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.
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
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.
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.
