2025 Christine Long GC Competition, Saturday, 27 September
The Christine Long Competition is the last one-day GC competition of our croquet season. It is a handicap event for all members and is often won by high handicappers. Last year it was won by Sue Kendall so it is ideal for beginners and experienced players alike.
It is best run as a four lawn competition with sixteen players – three games in the morning and another three after lunch. The winner holds the Christine Long trophy for a year.
Bring your own lunch but strawberries and blueberries and cream will be provided. Wear whites if you like or fancy dress if it takes your fancy.
Please sign up with me with by text to 07801 665993 or on email to grievsontom@gmail.com – first come first served.
Best wishes
Tom Grievson
07801 665993
2025 Open Short Lawn Competition, Monday, 8 September
Our annual short lawn open competition will be held on Monday, 8 September, from 10.00 am. It will be an all day event, but the format won’t be finalised until numbers of players are known. It will be a good day’s play though!
Please let me know if you wish to be entered by replying to me at springboard_sally@hotmail.com
Thank you
2025 Mason Cup, Monday, 15 September
The club’s Full-Lawn AC Handicap tournament for the Mason Cup will take place on Monday, 15 September. This will be an all day competition and the precise format will depend on the number of entries.
If you wish to play then please contact Robin Tasker at robin_tasker@btinternet.com no later than Thursday, 11 September.
Many thanks
2025 Fletton Trophy, Saturday, 30 August
The Advanced Full-Lawn AC tournament for the Fletton Trophy will take place on Saturday, 30 August. This is an all day tournament with the precise format dependent on the number of entries.
If you wish to play then please contact Robin Tasker at robin_tasker@btinternet.com no later than Monday, 25 August.
Many thanks
One-Ball Competition, Saturday, 16 August
One-Ball is a croquet game which sits part way between GC and AC. It is gaining in popularity, with several tournaments this year in the Croquet England calendar and a two day tournament in October at Hurlingham. Some clubs run regular schedules of one-ball internal sessions.
It is easy to learn how to play and both GC and AC players bring skills which enable them to compete against each other on fairly equal terms.
One-Ball is played on full size lawns as handicap singles. Each player has one ball and they race around the usual 12 hoop course – each ball must run every hoop in the correct order. The finish is accomplished by hitting the centre peg.
Extra shots are given for hitting (roqueting) an opponent’s ball and also when a hoop is run. A typical game lasts about 40 minutes and is continuous with no sitting – out.
Handicaps are derived from your current GC or AC rating. The weaker player gets extra turns (bisques – those white sticks) which are designed to give all players a fairly equal chance of success.
The format of the competition will depend upon the numbers entering. Although everyone will obviously play to win and the rules of the game must be observed I am hoping it will be a really enjoyable light-hearted day.
Have I mentioned that there will be champagne and chocolates prizes? Always helps to jolly things along.
For those who want to learn this easy game or practice I can be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after the roll-ups. Also possibly on Friday mornings. Robin Tasker is also willing to teach this – contact him for availability.
In the meantime please sign up for the One-Ball competition by emailing me at grievsontom@gmail.com .
Many thanks
For more information about the game see One-Ball and One-Ball Handicapping .
GC-AC Partnership Day, Monday, 14 July
GC-AC partnership day cancelled due to shortage of players
A special opportunity has come up for all you GC players!
We are holding a partnership day on Monday July 14th (10-4) for 8 GC players who will be partnered with an AC player to learn, play and enjoy AC.
Each round will encourage the GC players to use their skills, then gradually take on AC shots once they feel ready. The last round will be alternate shots.
No pressure, just good fun!
However, there are only 8 places, so get in quickly and let me know if you would like to attend. Don’t reply to Arnie, reply to springboard_sally@hotmail.com
If you have been on a previous day, you are more than welcome to come again. Beginners are also welcome.
There will be cake. And a prize for the winning pair.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Chester Cup GC Level Play Tournaments
The Chester Cup B-Level GC Level Play Tournament is to be held on Saturday, 21 June 2025. It is an internal tournament for members of all classes with handicaps of 4 or greater. Last year it was won by Jude Wise with Robin Tasker as runner-up.
The Chester Cup C-Level GC Level Play Tournament is to be held on Saturday, 12 July 2025. It is an internal tournament for members of all classes with handicaps of 7 or greater. Last year it was won by Mel Hagan with Rhia Taylor as runner-up.
The Chester Cup D-Level GC Level Play Tournament, a brand new event, is also to be held on Saturday, 12 July 2025. It is an internal tournament for members of all classes with handicaps of 10 or greater. Both the winner and runner-up get prizes.
All the tournaments are level play matches which are entered on handicap cards. The maximum number of players is eight – on a first-come basis. Each tournament will be based on the number of players but, for example, with 8 contestants, two bocks of four means three games by all in the morning followed by a semi and final two games in the afternoon.
So, please sign up quickly by replying to me via the e-mail link below or sms or voice on 07801 665993.
Tom Grievson
07801 665993
GC Level Play Ladder now open for business
The GC Level Play Ladder is now open for business. We have 21 players, with handicaps ranging from -1 to 12. The ladder board is located between the notice boards (rather obviously !) and there are guidance notes for players, along with a list of participants in their “starting positions”, pinned to the adjoining notice board. Please read the guidance notes as they are slightly different to the ones I circulated previously (only slightly !). Get in touch with me on jaytay20ch@aol.com or 07810892311 if you have a problem.
All the best
Jayne Taylor
07810892311
2025 GC Level Play Ladder
A little while back I sent out an email to establish who might be interested in taking part in a GC Level Play ladder. I have some 15 names, with a range of handicaps from -1 to 12. I have delayed starting the ladder as there has been a lot of other competitions starting up, as well as league matches, and also it would be good to increase the numbers on the ladder at the start.
The ladder will be organised in handicap order initially, though not by index number within the handicap band, and may be divided into two sections, depending on the number of participants. Players can challenge up to three places above them and if the challenger wins he/she changes place with the higher player. If the challenger loses he/she does not move, but the winner changes place with the player currently above him/her.
Games are to be played in accordance with the NW Federation rules, and results should be entered on the Green Handicap Cards, using the matrix on the card to calculate the number of index points to be added or removed as is normal for level play games. Players should do their best to play within a reasonable time scale when challenged.
There are no handicap restrictions for this competition, and it would be good to have more than 15 participants. I will be sorting out the players cards for placing in the slots on the ladder board this week, so please could you let me know as soon as possible if you would like to join those already signed up (listed above).
Please reply to me at jaytay20ch@aol.com.
Many thanks
Jayne Taylor
07810892311
2025 Early Bird Golf Doubles on Sunday, 13 April
To all high handicap and fairly new players without handicaps.
I now have 12 players for the Early Bird Doubles on Sunday, 13 April. As 12 is the best number for this competition, I am going to close the list. However, if you would like to play and have a handicap of 11 or more, or have yet to get a handicap, please let me know as I would like to have a reserve list, in case anyone falls under a bus or breaks a finger before next Sunday.
12 players gives us 6 pairs, and means that an all play all approach can be taken, with a total of 5 games to be played: 3 in the morning and 2 after lunch. 16 players makes it a very long day, or we have to split into two groups.
Further information to follow for the participants !
Jayne Taylor
07810892311
2025 Early Bird Golf Doubles Reminder
Calling all Golf Croquet players with high handicaps (or none at all yet !)
A reminder that the Early Bird Doubles competition will be held on Sunday, 13 April (weather permitting of course). This is a doubles competition for members with handicaps of 11 or higher, or for fairly new players who have not yet got their handicap cards.
In fact it is an ideal competition for the less experienced players to “cut their teeth” on…..you are paired up with a more experienced player as a partner, so do not worry about knowing all the rules ! We will sort out your handicap at the beginning of the season ….. which is very soon.
At the moment I have only 7 people signed up for this competition. We could do with a few more ! Ideally I would like to have 12 participants, though we can manage up to 16. However we do need at least 8 ! Are there any other interested parties….please !
Could you also let me know if you are a handicap 10 and would like to take part. In the absence of enough 11 and above players I will be opening the competition to handicap 10 players.
All the best
Jayne Taylor
07810892311
2025 GC Level Play Ladder
Calling all GC players. In case you haven’t got enough competitions to tempt you this season … here is another !
This is a season long Level Play Ladder competition, with games played in accordance with the rules applying to level play games in the NW Federation leagues, and is open to all handicap levels. Players who have joined the ladder can challenge players up to three places above them and if they win then they change places. Simple !
Actually there are one or two other rules, but I will send out some guidance notes at the start of the competition.
Meanwhile could you let me know if you want to take part and I will set up the ladder in the pavilion. This includes all members, including those who started last year. If you do not have a handicap yet but would like to join, let me know and I will sort out your handicap and card.
Please reply direct to me on jaytay20ch@aol.com .
Hope to see some of you on Sunday, 30th March
Jayne Taylor
07810892311
2025 GC Handicap Knockout Competitions
Just to let you know we are running the singles and doubles competitions again this year for golf croquet.
Both competitions are run on the handicap system so there’s a fair chance for everyone who competes. Everyone is welcome to enter including last year’s intake.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a handicap – those players who have yet to get a handicap can contact Jayne Taylor direct on jaytay20ch@aol.com .
Please let me know if you wish to enter the singles, doubles or both. Please enter as it’s a fun competition that is played through the season (although on a knock out basis).
Once everyone has come forward there will be a draw to see who plays who and dates set by which to play the games. Players will contact each other to arrange games.
For the doubles competition just let me know if you wish to enter and a doubles partner will be assigned to you.
There are nice trophies for the winners which are currently held by Kerry Dadson and Doreen Curtis for the doubles and myself for the singles.
If you wish to enter please contact me on sclements08@yahoo.co.uk or 07531860451.
See you soon.
Best wishes
Sarah Clements
07531860451
2025 Early Bird Golf Doubles Competition
Calling all Golf Croquet players. The season fast approaches and our first internal competition is down in the Calendar for Sunday 13th April ! Yes I know it is early, but the clue is in the name….Early Bird Doubles !
This is a one day Level Play doubles competition for players of handicap level 11 and above, and is also open to any players who are relatively new to the game and have not yet been given a handicap. So ideal for last years newbies ! You do not need to join as a pair. We will sort that out. The number of games to be played depends very much on the number of pairs involved, but it is very much a fun competition to start the season off, starting around 9.30 or 10 am and going through to mid afternoon (so packed lunches needed ).
Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to take part, by email direct to me at jaytay20ch@aol.com .
See you soon
Jayne Taylor
07810892311
2025 RAT Trophy golf croquet handicap league
We will soon be starting the new croquet season and commencing the 2025 RAT League competition.
If you would like to take part, please let me know. The list of competitors together with contact details will be on the notice board when the season commences.
This is a handicap competition, to be played under the Advantage system, for which help will always be provided if required. The handicap system does mean that newer players have as much chance of winning as more experienced players and is an excellent way to improve your game. Jayne Taylor will be organising handicaps for players who do not yet have one.
It is played throughout the year, with all members of the league playing each other just once, at a time and date which is convenient for them and arranged by them. Results are recorded in a diary in the club house, so that I can keep a monthly running score sheet which is periodically sent out to members via email.
If you wish to take part this year, please let me know at edanddor@hotmailcom providing me with name, handicap, email address and telephone numbers (landline and mobile if appropriate).
Hope to see you soon