)

Whit has been a member of Auckland Croquet Club since it started in 1998. He has never stood for office, but is always willing to help in any way he can. He acts as unofficial greenkeeper and the club's lawn is a credit to his efforts. He is a regular on the rota for setting out the courts and is always ready to cover for anyone unable to fulfil his/her turn. He is ready to pass on his knowledge of the game to newcomers. He is always cheerful and is the life and soul of the club's social gatherings.

John Grant - Belsay Hall (2003)

John became a member of Belsay Hall Croquet Club shortly after its formation in 1989, and immediately became involved in the club's development, becoming Chairman in 1996. He was enthusiastically involved in practically every aspect of the club life, organising everything from tournaments and leagues to the club's annual dinner, and compiling annually a 48 page club handbook. His enthusiasm for croquet was infectious, and he willingly taught new players; through his dedication and application he built the club up to sixty members. He served for many years on the committee of Croquet North, and as their Development Officer he was largely instrumental in obtaining a lottery grant to purchase a mini-carpet for use in village halls. Failing health has forced John reluctantly to wind down his involvement in croquet, but the club is keen to show its appreciation of the enormous contribution he has made over the years.

Jolyon Kay - Blewbury (2003)

Jolyon founded Blewbury Croquet Club ten years ago, and has served on the committee ever since, with spells as Chairman and Secretary. He chaired the project group set up when the club applied for a Lottery Grant from Sport England, and was heavily involved in the discussions leading to the success of the application and in the contractual negotiations which followed. He has served as Chairman of the Southern Croquet Federation, and is currently their Coaching Officer and Regional Representative on Council. He has worked selflessly to publicise and promote croquet in the local area, and is running a series of coaching courses for club members and juniors, including two girls who have chosen to play croquet as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Mike Sandler - Bowdon (2003)

Mike Sandler retired as Hon Treasurer of the Bowdon Croquet Club in November 2002 after 22 years in office. Mike joined the Club in 1973 at a time when it was recovering after a long decline. He was one of a group of enthusiastic younger members who sustained the Club when no money was available, culminating in the revival in 1979 of the Northern Championships. During his period of office as treasurer he has acted also as the Club's honorary legal advisor, particularly in the matter of the renewal and extension of the lease with the National Trust which enabled the Club to obtain a crucial Sports Council grant. When the Club hosted a number of Test Matches in the 1990s, Mike Sandler sponsored the events through his Legal Practice. His generosity was multiplied by the efforts of other members, who built on the resulting publicity to expand the full playing membership by an unprecedented 25% in a single year. The income flowing from this surge in membership now underpins the undoubted success enjoyed by the Club today, and is a direct result of his generous example and sound financial leadership.

Joyce and Mary Goodhart - Budleigh Salterton (2003)

Joyce and Mary Goodhart are stalwarts of Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club. Since joining the club in 1986 both have been highly active committee members. Mary has been Chairman of both the Club and Croquet Committees, and for many years has occupied the hugely demanding position of Tournament Secretary; Joyce has been Croquet Secretary and Chairman and a member of the General Committee, and is currently Chairman of the Handicap Committee. Apart from their committee work both are assistant coaches, help with catering, and find time to be keen players. Their presence at CA Tournaments is invaluable, with their ability for making visitors feel welcome, ensuring that the club is tidy, that trophies are ready for presentation and that everything runs smoothly. The club owes them a great debt of gratitude for all their hard work over the years.

Bunny & Dennis Porter - Budleigh Salterton (2003)

Bunny Porter, assisted by her husband Dennis, runs both the Club and the Players' bars. If you have ever been to Budleigh Salterton you will know that, while Bunny is playing, Dennis is attending to our liquid refreshment. No club function, lunch or dinner, goes by without Bunny or Dennis at the bar. Bunny has served on both Croquet and General Committees, and often caters for weekend tournaments. In addition to his bar duties Dennis, who has yet to be induced to play croquet, nevertheless fills an invaluable role in general maintenance work, bringing to bear his many handyman skills.

Their joint contribution to the needs of club members and visitors is enormous, and we would be hard pressed to manage without them.

Alec Coleman - Caterham (2003)

Alec was a well-known low handicap player on the tournament circuit in the 60's and 70's before giving up the game for personal reasons. When Caterham Croquet Club was formed in 1986 he was persuaded to return to the game. Unable for health reasons to return to serious competitive play, he has nevertheless devoted himself to helping the club, often unobtrusively, and to spending countless hours coaching, particularly with beginners where he has shown endless patience. Typically, he has donated a trophy to be presented each year to the club's most improved player. Unfortunately he is unable any longer to continue coaching, but he frequently comes along to provide friendly encouragement and advice.

John Gilbert - Caterham (2003)

John has served the Caterham Croquet Club both on and off the committee for many years, including 5 years as Chairman. His immense contribution to the club has been mainly in two areas. Firstly he has built up a strong relationship with the local council and their ground staff, exhorting them on lawn maintenance, and undertaking most of the negotiations that led to the club getting its second lawn. Secondly he has been very active in attracting and keeping new members. It is largely due to John that golf croquet is now played, both as an introductory aid and competitively, and recent increases in membership and retained members are largely due to his enthusiasm in this area. Not only does John run adult education courses which largely benefit our club and the local community, but he also runs croquet courses at Polesden Lacey which take croquet to a wider audience.

Bernard Neal - Cheltenham (2003)

Cheltenham members count themselves particularly fortunate to have a club president as supportive and versatile as Bernard Neal. A player of eminence at the top level of the game who may be found as often as not helping to set out lawns ready for our next tournament; a manager giving his total attention this week perhaps to a major championship and then next week presiding over a club afternoon knockabout.

A skilled reporter and negotiator, an activist on committees, a go-getter, Bernard is a determined advocate for the development of his club and for croquet in general. Here is a 'hands-on' president highly regarded and esteemed by all who meet him. There can be few more deserving of the CA Diploma.

Bill Mell - Huddersfield (Syngenta) (2003)

As a founder member of the club Bill has been a stalwart supporter, serving both as a committee member and as Secretary. His major contribution has been the development of coaching courses for the local U3A. Over the years he has introduced many people to croquet in this way, and many new members have been welcomed into the club. Bill is a highly valued club member, always prepared to help in any way he can, and is fully deserving the award of the CA Diplomas.

Donald Beck - Medway (2003)

Don was a founder member of the club, and acted as Secretary for twelve years until his move to Middlesex for business reasons. He played a large part in the development of Medway into a four lawn club with upward of fifty members. He was especially effective in raising money by grants, loans and donations, and also in recruiting new members and publicising the activities of the club.

Roy Ware - Ramsgate (2003)

Roy joined Ramsgate Croquet Club in 1989 on his return from South Africa, and from the beginning has been active in promoting croquet in general and the club in particular. He has been the driving force behind the Ramsgate Golf Croquet Championship, which attracts an international entry, and organises the four CA Calendar tournaments that the club runs each year. He serves on the committee of the South East Federation, he edits and contributes the bulk of the material to the Club Magazine, and, perhaps most important of all, with his partner Mary runs the junior section of the Club, giving up his Saturday mornings, when not playing in tournaments, to coaching the fifteen junior members.

Neil Williams - Westmorland (formerly Kendal) (2003)

Neil has had a long and varied history in croquet, having been a member of Cheltenham, Southport, Crake Valley and Kendal Croquet Clubs. He has interviewed many distinguished players and written numerous articles for the Croquet Gazette. He has been a great teacher of the game, and has given unstintingly of his time to manage and act as referee at tournaments. When problems of vandalism forced Kendal Croquet Club to seek a new venue he was tireless in his efforts to find a suitable location, raise the necessary finance, and finally to recruit an expert groundsman to look after what is now a fine croquet lawn in the ornamental grounds of Levens Hall. Owing to recent prolonged ill health Neil has been unable to take advantage of playing on the new lawn or to continue as Chairman of the renamed Westmorland Croquet Club, but the club's committee is keen to ensure that his immense contribution to the game should not go unrecognised.

Pam Overton - Woodhall Spa (2003)

Pam Overton was a founder member of the Woodhall Spa Croquet Club in 1991 . She has served two stint as club secretary, and has also been the coaching officer, press officer and organiser of competitions. She has arranged for club members to go into schools at primary and special school level as well as locally at a local leisure park to offer coaching sessions. Pam is also a willing team member who will travel to games within the Federation . She was instrumental in providing funding for the club's search for a home of its own within Woodhall Spa and has spent many hours on lottery and other applications for grants, land, building permission and other related matters. This award from the CA will serve to confirm the appreciation felt by the members of her achievements within the club.

2002

Barbara Evans, John Solomon and Rosemary Gugan

Barrie March - Ashby & District Croquet Club (2002)

About 5 years ago the club was advised that the land their lawns occupied was required for a proposed extension of a leisure centre, and that there were no plans to build new lawns. As a result of intense lobbying the council was persuaded to replace the lawns; potential sites had to be evaluated, contractors appointed, and additional finance arranged. From the outset it was Barrie who managed the project and co-ordinated all the resources needed to complete the move, and we are pleased to award the diploma in recognition of his hard work and initiative.

Barbara Evans - Bristol Croquet Club (2002)

Barbara Evans has been a member of Bristol Croquet Club for the last twenty years, and has served the club in a variety of posts over that time. Indeed , it has seemed that whenever there has been an emergency, and a post has had to be filled at short notice, Barbara has always been the person to whom the club has been able to turn for help. Initially this was as our Tournament Secretary, then subsequently as Chairman, Treasurer, and Vice-Chairman. In between these duties she has served almost unbroken as a Committee member. Although she has now retired from the Committee, she continues to work for the club in many ways, as coach, referee, general assistant, and, most importantly, as a wise head to whom anyone in the club knows they can turn to at any time for sound, pragmatic, and sensible advice.

Rosemary Gugan - Bristol Croquet Club (2002)

In 1982 the Bristol Club was in the process of being revived by John McCullough. The club needed a Secretary, and John persuaded Rosemary Gugan, a newcomer to croquet, to volunteer. He couldn't have made a better decision, for Rosemary stayed in the job for nineteen years, finally passing over the post in 2001. Those nineteen years saw the small club rise to the third largest, in membership numbers, in the country, and this success was largely due to Rosemary's energy, efficiency, and determination. These same qualities saw her become one of the leading lady players in the country, bringing even more credit to the club she so devotedly served for so long. Everyone at Bristol knows and appreciates what Rosemary has done for the club.

Eileen Magee - Cheltenham Croquet Club (2002)

When Eileen moved to Cheltenham in the early 90s, her reputation as an efficient organiser at the CA Office preceded her. She soon transferred her boundless energy to her new club, volunteering to take on the onerous post of Secretary, and later being elected Vice-Chairman. Not only has she been a tower of strength in the club's administration, she has also been active as the club's gardener as well as leading the team of caterers who look after the needs of players at tournaments and social events. Nor is she ever at a loss to develop new and subtly different ways of coaxing money out of members at fund-raising functions

She also finds time to enjoy her croquet!

Betty and Bernard Weitz - Cheltenham Croquet Club (2002)

They say that good things come in twos, and in the case of Betty and Bernard Weitz they are correct.

Both are long time members of Cheltenham Croquet Club, and between them have contributed to just about every aspect of club life. Bernard has been Lawns Manager, has organised and played in club teams, including the Mary Rose, and despite indifferent health continues in the arduous post of Membership Secretary.

Betty was for many years part of the coaching team, and headed up the House Committee with its attendant catering responsibilities. She was one of the club's handicappers when that was a much more active role than it is today.

It would need a long list to record every contribution Betty and Bernard have made to club life. Such stalwart commitment is the lifeblood of any club, and the members of Cheltenham Croquet Club thank them for it.

Stan Salt - Dyffryn Croquet Club (2002)

Stan Salt is the club player par excellence. He took up croquet after retirement just over 10 years ago, and fluctuates between a 16 and a 20 handicap. He is ever ready to represent Dyffryn in handicap matches, enters all club tournaments for which he is eligible, and at club afternoons and evenings he works tirelessly with newcomers to the game. Stan is not a committee man, but this has not prevented him from making a major contribution to the club by putting his practical woodworking skills to good use. He has made a first class equipment trolley which holds ball carriers, yardsticks, flags, bisques, Wharrad turn counters and, in true recognition of a croquet player's needs, a bottle opener. In addition to this, he has improved the club tent with an excellent awning which doubles the amount of shelter available. His contribution to Dyffryn is immense.

2001

Derek Bradley - Cheltenham Croquet Club (2001)

Derek joined the club in 1991 to learn to play croquet and by October 1992 was attending committee meetings as the club's lawn manager. Additionally he became vice-chairman in 1997 and chairman in 1999. Although a hugely versatile club member, willing to roll up his sleeves and stick his arm down any troublesome area, it is his dedication to Cheltenham's lawns that deserves most acclaim. Grass is what the club has most of, what people first see and comment on at length. Derek's forbearance with all the croquet world's opinions on grass management is awesome. No doubt he reflects on such matters whilst sucking on his pipe touring the club's grounds on his regular pre-breakfast inspections. The club owes Derek an enormous thank you.

John Grimshaw - Dyffryn Croquet Club (2001)

John, single-handedly, set up the Dyffryn Club in 1986, negotiating for the site, advertising for players and coaching them so successfully that in only its third season the club won two leagues of the South West Federation. After ten years on the committee, John handed over the reins to others but he has continued to give unstinting support to the club and to encourage new players.

John also set up the Welsh CA and has been instrumental in getting many international teams to visit the club. Dyffryn and Wales owe him a great debt of gratitude.

Len Hawkins - Ramsgate Croquet Club (2001)

Len is a founder club member, and has been treasurer since 1983. He became the club's first Grade 1 coach in April 1987 and since then has coached members every Tuesday morning during the playing season. He qualified as a Grade 2 coach in May 1996 and has since helped at other clubs in the area and at CA coaching courses. Len is an extremely patient and willing coach for whom nothing is too much trouble and he has encouraged many visitors to become members. He became a qualified Association referee in April 1994 and has been the ROT in five CA tournaments.

During the winter Len travels 16 miles to the club at least once a week, putting his hand to whatever needs doing in the clubhouse - and he has cajoled many others to do the same.

Bernard Smith - Ramsgate Croquet Club (2001)

Since 1987 Bernard has been the mainstay of the winter working parties that have transformed the club's derelict 'listed' building into what we have today. As a qualified electrician he rewired the whole of the clubhouse and even now, into his eighties, Bernard can still be found in the clubhouse, three days a week, carrying out a winter programme of work such as waterproofing, panelling and painting.

During the playing season Bernard assists in coaching members during the week, and juniors on Saturday mornings. A committee member for ten years, he is a real stalwart of the club in all respects.

2000

2000: John Airey, Pat Shine, Enid Ross, John Solomon,
Dab Wheeler, Lawrence Whittaker and Nigel Gray

John Airey - Swindon Croquet Club (2000)

John has made a tremendous contribution to the club. He coaches beginners, paints hoops, makes trolleys for carting equipment, writes the club newsletters, runs tournaments, gets us publicity in local newspapers and is a very active committee member.

Anna Giraud - Zeneca Croquet Club (2000)

Anna's achievement is considerable: in 1991 she not only introduced an unknown game into a somewhat indifferent environment but then did a lot of the donkey work associated with competitions and handicapping. Her greatest input has been in coaching many people in the Huddersfield area who now have a knowledge and love of croquet.

Nigel Gray - Letchworth Croquet Club (2000)

Since 1987 Nigel has been our energetic Secretary and has turned his hand to organising working parties and club competitions. It is doubtful if the club would have survived and flourished without Nigel's hard work. In recent years he has organised beginner's courses and has arranged special events. His expert knowledge of wines adds an extra dimension to the latter.

Ronald H Rawden - Bury St Edmunds and District Croquet Club (2000)

Mr Rawden was a founder member of the club in 1985 and has been a committee member since then. A retired engineer, he used his many practical skills to make sets of hoops and mallets to get the club started. Since then he has annually serviced equipment as well as designing all kinds of items for us including the hoops in our artificial surface.

Enid Ross - Sussex County Croquet Club (2000)

Mrs Ross joined the club in 1978 and soon organised self-help maintenance programmes - known as "Enid's winter working parties". All clubs depend on a nucleus of unpaid, often unsung, volunteers for coaching, lawns, gardens, catering and general maintenance. In the last 20 years Enid has made substantial contributions in all these areas. In the early 1990's she re-started regular sessions of golf croquet which now leaves the club well placed to take a prime role in the upsurgence of this game.

Pat Shine - Worthing Croquet Club (2000)

Lionel Wharrad wrote about Pat:

"Worthing Croquet Club is very much the personal creation of Pat Shine. Certainly I cannot think of anyone else who would have the energy, the persistence and persuasion to convert one small, sloping court into a lively and flourishing club with 4 full size lawns. Pat has done much for croquet as a member of the CA Council and a manager of many tournaments."

Bill Simpson - The Lym Valley Croquet Club (2000)

Bill Simpson was the prime mover in forming our club in 1988: he set up the club committee and was elected Secretary. Bill established the club rules and found a suitable venue and clubhouse. He made himself an authority on the Laws and attended a coaching course so that he could help other members improve their game. To maintain interest in the winter months Bill introduced a tabletop tournament that has been featured on television. He retired after 10 years as Secretary in 1998.

Honor And Ernest Smith - Belsay Hall Croquet Club (2000)

Both Honor and Ernest have coached new members at Belsay in regular weekly sessions over many years. Ernest has been manager of the lawns and equipment for more than ten years; Honor is now vice-chairman of the club. Honor and Ernest Smith are much loved by the members who all recognise the outstanding contribution they have made.

Roy Taylor - Woodhall Spa Croquet Club (2000)

Roy Taylor was the first of our members to become a CA Tournament Member and he organises league games at club and Federation levels. He is a practical man who designs, makes and mends equipment for us. In addition, Roy is the Equipment Officer for our Federation. He is a stalwart of the game and has done much to help and inspire our club.

Dab Wheeler - Cheltenham Croquet Club (2000)

Mrs D A Wheeler (known as Dab by everyone in croquet) has handled all the tournament arrangements at Cheltenham for the last 15 years. This is no mean feat involving each year some dozen CA events alone and correspondence with well over 600 players. Dab is an ever-present committee member; she manages tournaments, prepares meals (par excellence) and gives up her time to help coach new players. Supported by her husband Roger, Dab represents the essence of what croquet is about: friendship, support and assistance to all those who enjoy our sport.

Dr F Lawrence Whittaker - Leicester Croquet Club (2000)

Lawrence founded the Leicester club in 1985 and has been our Secretary ever since. He is active in every aspect of the club's affairs: organising and managing events at national as well as club level, coaching and promoting croquet locally. Lawrence oversees all club activities, chores and the day-to-day running of the club. His contribution to the club is unparalleled.