[<<] [>>] by Elizabeth Williams
17th October 2001 (CqE Official News)

The Croquet Association congratulates the four club members who have been awarded Diplomas in 2001. 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 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 2002.

Quiller Barrett

Derek Bradley

Nominated by the grateful members of Cheltenham Croquet Club

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

Nominated by Dyffryn Croquet Club

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

Nominated by Ramsgate Croquet Club

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

Nominated by Ramsgate Croquet Club

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.