Category: News

Laughter could be heard across the lawns on Tuesday as the second session of “Croquet for Wellbeing’ took place at the club. Working in partnership with Social Prescribers from East Lancs Primary Care Network, these free sessions serve as an introduction to croquet but also provide an opportunity for people local to Earby to come together, meet new people and get some fresh air and light exercise into the bargain. “The sessions are very social and friendly and we hope that, as well as learning a new sport, we might also be helping people along in terms of their mental health and overall wellbeing” explains Sharon De Maine, our club chairman. Well it certainly felt that way on Tuesday, with a sunny atmosphere to match the weather and all nine players enjoying some of their new found skills. Although some of them were not strictly textbook as you can see in the photograph! If you, or anyone you know, might fancy coming down and having a go, please ask your GP or Social Prescriber for a referral. The sessions are from 1.30pm to 3pm every Tuesday until September 17th, and there will then be an Open Afternoon from 1.30pm on Saturday 21st September to celebrate the end of the initial pilot. The Club is proud to be pioneering such a worthwhile project in partnership with the NHS and we are very grateful to our supporters at the CVS and our funders at the Eric Wright Foundation.

The club is at the U3A open day 6th August in Skipton Town Hall, where U3A members can chat to club members about croquet. U3A members can then sign up for the summer Wednesday afternoon sessions from the 7th August.

It is with great sadness that we at Pendle and Craven Croquet Club announce the passing of Keith Terry.

Keith joined Pendle and Craven Croquet Club 2015-2016 from Ben Rhydding Club. Keith was well known in both West Yorkshire and Yorkshire Federations He represented both clubs in League matches and friendlies in Golf Croquet. His croquet talent took him to many completions and including the Grass Roots.

Keith was an excellent golf croquet player with a handicap of 2. He could run hoops from any angle and along with his best Pal Will Drake made up many teams for both clubs.

Keith was a handy man and was always ready to help with maintence of club equipment. He designed and made the current ball holders and adapted the Lawn bins which still serve today.

Keith always had a story to tell or a joke. His dry sense of humour always brought smile to faces.

A true gentleman of the Croquet Family.

Thursday saw our first visit to Sheffield for a match in the Yorkshire Level Play Golf League. The club is situated in Hillsborough Park, where they have sole use of one lawn, a former crown green bowling green near a shared clubhouse. We were received with warm hospitality by Ki and the Sheffield team.

The weather proved better than the forecast, but a very blustery wind gusted off and on throughout the day.

Sheffield Team: Richard (Ki) H (4); Mick D(8); John T (8)

Pendle Team: Paul D (2); Mike B (4); Cathy O’B (6)

Pendle had a very strong morning, winning all three doubles games and two of the three singles to lead 5-1 at lunch. The sun emerged after lunch and the lawn was noticeably quicker in the afternoon. Sheffield staged a fightback, picking up three wins in the first four afternoon singles, leaving the match still in doubt at 6-4. The last two games proved close, but Pendle managed to win both to secure an 8-4 victory.

Mike B

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Tuesday 16th July

Fylde Team. Peter W. (Capt) 4, Andrew W. 5 and Betty B. 8

Pendle Team RobertE. 1/2, Paul D. 7 and Libby D 12

In the doubles contested by Robert and Libby vs Betty and Peter. The finish became very tense when we were 1 hoop up and had split the Fylde balls far apart. Betty requested a 13 yard lift shot in corner 2 and then leveled the score and went onto win by 1 hoop.

In the morning singles Paul D met the on form Andrew W. Paul struggled with the Fylde lawns and their undulating ground. Andrew +15.

The afternoon Peter vs Robert. Robert put in a good break to 4 back and after Peter missed the lift took his ball around to peg. Peter did recover to get to peg and 4 back and even had a chance to make a winning break with his back ball. Robert won +5

Betty B vs Paul D. Initially the game was pretty much even, but then Paul made a break away with 5 hoops with 40 minutes to go. Errors were made on both sides as balls on target swerved at the last minute due to the undulating lawn. Betty won 21-18. An exciting game to watch.

Andrew vs Libby. Libby was out of her depth meeting Andrew. Libby did manage some good hit ins but Andrew managed to capitalise on poor hoop running by Libby and won +15.

Fylde won 4/1

Will Drake turned 101 on the 16th July. Many members and croquet colleagues in the North West and Yorkshire Federations will remember Will for his wonderful play and determination for the promotion of Croquet. He is now a member of Broadwas Croquet Club but his croquet is restricted to hitting balls Daren his corridor, This he says “keeps him on his pins”.

He celebrated with his extended family and was visited by the Lord Mayor and local MP. Plenty of cake and pork pie.

Fylde vs Pendle and Craven. Sunday 14th July

Pendle was away to Fylde and the following report is from Betty captain of the Fylde Team.

Fylde Team Andrew W 5, Betty B 8 (capt),Alan M 14 and Barry B 18.

Pendle Team Robert E 1/2, Libby D 12 (capt) , Mark K 14 and Andrew G 16.

The morning double pairings of Betty and Alan vs Robert and Andrew was a tight affair. At time it was all square so it went to golden hoop. Alan made a long roquet and made the hoop helped by the opposition pioneers.Barry vs Mark was also drawn on time so another golden hoop with Barry the victor.Libby did some incredible hit ins and controlled Andrew W 25-18.

The afternoon matches Andrew W made easy work of beating Robert with his unusual treat of bisques winning 26-2. Betty was always in control against Libby. Long hit ins and set breaks won her the game 26-3.Alan vs Mark was a tightly fought contest. Alan placed some wonderful pioneers and made light of the 4 ball break getting to 4 back with his first ball and using only 1 bisque.Alan Unfortuately lost the break due to taking croquet from the wrong ball allowing Mark the innings. Mark won 24-21. The match between Barry and Andrew G was also a tight affair with five minutes to go the game advantage oscillated between the pair. Barry pegged off one of his balls but unfortunately left his other ball in shot of Andrew’s ball who took advantage , went through Rover and pegged himself out. Andrew won 26-25.

Fylde won 4 -3

Tuesday saw play in heavy rain as can be seen water appearing in inconvenient places.

A big thank you must go to all the people who helped to ready the lawns and keep them up to Tournament condition. Robert, Paul, Mike, Sharon and Vincent . During the Tournament Vincent and Pat returned to redo the white lining twice . A big big thank you to you both.

As seen the play still continued with better conditions but Lawn 4 remained unplayable for the Tournament.

After appearing on day one the players were concerned to hear Peter W was attending hospital with a sore leg on day 2. Thankfully he was well enough to return on Thursday and even played a game on Friday. We wish him a further speedy recovery.

Report from Liz Wilson, Tournament Manger:

Despite heavy rain overnight on Monday the lawns on Tuesday were very damp but playable. 18 players with handicaps from 16 to -2 competed. Most were “Northerners” but we were grateful to see Dave Kibble, Linda Shaw, and Bob Thompson from South of Stoke!

The whole 4 days was played in good spirits with the better players offering advice freely (after the event!).

Many trophies were on offer and won as follows.

Pendle Rose Bowl (A Class Adv) Paul Rigge

David Jenkinson Trophy (B Class) Bob Thompson

Pennine Cup (Handicap under 12) Fiona Crompton

David Hoyle (Handicap over 12) Alison Larrard

Woodlands Doubles – Lee Hartley and Libby Dixon

Irish Cup – Highest Egyptian Rating – Betty Bates

Egyptian Cup (Fastest Game) Peter Wilson 43 min 28 secs

Addict (Most Games Played) – Paul Rigge

The shortened 3rd games of the day (handicap – 18 points 2nd ball goes to 3 back) tempted the big boys to go for a quad peel on partner ball. Many attempted and one success for Dave Kibble who also celebrated his birthday and getting his bus pass. The winner of the overall handicap highest rating went down to the last game and as luck would have it all other games finished in time to watch a stressful (for the competitors) 3 ball ending which saw Betty beat Andrew Gould +1 with many unfortunate misses and one amazing hit in the last 5 minutes. Congratulations to Andrew Gould on achieving his Bronze Medal in an earlier game. And special mention to the 5 “Feisty” ladies who competed – such a determined bunch.

8-9th June

GC Womens Open Championship at Nottingham

Libby Dixon entered and was the winner of the Plate event.

18-19th June

CqE Bowdon Mid Week

Robert Essler entered the Sheila Black Salver where he came second losing out to Charles Harding.

Pendle and Craven vs Bury Peelers

Pendle and Craven Team: Robert E ½, Libby 11, Andrew G 16 and Robin D 18.

Bury Peelers Team: Paul K1, Richard F 4, Richard L 9, and Margaret E 11.

The mornings doubles match was between Libby and Robin vs Paul and Margaret. Pendle and Craven with 8.5 bisques managed to win 19-12. In the singles Robert played Richard L and even with 8.5 bisques Richard put up an exceedingly good match but was eventually lost 26-22. Andrew also proved to be a on good form and managed to take 22 hoops but Richard F pegged out.

At lunch Pendle were 2 -1 up

The afternoon matches finished

 Robert E won 26-8 against PaulK

Libby’s won 26-16 against Richard F

Andrew lost 22-26 against Richard L

Robin D lost 8-19 against Margaret E

Pendle and Craven won 5 to Bury Peelers 2.