Retirement of Nigel Graves

[<<] [>>] by Klim Seabright
21st October 2005 (CqE Official News)

It was perhaps appropriate in a sporting organisation such as Croquet, that the presentation to mark Nigel Graves' retirement as Secretary of the CA should be in "two halves". The more formal part of the ceremony was conducted within the AGM, after which some forty members joined Nigel for an informal lunch.

Prof Bernard Neal, President of the CA, expressed his appreciation of Nigel's work within the CA and made particular mention of the excellent advice he had received from Nigel when Cheltenham Croquet Club (of which Prof. Neal is also President) faced some complex issues in respect of the legal status of the club. On behalf of the CA Prof Neal thanked Nigel for the seven years which he had served as Secretary of the CA. He then presented Nigel with a gift which had been provided from the donations of individual affiliates.

Nigel thanked all those who had contributed so generously and explained that the present was a "state of the art" camcorder, which he had been "admiring from afar" for some time. He thanked everyone whom he had served as Secretary for the last seven years. He expressed the hope that, being free from the Secretary's office, his handicap would come down quickly. Several of those present, who had first hand experience of Nigel's recent form, endorsed this sentiment!

Most present at the AGM then conducted a mass "take off" to the dinning room, where an excellent lunch was enjoyed by all. The President proposed the toast to Nigel.

I am sure that most of you know that Nigel is now a member of Council and will be joining a significant number of committees. He has also agreed to act as the "mentor" for the intended resurrection of the Garden Croquet Competition. It is pleasing to note therefore that Nigel's experience and knowledge of "all things Croquet" will not be lost to the CA.

Klim Seabright - Secretary.