Vacancy: Croquet England Treasurer

by Samir Patel [^]
29th November (CqE Official News)

Croquet England, the National Governing Body for the Sport of Croquet in England, is Seeking a Treasurer

Location: Remote, with occasional travel to meetings and the Croquet England office in Cheltenham

It is estimated that the work will take approximately 60 hours per month.

A fee of £10,000 plus reasonable expenses will be paid for the year.

About Croquet England

Croquet England is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in England & Wales (Charity No. 1202444), with the following charitable purposes:

• To promote community participation in healthy recreation through the provision of facilities for playing croquet.
• To advance the amateur sport of croquet for public benefit.

We are proud of our heritage and excited for our future. Approximately 10,000 players belong to over 200 affiliated clubs, with many thousands more enjoying croquet informally at home. The competitive scene is thriving, from local leagues to national championships and international tournaments.

Our Strategy focuses on seven key areas: play, safeguarding, coaching, inclusion, wellbeing, funding, and sustainability.

The Board of Trustees has responsibility for the management of the affairs of Croquet England and may, for that purpose, exercise all the powers of the CIO. The Treasurer is responsible to the CIO through the Board for providing independent leadership and guidance in matters relating to administration and finance respectively, encouraging the highest standards of integrity, effectiveness, and openness, and have a duty to ensure the CIO's regulatory compliance

The Executive and Chief Executive Officer have delegated authority for the day-to-day running of the organisation and for ensuring the strategy and policies are delivered. They are appointed by the Board of Trustees. The Treasurer is a member of the Executive.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Croquet England is committed to building a sport and community that welcomes everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

We support flexible working and welcome applications from candidates seeking alternative arrangements.

Application Process

If you require any further information or an informal chat about the role, please contact:

• Robert Fulford, Current Treasurer
• Andy Dalby Welsh, CEO
• Samir Patel, Chair of the Board of Trustees

To apply, please send a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role as well as a brief CV to Gabrielle Higgins, Secretary.

The Role

On the basis outlined below it is estimated that the work will take approximately 60 hours per month. A fee of £10,000 plus reasonable expenses will be paid for the year.

There is some potential flexibility to exactly how the role is defined and to a degree it can be tailored to suit an applicant.

Duties Include

• Weekly - prepare payment run. Answer occasional queries from office staff.
• Monthly - process payroll (HMRC Basic PAYE tools and NEST pension), reconcile bank accounts, on-line shop transactions, subscriptions and tournament entry system payments.
• Quarterly - process VAT return. Prepare internal management accounts.
• Annually - prepare annual accounts and liaise with Independent Examiner, prepare annual budget, stock take, renew insurance policies (including dealing with occasional insurance matters).
• When required - manage investments, deal with financial matters that arise through the year.

We are in the process of reviewing operational processes, and the successful candidate will be involved in identifying improvements. This could result in some regular tasks being streamlined or reallocated. This could suit someone who has experience in updating treasurer practices and introducing time-saving efficiencies.

Skills and Qualifications

• A knowledge of bookkeeping/accountancy is essential.
• Formal qualifications are desirable, but not essential.
• Experience of working within the charitable sector would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of the Sage accountancy platform would be an advantage.

Location and Meetings

The Treasurer is a member of a number of committees. Nearly all meetings are held electronically, often in the evenings or at weekends to accommodate volunteers, with only occasional face to face meetings each year when required:

• Board of Trustees - approx. seven per year online and one in person
• The Executive - approx. monthly, generally online other than by exception.
• Funding Committee, which oversees grants, loans and bursaries - approx. six times per year
• Administration Committee, which deals with staff matters, online, once or twice each year

We are currently reviewing organisational strategic priorities and how we will deliver them. This is intended to increase efficiency and is likely to reduce the number of meetings that the successful candidate will be required to attend.

Practical Matters

• You'll use your own IT equipment, supported by a Croquet England Microsoft 365 account.
• The Treasurer plays an important role liaising between the Executive and the Office, attending the Croquet England Office in Cheltenham at least once a quarter.
• A managed handover will take place in order that the new Treasurer is fully aware of current practices.

Role Description

Formally the role of Treasurer is set out in the Croquet England Standing Orders and Practice Book.

Standing Order 2.1

The "Secretary" and "Treasurer" in this document are the Secretary of the CIO and Treasurer of the CIO appointed annually by the Board. They are responsible to the CIO through the Board for providing independent leadership and guidance in matters relating to administration and finance respectively, encouraging the highest standards of integrity, effectiveness, and openness, and have a duty to ensure the CIO's regulatory compliance. Specific duties for them may be determined by the Board from time to time and recorded in the Croquet England Practice Book.

Practice Book Extract

The "Treasurer" in this document is the Treasurer of Croquet England, appointed annually by the Board of Trustees, with the overall responsibility described in Standing Order (SO) 2.1. The Trustees have resolved that the Chair of the Board of Trustees, the CEO and the Secretary may not be appointed as the Treasurer.

The Treasurer shall be invited to all meetings of the Board of Trustees in accordance with SO 4.2 and is an ex-officio voting member of the Executive.

The specific duties of the Treasurer relating to the Executive are as follows:

• Attend as a member all the meetings of the Executive.
• Keep the Executive aware of and informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Compile and present regular management accounts to the Executive, including the implications of financial plans and budgets of the Executive's operational committees, and three-year financial forecasts for Croquet England.
• Prepare the annual budget for submission to the Executive in November and approval by the Trustees in December.
• Prepare the annual accounts for submission to the Executive in February and approval by the Trustees in March, advise on whether an audit or independent examination is required, and liaise with the auditor or examiner.
• In conjunction with the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Secretary, prepare the annual report and accounts and the annual return and submit them to the Charity Commission, and prepare and submit any other reports or documents it may require, including Serious Incident Reports.
• Serve on the Administration Committee and in particular advise it on salaries.
• Provide the Office Manager and staff with guidance and training on the Croquet England's financial practices as required.
• Monitor the financial activities of the Office, report to the Executive on them and advise on improvements.
• Audit the financial records produced by the Office and ensure that it keeps proper records of all financial transactions for inspection e.g. by the Independent Examiner, the Charity Commission and HM Revenue and Customs.
• Compile and submit returns and any payments owed to HM Revenue and Customs in due time.
• Make salary payments and honoraria and provide statements in due time.
• Operate the workplace pension scheme for Croquet England staff, make the necessary returns, and ensure payment of liabilities.
• Manage Croquet England's financial assets and systems, including investments, bank accounts and the accountancy database. This with the assistance of the Office Manager.
• Report to the Executive the advice of the Investments Consultative Group on investments and execute investment decisions.
• Advise the Executive on subscriptions and tournament levy rates.
• Assist the Office Manager in ensuring that Croquet England is properly and adequately insured as directed by Executive.

Debbie Lines inducted to WCF Hall of Fame

Debbie Lines, Womens Association Croquet World Champion (Photo: Ian Lines)

The World Croquet Federation has inducted Debbie Lines to the WCF 'Hall of Fame'.

This recognises a remarkable croquet career spanning more than forty years. Debbie began playing croquet at the age of six and quickly rose through the ranks and was hugely influential in being the first woman in the modern era to show that women could compete at the highest level. She has many domestic tournament successes; international highlights include reaching the quarter finals of the open Association Croquet World Championship and winning the Women's Association Croquet World Championship.

From 2021 to 2025, Debbie was the WCF Secretary General in a time of many international challenges and has guided the organisation expertly with her knowledge and experience. This has included helping to organise multiple world championships, bringing the European Croquet Federation into the WCF as the European Regional Committee.

The full citation can be found on the WCF webite: worldcroquet.org/debbie-lines

Congratulations Debbie!

Mark 'Sooty' Suter 26/07/69 - 18/12/25

Our dear friend, international player and past colleague, Mark Suter, sadly passed away yesterday evening with his family by his side, and with their permission we share this message.

Mark has been a huge part of the Croquet Family since starting to play in the UK at the age of 11, in South Africa and Ireland, and internationally, including twice for Great Britain in the Solomon Trophy against the USA. Mark is remembered not only for his wonderful performances as a croquet player, but for his kind and supportive heart.

His kindness has continued through to the end as Mark chose to be a donor, and will be giving some people who need it most a wonderful Christmas present, and possibly a Christmas they may not have had otherwise with their family and friends.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mark at this difficult time. We remember with fondness his compassion and love for the sport that he proudly represented for his country, and the matches he enjoyed with his friends on roll-up day.

Croquet England Office Festive Period Closure Dates

by James Death [Admin] [^]
17th December (CqE Official News)

The Croquet England Office will close at 1pm on Wednesday December 24th and reopen at 9am Monday 29th December. We will also be closed on New Year's Day but reopen on Friday 2nd January as normal.

Croquet England would like to wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Availability now open for England v Spain GC Test

by Chris Clarke at Bowdon [^]
14th December (CqE Official News)

The availability webpage now has the GC Test between England and Spain 19-21 June listed. The closing date is 1st Feb.

Chris Clarke
Chair of GC Selectors

England places for 2026 GC European Championship announced

by Chris Clarke at Nottingham [^]
8th December (CqE Official News)

Many congratulations to the following players who will represent England in the GC Europeans at Nottingham 14-17 May 2026.

Rachel Gee

Richard Bilton

Sam Cuthbert

They will join Jack Good, Stephen Mulliner and defending Champion Euan Burridge who will receive Ranking Places. It is possible that England may receive further places via the Ranking Reserve List. We wish all our players the best of luck.

Chris Clarke

Chair of GCSC

Kenilworth Croquet Club received the Silver ClubMark accreditation

Junior Coaching at Kenilworth

A defining milestone of 2025 was Kenilworth becoming the first club in England to receive Croquet England's Silver Clubmark Accreditation, reflecting excellence in governance, coaching, safeguarding, and community engagement. Alongside this, the club received the Chris and Gail Barley Award, further highlighting its model approach to growth, development, and community involvement.

Coaching and development have been central to the club's success. Thursday morning Association Croquet sessions, led by Adrian Morris and supported by Mervyn Harvey, have been particularly popular, combining competitive play with group and one-to-one coaching. These sessions have significantly improved members' understanding of tactics, strategy and shot execution. Newer players now regularly challenge established players, adding excitement to the club's competitive atmosphere. Coaching for younger players has also been successful, with Judith and Elizabeth Thomson guiding children through their first experiences on the lawns.

Competition results this year reflected the club's growing strength across both codes of the game. Golf Croquet and Association Croquet tournaments, organised by Philip Wood, Pauline Harvey, Jon Hodge, and Adrian Morris, produced thrilling matches and new names on trophies. Highlights included the Kenilworth Festival, run by Philip Wood and Phil Blake, where Kenilworth's team won the competition, and the WMF 6+ League team, captained by Tony Watmore, claiming the Eastern Section title. The Association Croquet league team finished an impressive second overall after a season of strong performances.

One of the standout achievements in competitive play was Kenilworth B winning the Robertshaw Cup at their first attempt, narrowly defeating last year's winners, Kenilworth A. Despite having a higher combined handicap, Kenilworth B impressed early with victories over Broadwas and Himley, including an impressive win by Ian Robertson over a minus-1 opponent, setting up a dramatic final between the two unbeaten Kenilworth teams. Strong singles performances-most notably from Pauline Harvey, the only unbeaten player and Nick Hegan-secured a 4-2 victory for Kenilworth B. The final showcased the club's depth and highlighted the benefits of wider participation in competitive play.

Community engagement has remained a cornerstone of the club's ethos. Demonstrations and coaching events, organised by Mervyn Harvey and team, have introduced croquet to the local community, including U3A groups and families. Open days, friendly matches and festival activities have made the sport accessible and appealing, encouraging participation across all ages. Croquet at Kenilworth is truly a game for everyone, offering mental stimulation, strategic challenge, and social interaction.

As 2025 draws to a close, Kenilworth Croquet Club reflects on a year of achievement and growth with pride. With excellent facilities, skilled coaching and a welcoming community, the club looks forward to 2026 with confidence, ensuring Kenilworth will continue to flourish on and off the lawns for many years to come.

If you should be interested in trying this sport or finding out more about it email us: croquet#ktscc.co.uk or visit our website: https://ktscc.co.uk/croquet/

Do Croquet champions compete longer than Snooker champions?

Snooker and Croquet both require similar strategy and techniques, and the same coloured balls.

The Question Asked on the BBC News, "is There Another Sport Where at 50 You Will Still be Operational at a Professional Capacity?" Alison Maugham of Croquet England Challenges: "What About Croquet?"

Read the full article >> https://www.croquetengland.org.uk/news_and_media/do-croquet-champions-compete-longer-than-snooker-champions/

2026 European GC Women's Championship

by Ian Lines at Carrickmines [^]
27th November (International)

The 2026 European GC Women's Championship will be held at Carrickmines Croquet Club, Dublin, Ireland on 25-28 June 2026.

England players who wish to make themselves available can do so at https://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=members/availability. Note that availability must be declared by 12 January 2026. England will initially get up to four Ranking Places, and one England Membership will subsequently be selected.

Further details of the event are available at https://www.croqueteurope.com/competitions/gc-women-championships.

Ian Lines
International Committee

England MacRobertson Shield Team announced

MacRobertson Shield Team 2026

Croquet England are delighted to announce the England Team selected to defend the MacRobertson Shield next summer. Congratulations and good luck to those selected.

Mark Avery

Jamie Burch

James Death

Robert Fulford

Jack Good

Samir Patel

......................................................................................................................

Chris Clarke

Chair of CqE MacRobertson Shield Selection Committee