CHARLTON CROQUET CLUB

Information for Members

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SUMMER 2022 NEWSLETTER

Club news for playing and non-playing members

The Committee.

Chair: Alan Spacey                                                       Vice-chair: Jim Mangham

Secretary: Jill Hanson                                                 Treasurer: Pete Hanson

Committee Member: Joyce Hall                             Committee Member David Clark

Trevor Gill and Ann Gill continue to serve as the Club’s President and Vice-President

As another seemingly short season nears its end, it’s time to reflect upon another trying year in some ways. After the impact of Covid on our game which I believe has had a longer term effect on peoples activities than we appreciate, we are now suffering the consequences of the heatwave on our lawn. From my point of view this makes a difficult game even more difficult. Despite this we have attempted to maintain the programmes of previous years and indeed this year have added another, thanks to Jill, which were two visits to the Newt for croquet and afternoon tea which has been very well received.

The 2022 season

As usual there were Golf Croquet sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, both from 2 pm to 4 pm.  Association Croquet sessions this year were run again by Trevor, Keith and Stephen on a Tuesday and Friday. Club membership numbers are down by 5 playing members since last year and 15 or so over the last three years This fact, and the change in playing habits mentioned earlier, is reflected in disappointing numbers at some Club afternoons. Association Croquet however seems to have retained its appeal.

Jim, as usual, arranged competitions throughout the summer and these approach their climax shortly. Once again we have noticed a drop in numbers for the Finals Day and barbeque. Likewise numbers at Dillington, a traditionally popular event, were down. The prize giving and annual dinner this year is planned to be at the Kings Arms in Charlton Horethorne on November 10th. So put this date in your diary and come along for a fine social evening. Don’t forget that these events also raise money for the Club.

With the ever increasing rise in online shopping I would urge members to investigate the Easy Fundraising website which can significantly contribute to the Club funds. There are over 3600 retailers in the system. Use the following link to find out more https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/panel/ Jill can also provide help and instructions if needed.

The book swap at the Club House is still in operation again this year. Please put £1 in the tin for a book and please donate any spare books to help raise funds. We are also planning to purchase a small number of croquet books which will be available for members to borrow. Jill will provide further details as soon as the books have arrived.

Just recently we played a friendly match with Yetminster, which was oversubscribed but again Jims organisational skills ensured we all played during the course of a great afternoon which finished with sandwiches, cakes etc generously supplied by our hosts.

As we are all aware we have had at least two years of extraordinary events and our Club is still thriving despite all this. However falling membership and a seemingly declining interest in events this year is something to think about. So please, if you can encourage new members or have suggestions for new events or money raising initiatives don’t be backward in coming forward, it is after all your Club. The Committee would welcome new ideas.

Let’s look forward to a cooler, greener, pandemic free 2023 season.

Take care,

Alan.