Sunday 18th was another of those AC Tournament days that didn’t dawn bright and sunny! Indeed six intrepid players from four clubs braved rains, partially flooded roads and diversions even to get to High Wycombe – only to be greeted by the entrance gate sitting in a lake of about an inch of water.
Having arrived for set-up around 08.15, we were greeted by a miserable scene – Lawn 1 with several deep puddles, and probably nearly a quarter of Lawn 2 with free-standing water. By dint of hard labour with that great new brush, good luck with the rain stopping, and mostly the super lawns and drainage at HW, three matches were underway on time at 09.15 with no water showing except on the paths and surrounds! As the day went on, things improved further – lawns firmed up, ran true if a bit slower than usual, and all was set for a good day. We were all delighted that the manager (Mike Porter) hadn’t taken the easy option and cancelled – we would have missed out on 8 hours of fun, and even a bit of sun in the afternoon. Much of the croquet was more than worthy of the effort – as you would expect with four of the players being under-3 handicappers (with 2 sub-zero). We were able to play an all-play-all tournament, with Roger Tribe (Blewbury) emerging as ‘king of the day’ with 5 wins, followed by Mike flying HW’s flag with 4. As the sun came out it was a fine scene – of craftsmen at work (in most cases!) – smooth rhythmic control of the balls, interspersed occasionally with raw power. All standards were on display – from very strong and experienced players to one who had never played a ‘level’ or ‘advanced’ tournament. While the latter frequently showed how confusing the game could be, he thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to gain new experience in a very friendly and supportive environment – one of the clear benefits of these friendly winter tournaments! A good day was had by all – despite the unpromising beginning – and thanks to the quality of our lawns and their upkeep. Richard Coward
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More pictures from the annual Prizegiving and Dinner. (Select a picture to see it in full)21/2/2024 It is pleasing to report another successful GC Winter Tournament on Saturday 17th. We had some mist to start the morning before it cleared and even a minimal amount of sun later on.
The morning sessions comprising the red and blue blocks matches were played at pace and we were well ahead of schedule and had an early lunch. In Blue Block, Roger Booth (Eynsham) won all his block games followed by Martin Dock with two wins. In Red Block, Richad Coward won his 3 matches, followed by David Dibben (Blewbury). Of note was Mike West’s very narrow 6-7 defeat to Richard, the eventual overall winner of the day. Richard and Roger proceeded to play a closely contested final, Richard winning 7-4. All power to the strength of our AC representative! Nigel Moore The clubhouse toilet roof is being renewed today. It remains available for use while the work is being carried out.
In 2023 we ran 39 events (including courses, seminars and clinics) with over 220 players coached. While the money has never been a primary consideration, we were able to transfer about the same as last year to High Wycombe as our host club, with most of that going into the club’s Development Fund (i.e for the new lawns project) - a reasonable return for our use of their lawns.
This is a notable achievement and on behalf of the Academy Management Board, I want to thank all the coaches and other supporters who played a part. Looking ahead, we currently have 30 events planned for 2024 (including one in Latvia!), but we expect several more to be announced over the coming weeks. If you would like to be involved at any level, please let me know. Ian Shore Manager, Chiltern Coaching Academy "OK, I know that it is important to repair the court surface if I make a gouge or see one that someone else has made. But nobody has shown me how to do it. Help!"
Help is at hand. Here's a 38 second video that shows you how. www.hwcroquetclub.com/divot-repair.html One took me an enjoyable hour to compose. Full disclosure: I used an internet page to help with suggestions for rhymes. The other came back from ChatGPT in 15 seconds and was ready to publish after ten minutes of interaction between me and the device over some required word changes.
Which do you prefer? Chris Webbley In gardens where the mallets gently strike,
A dance of balls on lawns of emerald hue, Croquet, the game where leisure's steps are light. With mallets swung, skilled, novice all alike, In measured steps, a ballet to pursue, In gardens where the mallets gently strike. Through hoops so narrow, goals within our sight, A strategy unfolds, a game to imbue, Croquet, the game where leisure's steps are light. The sunlit strokes, a bright symphony's light, Each turn, a chance for victory to construe, In gardens where the mallets gently strike. The laughter flows like streams in morning light, A sport of kings, where camaraderie grew, Croquet, the game where leisure's steps are light. On verdant lawns, a realm of pure delight, In every swing, a world of joy to strew, In gardens where the mallets gently strike, Croquet, the game where leisure's steps are light. Come now and sing a song of fine croquet!
The pleasure in the running of a hoop! Step boldly on those fresh green lawns today! It doesn’t matter just how well you play Star, novice green or even nincompoop: Come now and sing a song of fine croquet! Opponents that you wish would go away Or visitors you greet from Guadeloupe Step boldly on those fresh green lawns today. Ignore the summer weather (cold and grey) And while you thaw yourself with tasty soup, Come now and sing a song of fine croquet! What words or rhymes can possibly convey That shot that renders players cock-a-hoop? Step boldly on those fresh green lawns today! Posh? Vicious? That is hopelessly cliché! We are a friendly bunch, a happy troop. Come now and sing a song of fine croquet! Step boldly on those fresh green lawns – today! |
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