Article from Mike Pudney, [via WhatsApp photos]
Magic Mike in East Dorset
Sunday June 22 2025 Kettle Shield results and more club league and friendly croquet successes!
A record 20 members entered Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club’s s annual Kettle Shields Mixed Doubles GC Handicap Tournament recently (June 22), enjoyed in mainly sunny conditions, but with fast lawns introducing some jeopardy!
Pairings were at random, and changed for every one of the five rounds, with each entrant playing four matches. The winner was the player with the most hoops scored, but with a shield for the runner-up.
The widely diverse handicaps (from two to 14) resulted in some lengthy and close matches, and the contest was settled by one hoop! Lynne Lyle, Anne Howson, and John and Sue Effingham (not playing together!) all tied in 4th place, with 23 hoops.
Keith Burt, on 26, was the overall winner: Janet Mellor won the shield for second place with 25 points; David Stocks, David Milne and Sally Short (last year’s winner) came third with 24 points.
Thanks go to David Russell for organising this popular tournament, and to his wife Judith for scoring calmly and efficiently, and baking the coffee and walnut cake for lunch!
Other club successes include new member Mike Pudney, who began playing croquet only in June last year, winning the golf croquet Br level series Colchester Tournament recently for the Laeticia Atkinson cup for 3+ handicaps.
A club team comprising Tony Elkin, Norma and David Stocks and Mike Pudney enjoyed a enjoyed a day at Rother Valley Croquet Club at Duncton, winning a hard-fought friendly by 5 games to 3.
In a friendly against Lodsworth, Chichester won 6-2. The team comprised Tony Elkin, David Stocks and John and Sue Effingham.
Last week (June 24) Chichester won its home league match against Guildford and Godalming 6-3. The team was Tony Hicks, Martin Emmett, David Stocks and John Effingham.
Wednesday, June 25, Great day out at the Southwick SC JAMBOREE
[Words by Tony Hicks, Picture from David Russell]
We managed to enter 2 teams in this event so thank you very much to all those taking part. I’d also like to thank these and other players for supporting my desire to get a bit of AC being played in our club. Our 2 teams were:
CHICHESTER 1: Mary Gowers, Bob Gowers and Jonathan Edwards (captain)
CHICHESTER 2: David Russell, Keith Burt and Tony Hicks (captain)
It was a bit grey when I set out from home but soon brightened up into a beautiful sunny day, just right to be spent enjoying a lovely croquet tournament on the beautiful laws at Southwick. The SC Jamborees are very pleasant, relaxed affairs with the majority of players having quite high handicaps and playing for the fun and enjoyment of some light hearted competition. Team 2 chose to arrive via the scenic route through Storrington and had a frustrating delay due to road resurfacing, but fortunately we’d allowed plenty of time so still managed to arrive before 09:30. After the usual meeting and greeting (with both familiar and new faces) and the event briefing from Frances, play commenced at 10:00. Getting accustomed to the lawns was easy as the balls ran smoothly (not a bobble to be seen) and ran straight to their target (only ourselves to blame if that wasn’t where we wanted them). The wire hoops though were quite generous ranging from about 1/8″ clearance to not far off 1/2″ in one case I looked at. All teams consisted of 3 players and the event was organised as Round 1 = 2 singles; Round 2 = doubles; Round 3 = doubles and singles; Round 4 = “speed” doubles. So only round 3 required everyone to be playing, for the other rounds we took it in turns to sit out, although those sitting out for round 4 were required to time each team on the lawn (time limit of 30 mins for each team) which probably required more concentration than playing. Both our teams competed well, winning some games and loosing a few. Points were awarded as 2 for a win, 1 for a draw and a bonus point for pegging out. Team 2 managed 4 wins with 3 peg outs and were surprised to discover this put us in first place beating Littlehampton by 1 point.
So a wonderful day of croquet was enjoyed by all in fabulous conditions with a very friendly bunch of 2 dozen players from 6 clubs (Sussex and C&FCC entered 2 teams, the others being Littlehampton, Rottingdean, Rother Valley and Reigate) and crowned by a win for C&FCC over our local arch rivals Littlehampton.
Friday, May 30, Official Pavilion opening
[Editorial by Eve Fuller]
[Photographs by Eve and Tony Elkin]
Players celebrated the realisation of a six-year dream when their new clubhouse was opened by the Chair of Chichester District Council, Clare Apel, on Friday (May 30).
The old, former stable that Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club members had been using has now been replaced with smart, fit-for-purpose new premises, complete with running water and electricity, at their home lawns at Fishbourne Playing Fields.
Substantial grants towards the £40,000 costs were awarded: by the Council, through the Government’s Prosperity Fund; by Croquet England, the sport’s governing body; Sport England; plus a welcome contribution from Croquet South East Federation.
Guests included representatives of organisations and individuals who have supported the project. Among them was a VIP in the croquet world, Richard Carline, coaching director of the SE Federation’s “Croquet Academy” at Southwick, a World Championship referee and Croquet England’s Coach of the year.
David’s welcome speech with Councillor Clare and Richard Carline
He told the gathering how inspired he was by the enthusiasm shown by croquet players throughout the region. Coun. Clare also added that the council were delighted to support this type of valuable community project.
Also present were Leader of the District Council Adrian Moss; ward councillors Richard Bates and Stephen Johnson; chairman of the Fishbourne Playing Fields Association Kevin Carter; and members of the Fishbourne Centre’s management team.
Before Coun. Clare cut the ribbon to the clubhouse and announced it officially open, club chairman David Russell told members and guests: “Six years ago, just before Covid, a new clubhouse was a pipe dream, as they had used an old ex-stable with no windows – or water or electricity – for over 25 years.
“Then came Covid, but its effect was an unexpected plus for us. Our membership doubled, with a resulting improvement in our finances. So three years ago a new clubhouse became an ambition. Now, here we are with the completed project
Councillor Clare Apel cuts the ribbon declaring the new pavilion open!
He went on to say it would not have happened without the help and support of the committee and, in particular, the project leader John Effingham, and club coach Tony Elkin, who had spent many hours, particularly during the close season, dealing with the myriad problems and decisions.
The club was formed in 1987 and members played in Priory Park, Chichester, but it proved an unsatisfactory venue as park users would walk through their games! Within a decade they had found their new home at Fishbourne, with two lawns dedicated to their sport.
And now there are more than 70 members with players with a wide range of ability, from complete beginners to those with a very low handicap. Two years ago, the club won the regional league and reached the final of a national tournament.
Club members and guests enjoy the official opening
Training sessions are available with their own Grade 1 coach. Three members’-only sessions are held each week, and one morning a week is dedicated to running games for U3A groups. The remaining time is available for members to book using an on-line diary system.
Members undertake all the vital jobs, so keeping the cost of membership down. They cut the hedges, mow the lawns, deal with weed control, and white lining, and tackle any task they can. Now there is a housekeeping team for their new clubhouse.
[Eve’s editorial has appeared in the Chichester Observer (June 5 Edition) and will appear in the Village Magazine and in the July edition of the Croquet England magazine]
Tony Hicks enjoys another 6 days of AC at Budleigh Salterton
I entered the Budleigh Salterton Spring AC Tournament again this year and what an enjoyable 6 days (about 45 hours) of croquet it was. The tournament started with 1 day of handicap doubles, then 2 days of handicap singles and finally 3 days of level-play singles.
Handicap Doubles
The first day was quite chilly with a cold wind to start which died down in the afternoon for some very pleasant conditions. It was bright and sunny all day, apart from the occasional passing cloud. Most players entered as a pair but I just entered singly and the tornament manager paired me with Chris Donovan from Sidmouth. We started off with a reasonable game but lost 13-26. The second game we didn’t play very well and lost badly 4-26. Finally we got our game together for the third match which we won 26-12.
Handicap Singles
The second day was absolutely glorious for the start of the handicap singles, the wind from yesterday had all but gone. It was a bit chilly first thing but from mid morning it was beautifully warm and sunny for the rest of the day. My first game was quite poor so I lost 7-26 to Jim Field. The second game I felt I played quite well but still lost 17-26 to Neil Kingston. The third game of the day I also played well and managed to beat Chris Roberts 26-19. The third day started cloudy and cold but the sun came out mid-morning so it warmed up nicely and was good for the rest of the day. Although I felt I played quite well my fortunes were the reverse of the previous day, winning my first match 26-15 against Brent Watkins, loosing my second match 21-26 to Tim Jolliff and loosing my third match 17-23 to Neil Pinker.
Level-Play Singles
The main event of the tournament started on day 4. The weather gods favoured us with more lovely sunny weather and temperatures were rising slightly. I was playing in the C-grade block and this was my best day of the tournament winning all three of my games. The first game against Patricia Mulchay I won 21-17, I then beat Martin Alabaster 16-13 and finally took the third game 26-9 against Betty Bates. Day 5 continued with the same lovely weather and I had another good day. I won my first game 24-9 against Ed Dolphin but didn’t play so well in my final block game loosing 8-26 to Mike Rice. The final day of the tournament started very pleasant but there were a few menacing looking clouds about and unfortunately in the middle of the semi-final matches there was a heavy downpour which only lasted for about 10 minutes but made us all run for cover. After that there were some puddles in the corners and spray came up from the balls as they rolled along a squelchy lawn, but the Budleigh lawns are quite quick draining so it was back to good conditions within about 30 minutes. My semi-final was played against Martin Alabaster who I beat 24-9 which put me into the final with Mike Rice. I played this much better than my previous block game against him. It was cat and mouse for the first hour after which both of us had only scored about 3 hoops (there was a period of about 30 minutes where all of our clips were on hoop 2). After that we both managed to get some short breaks together and both got round to 21 hoops when time was up. I’d just broken down in my turn when the timer expired so Mike played the first extension turn and looked like scoring a hoop but got stuck in the jaws. I played the second extension turn with my ball close to the boundary but alongside the hoop that Mike was stuck in. I could only see less than half his ball on each side of the hoop so I aimed at the side that would knock him back and unfortunately missed by a whisker. As we were still on 21 points each we had to continue playing for the AC Golden Hoop (first hoop scored after the extension turns). As Mike was in the jaws of his hoop and it was his turn it was simple for him to run the hoop to win the match, so I lost 21-22. Coincidentally, my doubles partner Chris Donovan who was playing in the B-grade block also got to the final and lost it.
All in all a lovely tournament which I enjoyed very much.
Tony Hicks
Croquet AGM – 12 March 2025
“Roll of Honour” for 2024 season, list of award winners:
Ladies Singles: winner Joyce Parkin, runner up Anne Milne.
Staniland Shield (mixed singles): Winner Keith Burt, runner up John Effingham.
Simon Parkin Tankard (men’s singles): Winner Tony Elkin, runner up David Milne
Kettle Shield (mixed doubles): Winner Sally Short, runner up Lynne Lyle
Patricia Shipman Plate: (Fishbourne competition): Winner – RAIN!
Ladder A (H/C 8 and below): John Effingham
Ladder B (H/C 9 and above) Terri Hicks
Some of the 2024 winners: Keith, Sally, John E, Joyce, Tony E, Mike
Special Croquet Club awards
Chairman’s Tankard: For outstanding support and work for the club awarded to John Effingham
Secretary’s Tankard: Mike Pudney for most improved player
Tuesday 24 September – AC Doubles tournament
Well done to Jonathan and his new partner in their win at Surbiton Croquet Club in the club’s Association Handicap Doubles.
[Words by Jonathan Edwards]
“The match lasted just over three and a half hours!
“I was playing with my new croquet partner, Alison Maughan (-1.5) against Linda (12) and Julian (4.5). Some people may pick up that Alison is the editor of Croquet England’s website magazine.
“After half and hour, Alison peeled me through hoop 1 and then went all the way round to hoop 4 back.
“The next hour and a half, both sides slowly crept around the lawn with a number of blobs by me and our opponents. I finally managed to hit a purple patch and made 5 hoops which got me to 3 back.
“At the next opportunity, Alison got in and went straight to peg, and I played Aunt Sally!
“Make a hoop, split them up … make a hoop, split them up until I got to rover which I ran and, with a lot of luck, my ball ended up in the perfect position to rush to peg and the rest was history!”
Sunday 4 August – Teams Day at Southwick
[words by Martin Emmett]
Sunday the 4th of August saw Chichester and Fishbourne enter the Carnival Day at the Sussex County Croquet Club, the host of many major international croquet events over the years. In fact, we entered two teams; “Fish and Chips and “More Fish and Chips”, the names being derivatives of FISHbourne and CHIchester.
The whole event was quite relaxed, and many teams had good fancy dress outfits to go with their names – Hove Beach Boys and Lodsworth Hillbillies were perhaps the best. We were more subdued but did have good “I like fish and chips” badges.
The teams consisted of John Effingham, David Milne, Sally Short and me (F&C) and Ann Milne, Chris Fuller and Mike Pudney (More F&C). Unfortunately, Keith Burt, who was due to play, had to withdraw at the last minute, but other CFCC players took his place for his various games. David had just flown back from the USA, where he had been ill, and was still feeling unwell, but thankfully turned out for us despite this, and presumably experiencing jet lag, too.
The tournament was handicapped with extra shots given for the higher handicapped players. This worked well with many close games, and in the doubles games in the morning we enjoyed some good victories. Although David and I didn’t manage to use our extra shots well enough to overcome a Hove Beach Boys pairing including a -2 handicapped player, we gave then a good game – and there’s hope for us all, because even -2 players make mistakes.
The lawns, as you might imagine, were a pleasure to play on, with flatness being the order of the day. Although, despite the smart hoops being high quality and silver, they seemed narrow, and the scoring angle was narrower than we were used to. The seagulls were very forward, too, often walking across the lawns during play, and even occasionally trying to remove the score marker pegs on the hoops.
The singles events in the afternoon, as in the morning, saw mixed results for us, although we achieved a number of pleasing wins, including Sally’s victory over Tudor, the same -2 player who had beaten David and me in the morning.
At the time of writing, I don’t have access to the full results, but we had some good results during the day. We weren’t amongst the winners- with Hove Beach CC winning both the singles and doubles events.
As there were 13 teams of four players on 7 lawns, this was not an easy competition to organise, and it ran smoothly over the course of the day, thank you to the Southwick Club and also to John Effingham who had to cope with not only soring out teams and entries, but also coping with a number of late changes to available personnel for the CFCC teams.
It was a very enjoyable day, backed up with some very nice food and drink, lovely surroundings, friendly but difficult opponents and beautiful weather.
The Magnificent Seven: Chris, Martin, Ann, David, Sally, John and Mike
Wednesday 31 July, U3a versus U3A
Wednesday morning was set for the battle of the Universities of the Third Age (U3As) with Ems Valley taking on Chichester in golf croquet.
The successful morning of friendly competition culminated in a draw! With a score of 32 hoops each!
Many thanks to all the club helpers and the delicious cakes and scones provided.
The Ems Valley and Chichester U3A members and club helpers
Sunday 21 July Centenary Cup at Littlehampton
Top honours were taken by Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club teams when they took part in this year’s Littlehampton Centenary Cup.
The club entered two teams, unimaginatively named Fishbourne and Chichester, in the golf croquet tournament which has been running for 15 years.
Fishbourne won for the third year running.
However, it was a close-fought competition. Three teams were tied on eight wins each.
Fishbourne’s players – Tony Elkin, Tony Hicks, Keith Burt and Mike Pudney – won on hoops scored, followed by Chichester – David Russell, John Effingham, Sally Short and Martin Emmett. Third was Chiltington Croquet Club.
The event was opened by the Mayor of Littlehampton Sean Lee, and the cup was presented by the Littlehampton club President.
What a double result!
Both teams (l-r) of David, Mike, John with trophy, Keith, Sally, Tony E, Martin and Tony H
The winning foursome with Littlehampton club President