The memo was abundantly clear: “Bottle of festive cheer and festive attire compulsory… to encourage you to dress festively, the least festive to do a forfeit e.g. sing a solo Christmas carol”.

And so it was that eight stalwart AC players turned up to the club on 19th December, to celebrate Christmas and enjoy wine, mince pies and each other’s company.  Oh, and to play croquet as well.
Soon it became clear that some had not read the memo.  
​At one extreme, Kenny Weir dressed as Santa and Richard Peperell channelled the wayward lovechild of Rod Stewart and an elf (although we are still trying to work the relationship between his “Where’s Wally?” pyjamas and Christmas.)
At the other extreme, Mike West, realising he was in civvies, rushed back to his car to retrieve his Christmas Elton John glasses.  (He claims he just had them in the car.) Richard Coward sported a reddish jumper which just passed as Christmassy, and poor Alan denied that he had ever received the memo.

And as the eight of us crowded into the clubhouse, eager to hear Alan perform his forfeit, the bearded Scot told us that, despite being the son of a clergyman, he knew no words to any carols.  He did, however, know some ‘holy songs’ and would be pleased to perform one for our ‘listening pleasure’.  It soon became apparent that the last two words in that sentence were misleading.  David Cotton whipped out his mandolin (like you do) to accompany Alan.  The ‘holy song’, it transpired, was a work of such vulgarity that its lyrics cannot be reprinted here.  In the claustrophobic clubhouse, it all proved too much and Alan, still singing, was ushered outside, followed by his accompanist and the other members.

As you can see from the photo, he pressed on regardless and the other members, having failed to find any ear defenders, showed their support by plugging their ears with their fingers.
It’s just possible if you are brave enough to go to the club at midnight on 3rd January (not only the next full moon, but a ‘Wolf Moon’) you’ll hear the strains – the word is used advisedly – of Alan’s musical tribute to Christmas.  

​And who knows?  Richard Peperell may be dancing an elfish dance to scare off the crows. 

David Cotton

Nigel and Keith managed the next two of these events with a full complement of players from HWCC and other clubs.  As usual, the courts were in good order thanks to the hard work of Russell and Aaron.  

Play was enjoyed on both days, with some close results.  For one HWCC member, it was his first tournament, which is always good to see.  

One of our guests, Brian Jamieson from Blewbury, enjoyed success on both days.  And his wife Carol kept it in the family by taking one of the wooden spoon awards! 

Thanks go to both day managers, to Andrew, who shadowed Nigel in preparation for joining the day manager  team, and to Russell and Aaron.

​Chris Webbley    
  

The final of the AC national inter-club Mary Rose competition took us (Richard P, David C, Ed & Gabriel) to the magnificent Hurlingham Club, where our hosts were, as ever, first-class: welcoming, gracious, and annoyingly good at croquet.

This was the second meeting of these two sides in the final in three years, and from the start, we knew we were up against it. On paper, Hurlingham looked the stronger team. (In fairness, they probably looked stronger in person too.) Two years ago, we somehow managed to defy the odds and produce a famous victory. This time, however, the fairy tale ending was not to be.

Hurlingham were in ruthless form and ran out 6–1 winners. Congratulations to them on a well-deserved victory and for their impeccable hospitality. 

Gabriel flew the flag for us, recording our only win of the day with characteristic style and composure.

Despite the result, it was a fantastic day - great company, and (mostly) great croquet. Here’s to next year, when we’ll be back, slightly older, hopefully wiser, and aiming to go one better again. 

​Ed Olhausen

Ever seen five AC players standing so close together?

Caught on camera last Thursday, two refs are joined by three lobbyists to consider ball status. I thought it would never end!  All very courteous of course.

Who said AC wasn't sociable!

Mark Higgins

Please note that we have turned the lawns for GC, and changed the position of the start box now that Autumn is upon us.

And please - NO JUMPING! - so we can preserve our beautiful lawns.  A large reminder notice has been placed in the 'Bowker Bower'.

​Thanks,

​David Cotton

Our AC contingent has had a splendid season, winning 3 out of 4 possible Southern Croquet Federation League titles and getting to the finals of the prestigious Mary Rose advanced AC competition.  Normally at this time of year we would take down the banners that adorn our fences to preserve them against the elements, but we're leaving the regional champions banner up for a little longer this year.

We won the SCF Northern Region A league, B league and Handicap league and came a close second in the C league.  Look out for a more detailed follow-up piece on the Mary Rose competition.

Thank you so much, and many congratulations, to all of those who took part.  We are lucky to have so much talent in the club.

​David Cotton

HWCC has a fine way to recognise when a person has made an exceptional contribution to the life of the Club.  This is by awarding them Honorary Membership.  It does not happen often:  many members contribute in many ways and so this really has to be exceptional.

It is therefore a special pleasure for the Committee to put on public record that Honorary Membership was recently awarded to Geoff Brook, David Gantzel and Geoff Youd.  All three have played long and valuable parts at High Wycombe, with David and Geoff Y being founder members of the club in the earliest days.

We thank them all for helping the Club in many ways, both on and off the lawns, and send them our best wishes.

​HWCC Committee       

 

What an enjoyable day with only a few showers to dampen the spirits!
There was such a high degree of skill, tactics and sportsmanship on the day.  Many of the games went to the 13th hoop and Sally and I enjoyed all those we were able to watch. We saw some fabulous clearance shots by Tony and solid play by everyone. Congratulations to Rachael who only joined the Club in June  and came in 6th position at the close of the day.
Nigel Clogg and Pat Heaven found themselves in the Final of the competition.  After keeping his cool to the end,  Nigel secured the much coveted High Handicap silver cup (although he'll have to wait until the next HWCC Annual Dinner and make do with a chocolate lolly in the meantime!!)
My thanks to Sally who helped enormously (particularly with the tricky net hoop calculations) and to everyone who made sure it was a fun day!

Sharon Clark