February Club News Letter

A bit late but Happy New Croquet Year to everyone, the evenings are (just) starting to draw out and the grass is growing so it won’t be long before the Mallets and Hoops are out on the Common.

Four themes this newsletter: Lawn, Dues, Competitions and Fun.

First off, the lawn needs some tender loving care, tyre tracks, football and the winter weather take their toll. Although playing is some way off, we need to prepare the lawn for the Summer, now. Phase 1 is two or three of us will do a close cut and scarify, weather dependent, hopefully the weekend of the 15th Feb. Phase 2, we would be grateful for help to spread sand, hopefully the weekend of 22nd Feb. Finally, the lawn needs to be accurately marked out during March. It would be great to have help at these key times. We’ll send out emails when the weather window looks good.

Dues are due by 1st April. Rates are to remain the same as last year, £20 per person for standard membership and £50 for full Association Croquet, enabling membership of Croquet England. Just a word about dues. We play on the Common, a free lawn and much of the work is by volunteers, so why is there a need to pay dues? Firstly we pay a fee to Croquet England for membership. One of the benefits of this membership is free Public Liability Insurance and don’t tell them but the fee is less than we would pay for Insurance on the open market. Then to keep the lawn nicely mowed and well kept requires a mower which needs petrol and regular servicing. Lawn Maintenance costs are scarifier, sand, paint. And finally, balls, hoops, mallets etc need upkeep and replacement. So be assured, your dues are well spent and needed.

Mark, our stalwart Secretary, recently requested help for organising Competitions amongst some of the members. He had a few kind offers of help. But what do you, the members want? Don’t get to the end of the Season and say ‘there should have been …’ let us know now, what you would like. There has often been a ‘Finals day’ but what finals are wanted? Doubles, singles, Association Croquet, Golf Croquet, Short ? Let us know.

Finally Fun. On Friday April 11th, there will be a pre season bash at Garway Village Hall, supported by Garway Live. The aim (aside from your Chair to perform with his band in front of you) is to raise some funds for the Croquet Club. Income for some major items such as replacement set of balls, will come from a portion of the ticket takings and a raffle. There will be a bar, food and a live band - U3, a bunch of old guys performing your favourite 60, 70s and maybe some later, songs. So reserve the date and bring your dancing shoes. Also any donations for raffle prizes will be gratefully received. Contact the Chair - jimgeo@btinternet.com

Many thanks and I look forwards to help with the Lawn and feedback.

Best regards

Jim