2025 ARCHIVE

News of Our Club & Members...

RIP Gill Freely

With great sadness we have to record the passing of popular club member Gill Freely at home with her family on Sunday 2nd November. Gill was a long standing member of Bury Croquet really enjoying the sport and club social activities, also a keen and accomplished badminton player.
A popular and well liked friend who will be sadly missed by all her club friends, we offer our condolences to Joanne, Tracey and family members.

BURY MEMBERS OFFICIATE AT CROQUET WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN FLORIDA

Bury CC member Ken Jones and Country Member Chris Williamson have just returned from the 2025 Association Croquet World Championship which took place in West Palm beach Florida during week 18th to 26th October where they officiated as a referees.

Ken, a former Welsh International croquet player has played the sport for 50 years is a member and coach at Bury Croquet Club, a well well-known figure in the English croquet fraternity, was invited to officiate at this prestigious event as an experienced association croquet referee.

Chris, (main club Crake Valley CC), and this years winner of the internal GC Level play trophy also officiated at the championship and final can be seen pictured with the new World Champion.

The championship featured seventy-two of the sports top players from fifteen countries including twenty from England with two from Northwest clubs, including former BCC member Jack Good.

The American National Croquet Centre in Florida is one of the largest croquet facilities in the world featuring high class facilities with pristine lawns.

The ultimate championship winner was South African player Reg Bamford who lives in London and plays at Surbiton Croquet Club. It is the sixth time Mr Bamford has won this championship and is now only the second player to have achieved this feat.

Ken stated that “I qualified as a Croquet referee 35 years ago and have previously officiated at tournaments in England, Wales and Spain. This is the first time I have been invited to the USA and to the World Championships. It was great to meet friends old and new from around the world. The nine days of competition were very busy and involved referees for up to 12 hours each day”.

Pictured, Ken Jones discussing a ruling with now six times World Champion Reg Bamford and also with English multi world champion Stephen Mulliner and with fellow referee Dr Simon Hathrell who all met as members of Cambridge University Croquet Club in 1976, and Chris Williamson also with Reg Bamford.

Bury Croquet Club Annual Dinner & Presentation Evening
Friday 10th October 2025
Bury Golf Club

The club held its annual dinner and presentation evening on Friday 10th October 2025 at Bury Golf Club, attended by 45 members, unfortunately due to illness three members were unable to attend.
A most convivial evening celebrating the club and competitive achievement of members, following the dinner and table quiz, trophies were presented by Honorary Club President David Barrett, (pictured below).

The usual raffle with numerous prizes kindly donated by members raised £180 towards club running costs.

Thanks are due to various committee members who assisted in the organisation of the evening.

If any recipients of awards would like a copy of their picture please email request to Roy Spencer.

This is the first time the club has held the dinner at Bury Golf Club for some years. All events and tournaments held by the club are reviewed by the committee and we would welcome any feed back, comments or suggestions from members about this event to help with the organisation of similar events in the future.

INTERNAL FINALS DAY 2025 - Whitehead Park
Sunday 28th September 2025

The finale playing event of the club internal league competitions took place on a lovely sunny day at Whitehead Park. Lawns in great condition despite a busy season of NW Fed league matches, tournaments and club play, animal damage and severe scorching during the summer.

Five matches took place in on the day, unfortunately the AC Full Lawn H/Cap could not take place due to illness, it is hoped that this can be rearranged before the lawns close on 8th October.

An appreciative audience of members who supported the event enjoyed some great and competitive play between the finalists, with the following results.

Format	Finalists	Winner
GC Advantage Handicap	Dawn Meachin vs Martin Doxsey	Dawn Meachin
One Ball	Simon Attwell vs Duncan Meachin	Duncan Meachin
GC +8 Handicap	Roy Spencer vs Peter Hamer	Peter Hamer
GC Level Play Doubles	Duncan Meachin/Sue Worth vs David Artingstall /Hilary Scott	David Artingstall & Hilary Scott
AC Full Lawn H/Cap	Phil Nuttall vs Margaret Eccles	Postponed
Boules	Bernard Lord vs Ian Saunders	Bernard Lord

The following finals took place prior to finals day due to holidays

Format	Finalists	Winner
AC Advanced	Margaret Eccles vs Paul Kenworthy	Paul Kenworthy
GC Level Play	Paul Kenworthy vs Chris Williamson	Chris Williamson
AC Short Lawn	Vi Richards vs Anne Alvey	Anne Alvey

Well done to all finalists for reaching the finals and of course congratulations to the successful winners.

Special thanks are due to Barbara Duncan (assisted by husband Peter), and Gail Burnett who managed and co-ordinated the overall event throughout the season, and to all members that took part in the knockout stages. Thanks also to members that helped prepare the lawns and leaf cleared.

Pictured below the finalists and the trophy presentations. (More action shots from the day will appear on the web site shortly).

The final centre court game of the day was the doubles which was very entertaining and competitive which was thoroughly enjoyed by spectators, David Artingstall and Hilary Scott ultimately victorious and taking home the trophies.

Roy Spencer

A/C B Level Advanced
Bury v Chester
Played at Whitehead Park on Sunday 14th September

Bury team – Paul Kenworthy 0.5 Richard Leach 10 Phil Hunter 10
Chester team –David Boyd 4.5 Robin Tasker 5 David Guyton 5

Weather was not as bad as the forecast with a pleasant morning with rain showers in the afternoon.

In the doubles Paul and Phil played David and David. Bury played alternate shot whilst Chester played their own balls. Chester were well ahead with David Boyd running penult and David Guyton on 4 back whilst Bury had only run about 4 hoops. However Bury made a comeback which included a 3 ball break from hoop 2 to 4 back and a leave. Unfortunately time was called with a difficult chance at running rover that was missed. Final score Bury 21 – Chester 22.

Richard played Robin with Richard doing his usual accurate hitting but ultimately Robin got round to peg. Richard 15 Robin 26.

In the afternoon singles:

Paul played David Boyd. David made a good start but Paul made some good breaks to win 26–8.
Richard played David Guyton. A very tight tussle with Richard making a late break to overtake David followed by a long exchange with Richard jamming in 2 back with the scores level and time called. David failed to hit and Richard popped his ball through for the win 19 – 18.
Phil played Robin. Robin won 26 – 4 a score that does not reflect some good play by Phil.

Considering the higher handicaps of two of the Bury players and the close scores it was an excellent performance by Bury.

Final Score:- Bury 2 Chester 3

Reporter Paul Kenworthy

Llanfairfechan Short lawn 140925

AC Short Lawn 14th September 2025 Llanfairfechan 8 Bury 8

The Bury CC AC Short Lawn Team visited Llanfairfechan CC on 14th September for the final game of the season. Rough weather was forecast from around lunch time so both teams were anxious to get on with play, and whilst there was some rain during the second series of games and the predicted winds did transpire during towards the end of the day play was not interrupted.

The only distraction to play was a 'tame' Herring Gull that has adopted the club - but had the nasty habit of walking across line of sight when a shot was being taken - hasn't learnt lawn etiquette yet!

Two fairly evenly matched teams bisque wise as indicated by the result, all going down to the final match between Fred Williams and Phil Nuttall. Llanfairfechan needed the game to win the match overall whilst Bury needed it to draw. The game went to time with Phil taking it 13 - 8. All agreed a fair and just result overall.

Pictured Left to right -
Llanfairfechan: Cecilia Lilley, Fred Williams, Jane Taylor,(Cpt), James Thomas Bury: Vi Richards,(Cpt), Roy Spencer, Phil Nuttall, Margaret Eccles.

An enjoyable last day of the season with thanks to our hosts for their hospitality.

Report: Roy Spencer.

Match report Bowdon vs Bury Caesars

Caesars beat Bowdon 7-0.

Caesars went to Bowdon with one of its stalwarts missing meaning that Chris was the lowest handicap player at 7, then Anne at 9, Phil at 10 and Duncan at 18 (playing in his first ever competitive 26pt fixture). The rain held off for most of the morning's play seeing Duncan and Chris in the doubles holding a lead as the game went into the timed turns, but Bowdon came back strong, running 3 hoops to catch up to force a draw with the next point and forcing Bury to play their times turn. However they stuck in the hoop giving Duncan and Chris the win. Anne beat Bowdon’s lowest handicap player by 1 on time and Phil won by 4.

The rain came in over lunch and the worst passed by start of play in the afternoon, later resulting in some sun again.

Chris was the first to finish having beaten Bowdon’s number 1 by 12 points securing the Bury Win for the match. Duncan played an absolute blinder holding his nerve and not letting the fact he was trailing by 6 get him down, he fought back to a 18-14 win on time, giving him 2 wins from his first outing with Caesars. Phil pegged out taking his match 26-13 and Anne held off her opponent giving her a win of 20-17 (2 wins in a row since dropping to her new handicap of 9). A resounding win for Caesars 7-0 over Bowdon; a special mention for Duncan who was asked to play having never competed in full lawn 26pt before and played an absolute blinder.

Report by Chris Alvey

Fylde v Bury 14 point match. Friday 29th August

Fylde team

Andrew Webb 3
Ian Theakston 5.5
Barry Broughton 7.5
Alison Broughton 9.5

Bury

Roger Schofield 4.5
Phil Hunter 5
Margaret Eccles 6
Vi Richards 11

The number after each name indicate the number of bisques each player gets in this 14 point set up.

On a fine sunny Friday morning 7 of us assembled at Fylde CC to play. When Fylde found they were missing Andrew, Ian phoned him and found he was still in bed and unaware that he was supposed to be playing croquet.

It was agreed that we would play the last round first and that Andrew and Roger would have to catch up at some point.

Andrew was only 20 minutes late so he and Roger made a start. On the 5th turn Roger made hoops 1 and 2 off Andrew's ball but failed to approach 3. Andrew shot his ball from hoop 3 to corner 2, Roger then took 2 bisques to take his back ball round and set up for his ball at hoop 3. Andrew again took the negative option of corner 2. Roger then started his break and took his remaining bisques to finish the game. Bury were in the lead for the first and last time. Margaret put up a good challenge against Barry but went down -1 Alison beat Vi +7, a sign of things to come and Ian beat Phil +6.

And so to the doubles, Phil and Margaret were overwhelmed by Ian and Barry who won +11. It looked like Roger and Vi would suffer the same fate after their forward ball was pegged out but Vi played well above herself and they managed to complete a 3 ball break to win +4.

Going into the second round, which was being played last, Bury were trailing 4-2 we needed all 4 to win, this didn't happen. Roger beat Ian +11, Andrew beat Phil +6, Barry beat Vi +6 and Alison beat Margaret +12.

Player of the match was Alison, she took her first ball to rover with 1 bisque in each round, a tactic that worked in both her singles.

Roger Schofield

GC Fun Day Saturday 30th August 2025 - Whitehead Park

Thirty five colourfully dressed members and guests attended the GC Fun Day at Whitehead on Saturday 30th August to take part in the annual GC Fun Day - some for the first time.

Whilst poor weather was forecast fortunately the rain held off and we just about squeezed in the peg shootouts as it started.

The winners of the individual events are

Bonus Hoops - Delphine Bugarel
Odds and Evens - Duncan Meachin
Jokers - Bernard Lord
Scoring Bisques - Margaret Anderson
10 Minute shoot out - Duncan Meachin
Target - Margaret Eccles
Zigzag - Bernard Lord
Hole in One - Ken Anderton

The six individual winners contested the Hit the Peg shootout with Bernard Lord, Margaret Anderton and Ken Anderton topping the chart with 2 hits each. In a dramatic 3-way playoff, Ken Anderton was victorious with Bernard Lord runner up and Margaret Anderton came third.

Pictured are the prize winners receiving their awards, with Ken receiving the fantastic new trophy made by Duncan Meachin.

Well deserved thanks to Simon Attwell, Gail Burnett and Barbara Duncan for organising, co-ordinating and controlling things on the day, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all taking part.

Report by Roy Spencer
Action shots provided by Ian Saunders (CLICK HERE)

Bury North v Fylde Falconers
22 August 2025

Bury North ended the 2025 season with a victory 12 points to 6 points against Fylde Falconers.
Bury gained an early lead which they maintained throughout the match and showed no hint of losing their form right until the final game.
Duncan Meachin was victorious in the opening doubles followed his four singles. He was well supported by team members Ian Saunders, Dawn Meachin and Captain Bernard Lord.
Fylde were a competitive and friendly opposition but they had to succumb to the Bury teams’ strength.

Captain
Bernard Lord

AC Fun Day - Saturday 16th August 2025 - Whitehead Park.

On a lovely Summers Day at Whitehead Park, approximately twenty members took part in the club's annual Association Croquet Fun Day.

The day, aimed at helping to introduce non AC playing members to the format by utilising AC techniques and strokes in fun games partnered with an experienced player. Players are encouraged to wear bright clothing.

Games included Ten Minutes, with teams trying to run as many hoops as possible in ten minutes, with limitless bisques. However the number of bisques used are deducted from the overall doubled score. Joint handicaps are taken into account. Four games are played with different partners. This years winner Bernard Lord.

Flamingos, a short lawn variant of the game - but with a difference, pairs playing against one another over 40 minutes. The twist being that each time a hoop is run a card is drawn, (like Monopoly Community Chest), which can be good or bad. Forfeits can include taking a shot kneeling on one knee, or standing on one leg, (hence Flamingos!).
Good cards can include moving forward a hoop or moving an opponent's ball. This year winners, David Barrett & Duncan Meachin.

Other challenges included Thin Take off target challenge, aiming at a bulls eye target using a thin take off stroke, (not as easy as it seems!), winner Duncan Meachin.

The finale and popular event bring all the competitors together - Crollky, a croquet version of Molkky (a Finnish throwing game), with competitors using croquet balls and mallets to knock down as many wooden pins as possible, each pin having a score value from 1 to 12. As the pins become spread out they become harder to hit, and the skill being to knock down the highest value pins. The winner this year, Barry Scott.

A thoroughly enjoyable day enjoyed by all taking part, with appreciation to Anne & Chris Alvey who organised and co-ordinated the event, and congratulations to the winners.

Mary Rose semi final High Wycombe v Bury at Northampton CC on 15 August

Result: High Wycombe beat Bury 4-3

Individual game scores (Bury names first):

Paul Kenworthy (handicap 0.5) & Ken Jones (3.5) lost to Richard Peperell (2) & David Cotton (3) -1(t)
Tony Phillips (4.5) beat Alan Clark (4) +1(t)
Richard Forman (4.5) lost to Ed Olhausen (3) -7(t)

Paul Kenworthy beat Richard Peperell +13(t)
Ken Jones beat David Cotton +9(t)
Tony Phillips lost to Ed Olhausen -21
Richard Forman lost to Alan Clark -1(t)

Our first ever semi final in this national level play AC competition took longer than expected to organise. Having agreed a date to suit both teams, and agreed to play at a neutral venue to reduce overall travelling time, I had to contact six other clubs before I found one that had lawns available. Thus it was that we convened at Paul's house at 6:30am to set off on a 300 mile multi-motorway round trip to Northampton. Amazingly, we arrived ahead of our opponents, who had a relatively modest journey, and the match got under way at 10:20.

In the morning Richard, returning to the team for the first time since his heroics last year, found his opponent Ed in good form and was soon a lift shot (after 7 hoop points for the forward ball) down and struggling to make headway. Richard eventually made some good progress on the very hard and fast lawns, but the deficit was too great and Ed won comfortably by 21-14. Tony had a similar start, with Alan creeping rather than racing ahead, but when Tony got the pace of the lawn he was able to steadily reel in Alan's lead and overtake him to win a low-scoring game 13-12 and level the match score.

The doubles game appeared all over with half an hour to go as both Bury players were becalmed on hoop 5 with our opponents on hoops 8 and 12, an overall 10 hoop deficit. Ken then hit in and made good progress, with Paul following suit. As time approached Paul hit in again and needed a 5 hoop break to draw level. This he managed to do with a well controlled break up to the final hoop, but was unable to score the extra point to win. Dead level and into sudden death Golden Hoop territory! The High Wycombe pair set up in front of their next hoop which they ran to win the game after Ken just missed a 10 yard shot to regain the innings. We were 2-1 down at lunchtime.

In the afternoon Ed, the High Wycombe captain, was in sparkling form and inflicted a heavy defeat (26-5) on Tony within two hours. At this point the other three games were all close and we needed to win them all! Paul and Ken, playing singles double banked on the same lawn, each found good form and started to pull away from Richard and David respectively. Was there still hope? The message from the other lawn came through "They're level... no, Richard's one ahead" as the blue ball ran hoop 7. Paul and Ken each extended their leads. It was back to level on Lawn 2 as time was called - another Golden Hoop finish! A cheer went up from the watching High Wycombe captain as yellow ran hoop 10 and High Wycombe took an unassailable 4-1 lead. Paul and Ken extended their leads to win and make the match score 4-3, but the great dream was over.... until next year.

This has been our most successful campaign ever in the Mary Rose, reaching the semi final for the first time in the Club's history. Despite fielding the weaker team (on handicap, but not in dogged determination and team spirit) in each of our three matches, we almost reached the final. I would like to thank and congratulate the team who made this such a great year - Paul and Tony played in all three matches, ably supported by Anne, Richard L and Richard F who each played in one match.

Ken Jones, Bury captain

Bury vs Pendle Short Lawn Match
Saturday 26 th July

Bury Team – Roger Schofield 1.5, Richard Leach 2, Philip Hunter 3, Vi Richards 6 (Captain)
Pendle Team – Paul Dowdall 1Peel, Catherine Parnell 2, Libby Dixon 3.5

Fine weather greeted the two teams at Whitehead Park. Due to unforeseen circumstances Pendle were only able to field a team of three instead of the normal team of 4 which meant that Bury were guaranteed a minimum of 4 wins in the match.

The opening round of matches saw Bury make a clean sweep though two of the matches were very close ones which went to the timed turn. The second round of matches saw Pendle mount a comeback by taking 2 out of the 3 games that were played. In the afternoon Pendle continued to mount a comeback by again winning 2 out of the 3 games that were played. However, Bury regained the momentum in the final round of matches by making another clean sweep.

Final Score Bury 12 Pendle 4

What's On

The What's On section of the website has been updated with three events for your diaries.
More information can be found at the links below or from the Whats On link in the banner of this webpage.

16th August 2025 - ASSOCIATION CROQUET FUN DAY
30th August 2025 - GOLF CROQUET FUN DAY
10th October 2025 - ANNUAL DINNER AND PRESENTATION EVENING

Mary Rose quarter final Bury v Bowdon at Bowdon on 25 July

Result: Bury beat Bowdon 4-3

Individual game scores (Bury names first):

Paul Kenworthy (handicap 0.5) & Ken Jones (3.5) beat Charles Harding (0.5) & Brian Medley (1) +4(t)
Tony Phillips (4.5) beat Sylvia Steer (7) +6(t)
Richard Leach (10) lost to Robert Essler (1) -10(t)

Paul Kenworthy lost to Charles Harding -1(t)
Ken Jones lost to Brian Medley -22
Tony Phillips beat Robert Essler +10(t)
Richard Leach beat Sylvia Steer +4(t)

This match was a repeat of last year's quarter final, which resulted in a narrow win for Bowdon, so we were determined to go one better and reach the semi final for the first time in the club's history. The weather at Bowdon was calm and dry with sunny periods and the lawns were very flat but fast in places, resulting in most games going to time.

The morning doubles was a tactical affair from the outset. Hoop 2 was very tight and all four players failed to run it on their first attempts. Once through this hoop, Paul and Ken made steady progress and had built a good lead by the time a shout of relief followed the first Bowdon ball to run the hoop after two hours. Despite a late rally by the Bowdon pair, they had left too much to do and Bury won the game. In the only game where Bury had the lower handicap player, Tony made a good start against Sylvia and maintained his lead throughout the game to record a second win for the visiting team. In the final morning game, Richard had the hardest task of all, having to play level against a very experienced and much lower handicapped opponent. Robert made a fast start, running 7 hoops in the first 15 minutes and steadily building a big lead. Richard, playing his first ever Mary Rose game, followed his captain's instructions ("enjoy yourself and run as many hoops as you can") to gain a very creditable 14 points, but was unable to catch Robert up.
Lunch score 2-1 to Bury.

In the afternoon Ken made a tentative start, but Brian was in blistering form and made two impressive breaks to build a big lead which he never relinquished and the match score quickly became 2-2. At this stage Bury were ahead in all three of the other games. Tony managed to maintain the innings for long periods in his game against his more experienced and lower handicapped opponent, with Robert showing increasing frustration over just missing long shots to regain the innings. Tony kept control of the game and Bury were now 3-2 ahead. In the top game there was some impressive play by Paul and Charles, with Paul gaining a three hoop lead as time was called; he then attempted one final hoop to gain an unassailable lead and win the match, but failed to run it, and Charles hit in and made a well-controlled four hoop break under extreme pressure to win the game by the narrowest of margins.
Match score 3-3.

In the final game Richard was again playing level against a more experienced and lower handicapped opponent. He was mindful of his captain's lunchtime instruction (finger jabbed in his face, with the advice shouted "you've got to win this afternoon!"). Richard made steady progress and built a lead, with Sylvia hitting in well and gradually catching up. At one point there was a further comment from his watching captain ("that was a careless shot to miss an easy hoop and give your opponent a break with your ball at her hoop!"), but Richard, undaunted, hit a long shot to regain the innings on his next turn and maintained his lead until his final turn when he ended by hitting his ball into a far corner to deny Sylvia any chance of a dramatic final turn to catch up.
Bury win 4-3!!

Overall, this is a highly significant result with Bury reaching the national semi final of a level play AC tournament for the first time in the club's history. Three of our five players this season played in the competition for the first time, winning six out of eight games between them. In most games, all played level, we have been the weaker players on paper. Whatever the result of the semi final against High Wycombe (national winners in 2023) next month, this season's campaign has already been an extraordinary success.

Ken Jones, Bury captain

A/C B Level Advanced
Fylde v Bury
Played at Fylde on Sunday 20th July

Bury team – Paul Kenworthy 0.5 Ken Jones 3.5 Richard Leach 10
Fylde team – Peter Wilson 3.5 Liz Wilson 3.5 Phil Snowden 6

The forecast was for some thunderstorms. The reality was a few showers on a cloudy but warm day.

It was decided that the singles would be played in the morning so that if we were rained off in the afternoon a result could be declared.

Hence Paul played Peter. Peter did a brilliant all round break with his first ball jamming balls in hoop 2 hoop 6 and hoop 3 as part of his very clever leave with Paul getting a contact. After many exchanges Paul managed to peg Peters first ball off. Much more play as Paul tried to finish with his own 2 balls and Peter made some 3 ball breaks. Finally Paul pegged out for a + 1 win.

Ken played Liz with Ken losing -23 a score which does not reflect some good play but missed opportunities by Ken.

Richard played Phil losing -16 despite some good hitting and hoop running by Richard.

So Bury 1 Fylde 2 going in for lunch

In the afternoon doubles Paul and Richard played Liz and Phil. All players played alternate shot. It was a very close match and could have gone either way. A final break by Fylde gave them a 3 point win.

Due to a mess up by Bury team captain (me) when filling in the sheet Ken had to play another singles instead of being in the doubles. Oops!

So Ken played Peter who again went round to give a contact this time with all the balls together near corner 4. Very difficult to get going from this position. The final result was Ken lost -18.

Final Score:- Bury 1 Fylde 4

Reporter Paul Kenworthy

Bowdon Earls v Bury 14 point league

Bowdon Team
Mike Shelmerdine
Charles Fraser
Cas Sinclair
John Bagnall

Bury Team
Tony Phillips
Roger Schofield
Richard Leach
Margaret Eccles

The doubles games were both close and the only games to go to time, with Roger and Richard winning +1 and Tony and Margaret loosing -3.

In the second round, Tony and Roger both had good wins; Tony +8 and Roger +11. Margaret went down -2 to Cas and Richard lost -14 to John, clearly John was their secret weapon.

All level going into the last round and everything to play for. Roger was first off, beating Charles +13. Unfortunately Tony went down -11 to Mike, before Richard restored Bury's lead. It all depended on what Margaret could do against the all conquering John.

Margaret got going first and took a ball to hoop 4. John responded by taking a ball round with one and a half of his eight and a half bisques. Margaret replied to the pressure, by taking her second ball round and pegging John's ball out.

John found it dificult to get his second ball going with only 3 balls left, but he did get round, though Margaret was also round by then, so with both players missing the peg, it was Margaret who got the peg out to win the day for Bury.

Bury 6 Bowdon 4

Roger Schofield

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEAN OLDFIELD!

Bury Croquet Club member Jean Oldfield celebrates her 98th birthday on Thursday 24th July and as can be seen below is still running hoops.

Jean, who has been a member of the club for at least 25 years, regularly attends the Tuesday and Thursday afternoon club GC sessions, and actively plays a number of competitive games; she expects and gives no quarter! Unsurprisingly she is finding distance shots a little more difficult these days, but her hoop running remains extremely accurate and she never ceases to amaze fellow members with some of the shots she pulls off.
Naturally Jean will be spending the special day with her family, so a small celebration was held at the club on Tuesday 22nd July when members presented her with a bunch of flowers, bottle of sherry (her favourite tipple) and shared cakes with her.

Interestingly Jean is also an accomplished artiste, and she painted the picture on the wall behind her "At Play" which she kindly presented to club a few years ago. Naturally everyone at the club is extremely fond and proud of Jean, and are full of admiration for her.

Many happy returns Jean!

David Artingstall wins GC ‘C’ Level series Tournament at Bury
16th July 2025

Report by Sue Worth

David Artingstall (Bury) won the GC ‘C’ Level trophy for the second year running beating Eddie Wilson (Backworth) in the Final (7-1).

A full complement of 12 players came to a warm and sunny Whitehead Park, and it was good to welcome several new faces from around the country.

Play consisted of two blocks. Block A was dominated by Eddie Wilson who won all 5 of his matches, closely followed by David Artingstall who won 4 of his matches, (losing 1 to Eddie Wilson!), and securing their places in the Semi Final Block B was closely contested but Karen Bowes and Ray Hodgson (both Crake Valley) won 4 games each to go through to join Eddie and David in the Semi Final.

Both matches were closely fought but Eddie beat Karen (7-6), and David beat Ray (7-5), therefore fellow Crake Valley players Karen and Ray contested the 3rd /4th Playoff. In a close match Karen came through to win (7-6) The 5th /6th Playoff between John Bowes (Crake Valley) and Pamela Dawson (Gainsborough) was another closely fought match which John won (7-6). He was awarded the Plate.

Alan Munday (Belsay Hall) beat Kim Dalland (7-5) in the 7th /8th Playoff. Another closely fought match in the 9th /10th Playoff between Kate Packham (Nottingham) and Brenda Knight (Crake Valley) saw Kate come through (7-6) to win the Shield.

Sharon De Maine (Pendle and Craven) withdrew from the 11th/12th Playoff against Barbara Duncan (Bury)

David beat Eddie (7-1) in the Final and took the Trophy for a second year and despite the scoreline we experienced some exciting play and great shots from both men, along with some tense crowd pleasing moments.

Club President, David Barrett, presented the trophies and medals.

Thanks go to the referee, John Crossland; the Tournament Manager and Admin Team, the Grounds Team and the Catering Team, for making the day an enormous success which everyone involved enjoyed.

Full results can be seen on Croquet Scores – HERE

Match Report Bury North v Bowdon Bounders

Final Score Bury North 8 Bowdon 10

Team:-
Bernard Lord( Captain)
David Parrott
Duncan Meachin
Martin Doxsey

Although the result looks close Bowdon quickly went into a comfortable lead but, thanks to David Parrott, the gap was narrowed and a draw was possible pending the final match between the two captains which eventually went Bowdon's way. The advantage that Bowdon had, due to their higher handicaps, proved too difficult for Bury.

Thanks go to David and Martin for joining the team at late notice and they both contributed, especially David who won all four of his singles matches. Thanks also to the Bowdon team, whose skills belied their handicaps, but they made Bury welcome. Prior to the match Bury had the promise of top spot in the league with only the Fylde match remaining. Next year perhaps.

Overall,a difficult but enjoyable game, and we made some new contacts.

Thanks to all
Bernard

Bury Croquet - Taking Croquet to the community.

The Bury CC gazebo has been busy this summer being seen at community events - spreading the croquet message.

7th June - Greater Manchester Police Community Fun Day at Whitefield, Bury. In addition to emergency vehicles, police horses there were a number of other stalls including birds of prey, plus of course croquet. Quite a number of children enjoyed running hoops being photographed by proud parents, some being put up on social media. The GMP mascot PC Cub (pictured) also visited the stand.

3rd July - We were invited to participate in the Bury College staff end of term well being event. Staff members were invited to pre-book the activities they wished to take part in. Other activities included archery, golf driving (small ball). Both sessions of croquet were fully attended and follow up taster sessions booked.

5th July - Glad2BeeRad Family Festival, Close Park Radcliffe, organised by Bury Council in conjunction with BEE Network (GMP Transport). The theme of the festival was movement, activities included a climbing wall, cycling, gymnastics, athletics and beat the goalie. (When the goalie wasn't playing croquet!). Again hoop running enjoyed by many participating children.

In addition to these community events on 21st June the club hosted a visit organised by the local twinning association with their 20+ guests from Schorndorf Germany, who not only enjoyed their first experience of croquet but particularly relished scones, strawberries and cream!

Bury CC Chair Roy Spencer commented that whilst attending these public events is hard work and requires commitment and support from club members, it is a rewarding way of spreading the croquet message , and to see so many children enjoying running hoops along with overcoming the common misconceptions about the sport. It is also satisfying that the club was directly invited to participate in the events by the respective organisers (at no cost), demonstrating the benefit of the club's previous community outreach activities. All visitors to the club stalls at these events took away the CqE "A Quick Guide" and club leaflets.

Simon Attwell wins Northampton heat of National GC 7+ Tournament.

Congratulations to club member Simon Attwell who brought home the trophy, winning the Northampton CC heat of the National GC 7+ Tournament on Saturday 21st June. Simon competed in a field of nine players. He now is eligible to take part in the national final to be held later in the year at Compton CC. He achieved his personal objective for this season of reducing his GC Handicap to 6.

A/C B Level Advanced
Bury v Crake Lakes
Played at Whitehead Park on Saturday 12 July

Bury team – Paul Kenworthy 0.5 Ken Jones 3.5 Richard Leach 10
Crake team – Ian Hall 2.0 Steve Skelton 3.5 John Henderson 4.0

Played on a sunny and very warm day. Parasols essential! Lots of liquid consumed!

In the morning doubles Ken and Richard took on Steve and John. The Bury pair decided to play alternate shots which allowed Ken to do some invaluable coaching for Richard. The Crake team stuck with playing one colour ball each. It was a game where some missed hoop approaches could have changed the outcome but the final result was a Bury loss 15 – 19.

Paul played Ian. Neither player made any big breaks. Paul impressed himself with a near perfect diagonal spread leave with opponent jammed on the peg. He then failed to capitalise. A scrappy finish left Paul the loser 17 – 21.

So Bury 0 Crake 2 going in for lunch.

Paul played Steve and regained some form winning 26 - 10.

Ken played Ian who had mastered the lawns to win 26 – 5.

Richard played John. Richard had a good break mid match but ultimately was defeated 15 – 26

Final Score:- Bury 1 Crake Lakes 4

Reporter Paul Kenworthy

Pendle vs Bury Caesars

A hot day at Pendle saw the team of Anne, Chris Roger & Tony travelling to Pendle. Anne and Chris again took on the doubles playing Paul and Andrew, although taking some time to settle and trailing heavily they came back to win 20-17. Roger’s opponent Mark, with 4 bisques to Rogers 0, won 15-5 and Tony, while a close match lost 24-23 to Eileen and her 5½ bisques on the Golden hoop, making the score at lunch 2-1 to Pendle.

The afternoon started badly for Chris who was trailing by 8 after Andrew's first turn around but pulled it back level before eventually being beaten 26-19, Tony was victorious against Paul with a commanding 26-11 win and Anne was able to beat Mark 15-14 on time. Roger was still in play and had managed to get 2 ahead but Eileen fought back getting ahead on the timed turn and leaving Roger a long roquet to play in order to level the score and either take it to a win or force the golden hoop. Unfortunately the ball drifted wide giving the win to Eileen with the final result being Pendle 4 – Bury Caesars 3

NW Fed Festival of Croquet Southport 2025

Sixteen club members took part in the annual NW Croquet Federation of Croquet Clubs Festival of Croquet at Southport & Birkdale CC on 28th & 29th June 2025. Whilst we took part in all disciplines, unfortunately it was not our year, nonetheless all team members played their part there were a number of very competitive games and we did achieve many victories. It was nonetheless a very enjoyable weekend with year on year friendships with players from other clubs renewed.

A number of members stayed overnight and enjoyed two enjoyable social evenings at local restaurants. Thanks to Margaret Eccles for co-ordinating these.

Special thanks to Vi Richards & Margaret Eccles who managed and co-ordinated the club's entry, also to the respective team captains, and to Charlotte Saunders - our staunch regular supporter and photographer. Also to Hilary, Helen, David & Peter 'the Rammy Four' who came to support us on Sunday.

Unlike last year we enjoyed two full days of wonderful sunshine, interestingly a total of 134 games of croquet were played with 2229 hoops run. The overall winners of the event were Crake Valley CC and we offer our congratulations to them.

Below is a small selection of photographs from the weekend. There are some very nice shots on the NW Fed Web site and also on Croquet England Face book page. (Unfortunately not all the team members are not shown on the team photo as they were not present at the time).

Bury North v Crake Valley Handicap League

After a well contested match Bury North came out as winners largely due to all team members contributing.

Both teams competed all giving their best and Crake congratulated Bury on their performance and a lawn that gave a true run of the ball allowing players confidence in their shots.

Match report by Bernard Lord

Bury Caesars vs Crake Valley 6th July 2025

A rainy start saw Crake visiting coronation Park. For the first time Anne and Chris paired up to play alternate stroke doubles (not something Chris is a fan of). However this seemed to work as after 2 hours of play Crake hadn’t run a hoop. While they caught up later the commanding start left Bury with the win in the doubles, though not before both Phil and Tony had won their singles games on the second lawn.

The afternoons weather was dry and getting warmer by the hour. Tony was first to finish beating John from Crake well before time. Chris was to become the only Bury team member to lose his match all day, but it was very to and for between him and Jim as they were very evenly matched. Anne and Phil went on to beat their opponents in the remaining 2 games but with them going to time. Special mention to Anne for running 2-back from 6 yards away and then managing to continue her break.

Overall a good days play with fairly evenly matched teams but a 6-1 win to Bury Caesars

Match report by Chris Alvey

Mary Rose round 2
Bury v Nottingham at Whitehead Park on 14 June

Result: Bury beat Nottingham 5-2.

Individual game scores (Bury names first):

Paul Kenworthy (handicap 1) & Ken Jones (3.5) lost to Dave Gunn (0) & Michael Finnigan (3) -3(t)
Tony Phillips (4.5) lost to Rick Davis (4.5) -7
Anne Alvey (10) beat Bob Thompson (3) +16

Paul Kenworthy beat Dave Gunn +2(t)
Ken Jones beat Michael Finnigan +8
Tony Phillips beat Bob Thompson +4
Anne Alvey beat Rick Davis +7(t)

The first ever Mary Rose match between Bury and Nottingham took place at Bury's Whitehead Park lawns on Saturday 14 June. The threatened thundery downpours failed to materialise and we even had sunshine for part of the day. The lawns were freshly cut and white lined, and had recovered from their drought-affected state three weeks earlier.

In the morning doubles game Dave and Michael made a fast start against Paul and Ken, building a big lead against the Bury pair. This was gradually reeled back by Paul who reached the peg, with both opposition balls on the final hoop. As time was called with both opponent balls in corners, Ken hit in and ran a 4 yard hoop 8 in the final turn, but he couldn't manage the 4 hoop break to draw level. Tony made a very quick start against Rick, building a good lead, which Rick then steadily caught up until both players were at hoop 6 and on the peg; Tony then had two long-range attempts to peg Rick out, but it was the Nottingham man who managed to peg Tony out and eventually won. At this stage Nottingham, the reigning national champions of the Mary Rose competition, were two nil ahead and the home team feared the worst. In the final morning game Anne and Bob had a slower start, with Anne playing Level Advanced rules for the first time against a more experienced and lower handicapped opponent. It was Anne who steadily gained in confidence, hitting in at crucial moments and steadily pulled away to win by 16. First game to Bury!

In the afternoon Tony and Bob both made good breaks and either could have won, before a mistake by Bob let Tony in to record a win by 4 and level the match score at 2 all. Ken and Michael had a close game for the first 2 hours, before some consistent hitting-in by Ken and a crucial short miss by Michael allowed Ken to win by 8. Paul and Dave each had good breaks in the top match, which could have gone either way, but Paul eventually pulled ahead to win by 2 as time was called - match win to Bury! In the final game Rick had an early lead in a tactical tussle before Anne steadily pulled away to win by 7 on time.

The win by 5 games to 2, against potentially a much stronger opposition team, was a most impressive result by the Bury team and (for the second year running) has earned us a quarter final match against Bowdon, also previous winners of the competition.

Ken Jones, Bury Captain

Bury v Llanfairfechan

Report by Roger Schofield

Bury
Roger Schofield
Richard Leach
Margaret Eccles
Vi Richards

Llanfairfechan
James Thomas
Dave Harding
Sarah Andrew
Elaine Crook

Llanfairfechan were at a disadvantage because James never turnd up his train being stuck in a flood.
Doubles - Margaret and Richard v Elaine and Dave. Elaine and Dave took an early lead which they were able to maintain to win +9.
Roger v Dave. Roger hit in on the 3rd turn and moved the balls around. Dave took a bisque to get in and 2 more to go round. Roger missed and Dave finished on the 6th turn +14.

Margaret v Elaine. Elaine took a ball round using 4 bisques leasving her 9 bisques for her second ball but it did not go her way and Margaret worked her way back into the game. When time was called the score was 11 all. Elaine managed to break the deadlock plus 1 on time, this is the only game that went to time.

Vi v Sarah and Richard v Dave. These were close interactive games with Bury winning them both +4.

Vi v Elaine and Margaret v Sarah. In these games both Bury players took an early lead which they were able to keep running out with a comfortable +8 victory

Penrith vs Bury Longman cup

Report by Chris Alvey

Bury travelled to Penrith to play their first match of the 2025 Longman cup competition.

The team of Anee, Chris, Margaret and Tony took on Geoff, Ian Louise and Phillip from Penrith. The morning games had Margaret out-bisqued 12-5, but she took a commanding lead and manged to hold it until the last 15 minutes of the game with some fantastic hit-ins, Phillip however had held on to some bisques and played quickly to take the match 26-23.

The doubles also saw the Penrith team with a raft of bisques with 7.5 to Tony and Anne’s 1 1/2. Tony managed to put a good break together but good alternate stroke play from Iain and Louise won the match 20-18. Chris got to watch both of these matches conclude, having played the best he has so far this season and beating Geoff 26-6 in under one and a half hours.

The afternoon saw everyone except Chris giving bisques to their opponents, Chris and his opponent Ian both having 1 each, and again an early finish for Chris as he took the match 26-20. Tony was giving 1 ½ to Geoff but played some excellent attacking croquet to take the match 26-10.

Margaret had 5 to Louises 16, which despite some great play from Margaret saw Louise take the win 22-12 on time, leaving the match all square with only Anne and Phillip to finish.

Anne had started the match with 4 bisques to Phillip's 12 and with 15 minutes to go Phillip had 5 left but was trailing Anne who had found her rhythm. With time running out Phillip managed to pull one ahead as the timer went but unfortunately approached the wrong hoop and broke down. Anne had joined up with her partner ball and managed the get to a hoop approaching position north of penult but the approach dropped short leaving a hoop short in excess of 3 yards. Never a quitter Anne lined up and shot straight through levelling the score. Using Phillip’s ball she cleared it and approached the hoop with the croquet stroke but fell short leaving another long hoop. No guts no glory, everyone from both teams collectively held their breath as Anne once again ran the hoop to win her game and the match for Bury.

Penrith 3 v Bury 4

Robert Strover wins GC (4+) ‘B’ Level Series Tournament
at Bury 18th May 2025

Report by Sue Worth

Robert Strover (Bishop Monkton) won the GC ‘B’ Level Tournament beating Frank Sharps (Crake) in the Final (7-6) at Whitehead Park, Bury.

Play consisted of two blocks and, since there were only 8 players competing, each match was played to 15 points. In the three rounds some of the matches took a long time to resolve. David Barrett (Bury) and Rod Bowden (Llanfairfechan) had a 33- minute battle for the first hoop in their match, however, once run, the match did pick up a pace and Rod went on to win (8-1).

In Block A, both Frank Sharps and John Tidy (Sheffield) won 2 out of their 3 matches, thus ensuring their places in the Semi Final. In Block B Robert Strover won all 3 of his matches earning his place in the Semi Final. The remaining 3 Block B players all won 1 match, but Margaret Crossland (Sheffield) won her place in the Semi Final on net hoops.

The decision was made that, after the long sessions in the rounds, the matches would revert to 13 points for the remainder of the matches. In the Semi Final Frank beat Margaret (7-5,) Robert beat John (7-3) which meant that fellow club players Margaret and John met in the 3 rd /4 th Playoff. Margaret won (7- 3)

Rod Bowden (Llanfairfechan) and Robert Mumford’s (Ripon Spa) 5 th /6 th playoff match was tight, but Rod came through (7-6) to win the Plate. The 7 th /8 th Playoff featured Bury players David Barrett and Bernard Lord, which David won (7-3).

We experienced excellent play from both Frank and Robert in the Final and everyone enjoyed watching this closely fought match which concluded with Robert running the final hoop and thus winning the cup.

Club Chairman, Roy Spencer, presented the trophies and medals.

Thanks go to the referee, John Crossland, the Tournament Manager and Admin team, the Grounds Team and, of course, the Catering Team, for making the day an enormous success, which everyone involved enjoyed.

Full results can be seen on Croquet Scores HERE

Club Annual holiday weekend 9th - 12th May 2025

(ALL PHOTOS HERE)

This years club annual holiday weekend was for the first time held at Warner Hotels Alvaston Hall hotel Nantwich, Cheshire 9th - 12th May.

Twenty two club members took advantage of and enjoyed the many activities the hotel has to offer including the leisure centre with pool and spa, aqua aerobics, archery and shooting, boules, quizzes. Members also enjoyed walking around the extensive grounds wildlife watching.

Whilst the hotel has its own croquet lawn, a disused bowling lawn was set up by the hotel grounds team for use exclusively by the club. We took our own equipment and gazebo and plenty of croquet was played over two days of glorious sunshine. Many of the hotel guests enjoyed spectating whilst sun bathing and there were a number of enquiries about the game, rules etc and some gave it a try, and took details of their nearest club.

In the evening members got together for an enjoyable dinner in the hotel restaurant and cabaret room. Food and service was excellent and efficient with a themed menu each evening followed by musical entertainment - this weekend’s theme was Rock’n’Roll, with a particularly good group on Saturday, the Bluejays. After a hectic day of croquet, activities and dancing most members were too tired to bother with a nightcap in the bar being entertained by a vocalist, but the option was there!

For most of the members it was their first experience of a Warner hotel and were very impressed with the overall experience, so much so that 13 want to come back next year with another 4 happy to come back or try another Warner venue and 4 happy to ‘go with the flow’ and 1 preferring the previous venue. Interestingly some members have taken the opportunity to book their own break at other Warner hotels.

(ALL PHOTOS HERE)

Pendle v Bury North match report

Result 10-8 win for Bury North
Bury team Dawn Meachin, Duncan Meachin, Pat Lord, Bernard Lord

It was a very closely fought contest which came down to the last two singles which were won by Bury.
All four competitors contributed against a capable opposition.

Bernard

Good Week for Bury CC H/Cap Golf Teams

Our two H/Cap Golf Teams had a good week:

Saturday 10th May 2025 - Bury South won at home vs Fylde Coasters 12- 6 - Team Pictured Barbara Duncan (Captain), Hilary Hamer, Helen & David Artingstall.

Tuesday 13th May 2025 - Bury North away vs Pendle - A close match decided on the final two games - Team. Bernard Lord (Captain) Pat Lord, Dawn & Duncan Meachin.

Match Report
Bury Peelers vs Fylde

Bury Team Margaret Eccles (Captain), David Barrett,
Richard Leach, Vi Richards
Fylde Team Betty Bates (Captain), Lee Marley, Peter Wilson, Andrew Webb

The morning session saw David and Vi face off against Lee and Peter in the doubles with David and Vi have several bisques at their disposal. For the majority of the match it looked like David and Vi were well ahead even after Lee got in and went round to rover before jamming his ball in the jaws of the hoop. However with very little time left Peter got in and managed to take his ball round, peel Lee’s ball through rover and peg out just after time ran out in the match.

In the singles match Richard played against Andrew while Margaret played Betty. In the early stages of the match between Richard and Andrew it was regularly swapping advantage especially with Richard choosing not to waste his bisques. However once both players settled down Richard gradually took charge of the game with good use of his bisques to establish a lead. Andrew started to battle back but Richard proved too strong and took the match 26 – 13. In the remaining singles match it was again a difficult match up as both players struggled with the lawn. Eventually Betty started to take charge but Margaret kept battling right up to the end when time was called. Lunchtime score Bury Peelers 1 Fylde 2

In the afternoon David was facing Lee and had a lot of bisques at his disposal. However, Lee proved too strong and took the match. In the other match on lawn 2 Richard faced off against Peter. In the early stages neither player made any real breaks but after Peter got in and made a 6 hoop break it spurred Richard into trying to up his own game. As Peter admitted afterwards it was somewhat demoralizing to see his opponent doing 2 ball breaks for multiple hoops and then switching to a different ball to continue doing 2ball breaks for a few more hoops. Eventually Richard managed to run out the winner 23 - 9 though he willingly admitted that one of the breaks he made was probably 1 of the worst he had done.

The two remaining games saw Margaret playing Andrew and Vi playing Betty. Vi seemed to be doing well early on despite Betty getting one of her balls to peg. However Vi started to find hitting in difficult while Betty seemed to grow stronger and more accurate with her shots to run out the winner 26 – 15. In the last game Andrew seemed to find his hitting in and accuracy which had let him down against Richard. However Margaret proved to be stronger and managed to win after time was called.

A great success!!

Visitors and club members alike have agreed that annual open day proved a big success last Saturday 26th April at Whitehead, with a record number of visitors estimated in excess of 125, and takings in the region of £1250 (with some possible residual money to come, along with donations in the hospice buckets).

Thanks are due to members who fabulously supported the day, working diligently serving on the stalls and in the kitchen dealing with a regular flow of customers, whilst on the lawns thanks also to members that hosted visitors trying out games of croquet with younger children enjoying their activities.

The membership enquiry desk this year remaining manned throughout the event was active, resulting in one new full member, 15 registering interest in taking a trial membership along with some interest in taster sessions.

Additionally Tottington & Bury West Rotary group booked an event, another group who were very complimentary about the day are also considering holding an event. There were also other expressions of interest in some sort of events at the club.

The Mayor and Mayoress attended and played with James Frith (MP for Bury North - and member of the parliamentary Culture Media & Sport Committee), making his first visit to the club. Three local councillors, and Councillors from Radcliffe First Party including the leader Cllr. Mike Smith also visited and two PCSO's.

A reporter from radio station Bolton FM visited and a report about the day with interviews from members, visitors and James Frith MP with was aired on Tuesday 29th April, we also received a complimentary email of thanks from Cllr. Charlotte Morris of Elton Ward and a number of visitors posted images utilising the selfie frame on their Instagram pages (some examples below). All great PR for the club! We have also had verbal compliments from other visitors.

James Frith MP posted on his Facebook page .

Thanks are due to members that donated tombola prizes and also hampers that created a great display. (Hampers were also donated by Tesco Bury, Morrisons Ramsbottom, and prizes by Morrisons Whitefield, Bury Hospice also provided tombola prizes).

Would members who have not yet forwarded money from sales of tickets please do so as soon as possible so the we can finalise an overall figure.

Well done everyone!!!

A/C B Level Advanced
Bury v Bowdon Angels
Played at Whitehead Park On Saturday 3 May

Bury team – Paul Kenworthy 1 Roger Schofield 8 Richard Leach 10
Bowdon team – Alan Mayne 0 Charles Harding 0 Paul Harris 12

Played on a cloudy but warm and dry day. The lawns played very well!

In the morning doubles Roger and Richard took on Alan and Paul Harris. The Bowdon pair decided to play alternate shots but the Bury team stuck with playing one colour ball each. It was a match with no big breaks and was 13 all with 20 minutes to play. Bowdon managed to run 3 more hoops to win 16 -13. The shot of the match went To Richard Leach who, having run hoop 4 shot at his reception ball missed and ran hoop 5 finishing near his other ball!!!!!

Paul played Charles. Charles took his first ball to 2 back and stuck in the hoop. Paul got going and went to 4 back with a leave. Charles hit in but then did a thin take off which he very honestly admitted that the ball did not move. Hence Paul had an easy start to take his second ball to peg. After some exchanges Paul pegged out to win 26 - 11.

So Bury 1 Bowdon 1 going in for lunch.

Paul played Alan who was missing hit ins but was beautifully smooth when making breaks. However Paul managed to overcome him winning 26 -17.

Roger played Charles who made 3 breaks with no mistakes to win 26 - 0. Rogers only chance overan when approaching hoop one.

Richard took on Paul Harris. Paul Harris was playing his first Advanced match. No major breaks were made by either player but Richards superb hoop running got him round and he pegged out to win 26 - 12.

Final Score:- Bury 3 Bowdon Angels 2

Similar to the 2024 end of season match Bowdon fielded a team with two scratch players so they were definite favourites to win. The actual result was a great credit to Bury.

Reporter Paul Kenworthy

Match Report - Bury Caesars vs Southport

Caesars first match of the season was played at Coronation Park against an evenly matched Southport team.

The morning started with Tony and Chris playing in the doubles giving away 2 ½ bisques to their opponents which, with the consistent way they played, was more than enough for Southport to defeat them 26-1.

Phil was narrowly beaten in his singles match whilst Anne kept Caesars hopes alive by winning her match comfortably.

Following lunch in the singles Chris’ match placed him against and equal handicap opponent in Bill meaning no bisques were had at all and although there was a lot of changes of the lead Chris went behind by 5 hoops with 45 minutes to go. Having managed to claw back the lead both players were for peg with both balls, Chris managing to peg one out first. It then became a shoot-out and after some narrow misses it was taken by Southport 26-25.

Tony gave bisques to Tony from Southport and despite some good play was defeated 26-15.

Both Phil and Anne were still in it at this point with Anne having a commanding lead over Eddie which ultimately led her to a 20-5 victory on time.

Phil was 2 ahead when the timer went with his opponent Peter having the innings. It was a tense finish, but Peter clanged the last hoop he needed to draw level leaving Phil with a 15-14 win on time.

A good series of matches but unfortunately the win went to Southport 4-3

Report by Chris Alvey

Match Report - Bury Short Lawn Team v Fylde CC,
Whitehead Park, Saturday 12th April 2025

The first Bury league match of the 2025 season at Whitehead Park, our Short lawn team welcomed Fylde CC on a gloriously sunny day.
It took both teams time to adjust to the speed of the lawns which were in great condition. Bury had the best of the morning session winning seven of the eight games, however Fylde faired better in the afternoon winning five games. The overall result Bury 10, Fylde 6.

Teams:
Bury - Vi Richards - Captain, David Barrett, Richard Leach, Roger Schofield.
Fylde - Alison Broughton - Captain, Ian Theakstone, Barry Broughton, Robert Brentwood.

Richard Leach won all 4 of his games and Roger 3.
A good positive start to the season.

Report & photo Roy Spencer

Pre-season Supper & Awards
Friday 28th March 2025, Whitehead Park

(ALL PHOTOS HERE)

Approximately forty members attended a special event at Whitehead Park celebrating success of 2024 tournament and internal competition winners. The committee having made the decision to move the annual dinner to the end of the croquet season 2025, it was recognised that an event was necessary to celebrate the success of those members who won competitions in 2024.

The Chair, Roy Spencer welcomed members to the evening and explained that before making presentations, the committee felt that it was appropriate to thank a special group of people that have helped our players over many years – the coaches. Accordingly, David Barrett, Ken Jones, John Gilmartin and Margaret Eccles were invited to come forward and receive a token gift and a round of applause. (Pictured). Chris Alvey who could not be present was also recognised.

The committee were pleased to welcome Jean Hargreaves and Janet Wood as special guests, both long term and hard-working members of the club. Jean was presented with a gift (pictured) in recognition of her work in many and varied roles in the club.

Club Honorary President David Barrett was then invited to present various trophies to the winners.

Unfortunately, not all successful players could be present, including Ged Smolskas who had a magnificent year winning ten tournaments at clubs around the country. Also not present:

Chris Williamson – winner AC Full Lawn
Paul Kenworthy – winner AC Advanced.

Trophies were presented to:
Dawn Meachin – winner Golf Handicap
Simon Attwell – winner Golf 8+ Handicap
Richard Leach – winner Golf Level Play
Richard Leach & Barbara Duncan – winners Gold Level Doubles
David Barrett – winner One Ball
Bernard Lord – winner Boules

David Artingstall was presented with the trophy having won the Bury CC Heat of the National C Level GC Series, going on to take part in the National Final at Watford CC. David performed very well, and whilst not bringing home the silverware on this occasion was the highest ranked Northern player.

Following the presentations guests took enjoyed an excellent finger buffet, followed by a delightful croquet cake. (Pictured).

The buffet was followed by a table team challenge with members of taking part in basketball and target croquet games. The ultimate winners being, Target Croquet, Richard Leach and Basketball, David Artingstall.

Grateful thanks for the organisation of what all present agreed was a most enjoyable and well organised evening are due to Simon Attwell, Gail Burnett and Elaine Bretherton.

ALL PHOTOS HERE

WEEKLY CALENDAR OF PLAY 2025

TENPIN BOWLING 13th Jan 2025 THE ROCK BURY

First social of the 2025 calendar year saw a fewer number than 2024 but still a fantastic turnout by Club members.

22 members played with a further 3 as spectators, thankfully the bad weather abated, although still cold and wet.

An enjoyable evening was had by all 8 played 2 games and 14 played 3 games

Participants playing 2 game on lanes 3-4 were - Margaret Anderton, David Barrett, Ken Eccles, Steve Lent, Dawn Meachin, Duncan Meachin, Roger Schofield and Roy Spencer

Particpants playing 3 games on Lanes 5-8 were – Ken Anderton, Helen Artenstall, David Artenstall, Ian Birkett, Hilary Hamer, Peter Hamer, Richard Leach, Bernard Lord, Pat Lord, Helena Nuttall, Phil Nuttall, Ian Saunders, Gabija Smolskiene, Gediminas Smolskas

Prize Winners on the night
Highest score first game – Ian Saunders 127
Highest score second game – Peter Hamer 117
Highest score third game – Gediminas Smolskas 96

2 game overall winner – Steve Lent 199
2 game overall runner-up – Duncan Meachin 179
2 game overall third – Dawn Meachin 165

3 game overall winner – Phil Nuttall 383
3 game overall runner-up – David Artenstall 337
3 game overall third – Ken Anderton 307

Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone.

Big thankyou to Margaret Eccles for collating all the scores, Helena Nuttall for being presentation photographer and to our Chairman Roy Spencer for other photos and presenting the prizes £81.20 was raised on the night.

Bring on the next social.

Report by Phil Nuttall

MORE PHOTOS HERE

WINTER SEASON NOTICE 2024-2025