News

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2022
  • 23/05 Richard Brooks wins the Montevideo Cup
    Another lovely day welcomed eight players from three clubs in the Montevideo Cup, being held again after a three year interval. This is somewhat down on the 12 we’ve had in previous years,...
  • 23/05 SECF Restricted League match v Canterbury – lost 0:7
    Mike Gentry reports: “Our first match in this league this year is one that we might like the forget. The scoreline of 0:7 is fairly comprehensive and the team only managed to win one...
  • 19/05 New membership record
    We’ve just had two successful Introduction to Croquet Courses, which resulted in ten new members. In addition we’ve recently had an Open Day and, together with a number of out-of-the-blue...
  • 15/05 SECF league match v Purley Bury – lost 1:5
    We played our first AC B league match yesterday away at Purley Bury.  The weather was glorious, the result not so! The team of Barney Lewis, Jack Ingle and me lost 1-5 with...
  • 10/05 CA Charity One Ball Final
    A lovely day out for our three players in the final this Sunday at Surbiton. Unfortunately we didn’t have any winners, but the results were Daniel Crocombe 5/7, Jon Savage 4/7 and Peter...
  • 09/05 Club updates
    All competition draws, including the Fraser Tankard, are now on the website and the Notice Board. Please note that the handicap system used for the Fraser Tankard is the new (on trial) Advantage...
  • 08/05 New members
    We’re continuing to add new members as a result of our recent very successful Open Day and Introduction to Croquet course (with 8 attendees). Now up to 68, with another Introduction Course...
  • 01/05 Croquet Academy Course held at Tunbridge Wells
    A bit belated this as it took place on 23rd April: Well, the course should have been run by the Academy, but Richard Carline came down untimely with a severe bout of Covid....
  • 21/04 Coaching Update
    We’re full for this Saturday’s GC Beginners/Improvers course, but unfortunately Richard Carline from the Academy who was going to run this has got a bad attack of Covid and can’t make it, so...
  • 20/04 SECF Fixtures announced
    Our fixtures in the various SECF leagues have been announced. Unfortunately, we haven’t had enough team members to play in either of the Association Advanced and the Golf Level Play...
  • 20/04 Competition Draws announced
    The draws have now been finalised, with the exception of the Tuesday evening league – the Fraser Tankard. They will be posted on the Noticeboard later this week, but are now here. Please...
  • 13/04 Opening Day a great success!
    Our traditional Opening Day was even more successful than usual with more than 25 people attending. The lawns are in mostly good condition and the weather was even occasionally sunny, if a little...
  • 14/02 AGM 2022 minutes added
    The minutes of our AGM held in Frant last Saturday have been added. They have already been emailed to our members, but if you haven’t received this email please visit our Minutes page...
2021
  • 31/12 Happy New Year
    We wish everyone a happy New Year and hope that 2022 will be better than 2021! Unfortunately we end 2021 with having to close our lawns for at least a week due to...
  • 29/12 Historic stuff added
    As we come to the end of the year the History page has had a brief summary of 2021 added (not much happened really). We’ve also added a list of previous Committee members,...
  • 15/12 Xmas Supper returns!
    Our first real social event for 2021 happens, thanks to Jane Smith as organiser. 18 people managed to get to the Spotted Dog for a lovely supper on the...
  • 28/11 Coaching support received from Kent Sport
    We’re pleased to announce that we’ve received a grant from Kent Sport to support our GC coaching plans for next year. We’re planning on at least 3 one day courses, mostly focussed...
  • 21/11 Nine playing today!
    Our second One Ball of the season attracted 9 players – enjoying the suddenly chilly but sunny weather. The lawns are in really good condition considering – not as slow as some...
  • 09/11 Winter season
    Don’t forget that our winter season started on 1st November. This means a different schedule of club sessions: 1st and 3rd Sundays – 11am: One Ball, PM: Golf Saturdays 10:30am Social AC...
  • 05/10 Another win for Jack Ingle!
    On a damp, soggy and very slow lawn after some considerable rain Jack managed to beat Jolyon Creasey by 9 hoops in the Calverley Cup. Unusually in a handicap game Jolyon pegged out...
  • 18/09 Jack Ingle wins Kitching Rose Bowl
    A postponed final from Finals Day: Jack Ingle beat David Dray in two straight games 7-4,...
  • 13/09 Finals Day Report
    Well, despite the meteorologists saying that Autumn had arrived, it still hasn’t really made it to Tunbridge Wells and Finals Day last Sunday was rainless and a very pleasant temperature, with...
  • 12/09 David Dray wins 14-point tournament
    Our last AC 14-point for the season was perfectly formed, if with fewer players than we’d hoped. A lovely day welcomed 6 players, including two from Oxford and Medway, to our really nicely...
  • 01/09 Andrew Hobbs wins our Honeygrove Cup
    After a grey and not terribly warm Bank Holiday weekend our annual two day Advanced tournament returned after a year’s break due to Covid-19. There was a full house of 12 players from...
  • 18/08 SECF Golf Restricted League match v Ramsgate – lost 0:7
    In light of the result a veil will be drawn over the players and their individual...
  • 12/08 SECF Golf Restricted League v Sussex County – lost 1:6
    The same team [Jane Smith, Gerald O’Brien, Michael Gentry and Jeff Chapman] played in both recent SECF GCR league away matches. Against Surbiton all took some time to adjust to the faster lawns...
  • 12/08 John Moore wins our Lewis Shield
    Barney Lewis beat Jack Ingle +5t, Jack beat John Moore +2 and John Moore beat Barney +6 John Moore won on net points tie-break, so goes on to represent us in the CA...
  • 02/08 Draw for New Members Competitions announced
    ...
  • 01/08 SECF Golf Restricted League v Surbiton – won 4:3
    ...
  • 21/07 John Millen wins our 14-point event
    Last Monday our first Association 14-point event took place with 7 players after a few late withdrawals, one due to a positive Covid test in the family. Despite the very hot weather five...
  • 20/07 New record membership
    Following our recent full Introduction to Croquet course (12 attendees) our membership has soared to a new record of 75. 25 of these have joined for the first time this year, so we...
  • 16/07 David Dray comes third in the 2021 GC Kent Cup
    This event, traditionally held in Ramsgate, took place on 11th July. Our only participant was David Dray, who won his block with 4 wins and one loss. Unfortunately he then went 1-7 down...
  • 05/07 Big attendance at Open Day
    Our most recent Open Day on Sunday 4th July probably also has the most newcomers, with 18 turning up for some fun. Many of them expressed an interest in taking up croquet further,...
  • 29/06 Robert Fulford completes our coaching
    Rob’s an ex-world champion and recently moved to Wadhurst, so although not a club member he has provided us with three coaching sessions this year, culminating with teaching how to hit a ball...
  • 11/06 TW @ SECF One Ball Tournaments
    We had an enjoyable day as guests of the Canterbury Croquet Club to compete in the One Ball tournament. Four other clubs were competing in this Covid-limited season – Ramsgate, Medway, Surbiton...
  • 05/06 Kent at the InterCounties
    Given Covid the InterCounties was subtly different this year and Kent made a better hash of it than previous years – still in Division 2, but with 3 wins out of 7 matches,...
  • 30/05 Kent Life news stories
    What initially looked like an advert by us was in this month’s edition of Kent Life (see our Local Press Printed Coverage) with a picture definitely not chosen by us, but what can...
  • 28/05 Introduction to Croquet Course postponed
    The second of our courses this season on 19th June has had to be postponed as Jon Diamond, the coach running it, is going into hospital shortly to get a new hip! The...
  • 18/05 David Dray wins the Kent Cup
    The lawns were looking great, but slow with longer grass than expected. Play started about 09:45, then by 10:00 the sharp shower came, followed by heavy rain on and off all morning. After...
  • 17/05 SECF R League v Littlehampton – lost 1:6
    There’s no easy way to put this but we lost 1-6 to Littlehampton last Thursday, which was disappointing. However it was level play and their handicaps (3, 3, 4 and 8) were lower...
  • 03/05 End of lockdown tea!
    To hopefully celebrate the return to normal (or the new-normal) we’re sponsoring tea on the first Sunday club session after 21st June on 27th June at 4pm. We’ll be providing tea and cakes...
  • 01/05 Kent Cup rescheduled
    The number of entrants this year has been a little disappointing, so we’re changing this to a one day event on Sunday 16th May. This means that club members will be able to...
  • 29/04 Competition draws announced
    The draws for our internal club competitions have now been released at https://tunbridgewellscroquet.org.uk/2021-competitions. There have been some minor changes from the original...
  • 25/04 Coaching by Robert Fulford
    Robert Fulford, 5 times ex-world champion has moved to the Wadhurst area and has generously offered offered 3 one hour coaching session on Fridays at 6pm. These will be on 7th, 14th and...
  • 11/04 John Moore wins Opening One Ball
    Our Morning One Ball for the CA Charity event was won by John Moore with Kate Sander runner-up in a very competitive nine player event. John qualifies for the Final being held at...
  • 06/04 Life after Lockdown
    The Courier welcomes many outdoor sports back to life, including us:...
  • 20/03 Club re-opening in 2021
    The Government has publicised the 29th March as the date for the next relaxation of Covid-19 regulations. We have reviewed the Croquet Association guidelines and decided to re-open for members from...
  • 03/03 2021 AGM
    The AGM minutes have been added to our Organisation...
  • 11/02 Website refresh
    After bit of a struggle with WordPress we’ve refreshed the appearance of our website, with the primary aim of making it look much better, especially on tablets and mobile phones. Comments...
  • 05/01 Club CLOSED
    Following the new Government lockdown all outdoor sports locations are to close, so we’re closed with immediate...
2020
  • 20/12 Club still open!
    Following the Government’s announcement about new Covid-19 restrictions Kent falls into Tier 4. This means we don’t have to close, but we are limited in which members can play and how...
  • 01/12 Club re-opening
    Well, our re-opening after our Autumn Maintenance was somewhat delayed by the Government National Lockdown, but we’re pleased to be able to announce our re-opening on Wednesday 2nd December....
  • 01/10 Autumn Maintenance underway!
    The deed is done. After a false start on Thursday 24th, when the top dressing was delivered to the entrance of Calverley Park, but the lawns were waterlogged, so no work could take...
  • 18/09 Autumn Maintenance Closing
    We’re now planning on closing for our Autumn Maintenance (20 tons of top-dressing etc. by Judges) on 25th September. It is possible this could vary by a few days, as it’s dependent on...
  • 16/09 Final competitions finished with Bruce Edwards winning four
    With all this good weather we haven’t had any problems with completing the matches.The final match completed today and the final results were: Kitching Rose Bowl Lister FIELDING beat Bruce...
  • 06/09 Finals Day report
    Despite family events reducing the number of competition finals that could take place on Sunday we did manage four. The results were: Golf Doubles Lister FIELDING & Jane SMITH beat Darren LEVETT...
  • 06/09 John Greenwood releases Handicap calculator app
    It is sometimes difficult to determine the number of extra turns/bisques to be given in Golf or Association Handicap games and also the number of Index points to be exchanged at the end...
  • 17/08 Barney wins our One Ball
    Our much delayed heat of the CA Charity One Ball event took place on Sunday with 6 participants in very humid conditions. Lawns fast and require much more water from heavens… Everyone won...
  • 14/07 Phil Dunk wins our inaugural AC 14-pointer
    This is the first year that we’ve had the short form 14-point Association Croquet events in the South East Federation, intended to be 6 events shared between Sussex County and ourselves. Of...
  • 03/07 Club News
    Due to demand we’re moving our club session on Wednesday pm to the morning, starting at 10am Our Introduction to Croquet courses next week are nearly full with 14 out of the 15...
  • 27/06 Courier greets our return!
    The Kent & Sussex Courier welcomes us...
  • 21/06 We’re back and recruiting!
    After a pause to evaluate our Covid-19 opening policy (our members have been playing for a couple of weeks now) we’ve decided that we can now start allowing non-members to enjoy the benefits...
  • 14/06 Competitive play and coaching restarts!
    Having had a couple of weeks of general social play, with bookings organised via our WhatsApp group, we’ve moved on to some competitive stuff. With the current Government guidelines restricting...
  • 12/05 We’re re-opening!!!!
    Following the changes to HM Government’s Guidance in relation to Covid-19 we are now able to open our season starting opening tomorrow, Wednesday, for a limited amount of play. Sadly,...
  • 04/04 £450 for Macmillan Cancer Support
    Despite our CA Charity One Ball heat not taking place, given the current crisis for charities, we decided to make it a special fund raiser for the nominated charity. So we managed to...
  • 31/03 End-March update
    On this lovely sunny, if somewhat cold day, we’d like to play croquet, but obviously our club is closed and will be so for the duration. Following HM Government and Croquet Association...
  • 18/03 Covid-19 emergency arrangements
    In the light of the current crisis the Committee has decided that we can continue to play croquet by making it essentially a non-social activity by small numbers of people playing simultaneously,...
  • 28/02 2020 AGM minutes
    2020 AGM...
  • 25/02 Richard Clark and John Hobbs awarded Honorary Life Membership and AGM report
    Richard Clark and John Hobbs were awarded Honorary Life Membership and presented with glass awards because of their long-term contributions to the club as past-Chairman, Coaches and many other things...
  • 31/01 Our 2019 AC doubles completed!
    We’re happy to say that the Miriam Reader Handicap Doubles has just been completed, with Jolyon Creasey & Jane Smith winning by 7 hoops (not even on time!). The lawns are apparently playing...
2019
  • 30/11 Frank Gunstone dies
    We’re sad to have to report that Frank died in his sleep at home earlier this week. Richard Clark writes: “With the passing of Frank at the age of 86 this November, the...
  • 21/11 Lawns re-open for the Winter!
    You’ll be glad to know that Chris and Alex have just drilled the hoops on lawns 1 and 2, so we’re open for business again! Ray will paint the lines in due course....
  • 15/10 Escape to the Perfect Town
    Filming of this BBC1 programme about a property hunt in Tunbridge Wells took place in July. The programme aired on Monday 14th October and features quite a good four minute segment about croquet...
  • 15/10 Simon Manwaring wins our GC New Members Tournament
    A bit belated to report: Simon Manwaring won our initial tournament on 28th September in good weather with three straight wins. Trevor Houghton-Berry won two games and Dave Grimshaw won one, with...
  • 09/09 Tweet:
    Finals Day! 7 close matches completed – pictured is the Golf Doubles at the start of game 3. This went to the Golden Hoop. pic.twitter.com/zbJtlJsga3 — Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club...
  • 09/09 Finals Day success
    We managed to complete seven finals in splendid weather on Finals Day with only the Golf High Bisquers. Golf New Players and Miriam Reader Association Doubles outstanding. See our 2019 Competitions...
  • 02/09 Andy Dibben retains Honeygrove Cup
    Just short of a full house of 11 players entered our annual Advanced Tournament, the Honeygrove Cup, with most of the usual suspects. Our lawns were delightful and the fastest they’ve ever...
  • 02/09 Barney Lewis almost wins!
    Barney came second in the Area Final for the CA All England handicap event held at Surbiton last weekend, so qualifies for the Final being held at Hunstanton this weekend. John Knight from...
  • 27/08 SECF A league v Sussex County – lost 3:4
    A decent match at last! We were on average one handicap weaker than them, but came out of the morning session 2:1 up. This is the first time this has happened in an...
  • 27/08 SECF Golf Level League v Merton – lost 0:7
    A bad day at the office, the only saving grace being that we were on average one handicap difference worse...
  • 24/08 Kent comes 4th in the Golf Intercounties
    Having come 2nd last year the addition of Jon Diamond didn’t improve the results and we came 4th! (Not surprisingly, since Notts had a team of four players with handicaps of -4.) As...
  • 24/08 SECF Golf Croquet Teams Day
    Not our best performance, but not too badly either! 13th and 17th out of 22 in the Doubles, with 3 wins, 4 losses and one halved. 6th and 20th in the Singles with...
  • 11/08 Introduction Courses update
    We’ve now run four one day Introduction to Croquet Courses this year, with 32 people attending. Thanks to John Greenwood, Alex  Jardine and Barney Lewis for helping me on one or more of...
  • 11/08 News coverage updated
    Our local and national press coverage pages have been updated with the items related to the recent WCF Simon Carter Golf Croquet World...
  • 08/08 Farewell posting by the GCWC team
    This is our final dispatch from the 2019 WCF Simon Carter Golf Croquet World Championship held at the Compton, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Sussex County and West Worthing Croquet Clubs. The organising...
  • 07/08 GCWC2019: Summary
    HRH the Duke of Gloucester opened the tournament on Friday 26th July, with a parade by the players and officials with country and WCF flags preceded by a Jazz band. He was introduced...
  • 05/08 Tweet: Ben Rothman wins GCWC
    Ben Rothman wins the WCF Golf Croquet World Championship 7-5, 2-7, 3-7, 7-6, 7-5 pic.twitter.com/0HPRAhcEV4 — Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club (@CroquetWells) August 5,...
  • 04/08 Tweet: tape measure needed!
    There are times when you do need a tape measure in Croquet! #gcwc19 ⁦@CroquetEngland⁩ pic.twitter.com/6h6EDzbiC5 — Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club (@CroquetWells) August 4,...
  • 03/08 Tweet: Chris Roberts at work at the GCWC
    Chris Roberts (bottom right) at work at GCWC #gcwc2019 @croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw pic.twitter.com/Cyql8fMwb6 — Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club (@CroquetWells) August 3,...
  • 03/08 Tweet: GCWC final tomorrow
    2019 WCF Simon Carter GC World Championship Final tomorrow Ben Rothman (USA) vMohamed Karem (EGY) #gcwc2019 @croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw — Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club...
  • 02/08 Tweet: GCWC over at TW
    Excellent play from all players – down to Southwick for the semis tomorrow and the final on Sunday. Good luck to our English players!@croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw@WestKentChamber...
  • 02/08 Tweet: GCWC sign-off from TW
    We sign off from TW with today’s local press- a two page spread from the Kent & Sussex Courier and a smaller piece in the Kent Messenger. @croquetengland @RoyalTunWells...
  • 02/08 Tweet: GCWC final day at TW
    Today is the final day of the WCF Simon Carter Golf Croquet World Championship at Tunbridge Wells. @croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw@WestKentChamber @TWellsTourism @tw_events @Mayor_TWBC...
  • 27/07 Tweet: GCWC flooding over!
    After a long delay because the lawns were flooded we’ve started play here! @croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw@WestKentChamber @TWellsTourism @tw_events @Mayor_TWBC...
  • 27/07 Tweet: GCWC opening photos
    Forgot the photos of the GCWC opening! @ @croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw@WestKentChamber @TWellsTourism @tw_events @Mayor_TWBC croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw@WestKentChamber...
  • 26/07 Tweet: GCWC opening @ Southwick
    WCF Simon Carter Golf Croquet World championship opened by the Duke of Gloucester. @croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw@WestKentChamber @TWellsTourism @tw_events @Mayor_TWBC — Tunbridge...
  • 26/07 Golf Croquet World Championship: TW schedule published
    The following is the schedule for Tunbridge Wells for the Block stage, Saturday to Wednesday: Saturday Ben Rothman USA v Nour Ali EGYPT Omar Fahmy EGYPT v David Hanbidge AUSTRALIA Ian Sexton...
  • 24/07 Tweet: Escape to the Perfect Town filming
    Escape to the Perfect Town filming in Tunbridge Wells yesterday. Guess where? @croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw@WestKentChamber @TWellsTourism pic.twitter.com/s07UzvOZzf — Tunbridge...
  • 22/07 Tweet: GCWC starts this Saturday
    Golf Croquet World championship starts this Saturday! We’re almost ready…@croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw@WestKentChamber @TWellsTourism @tw_events @CroquetWells — Tunbridge...
  • 17/07 SECF Golf Restricted league v Merton – lost 0:7
    ...
  • 02/07 Tweet: GCWC local sponsors
    Our local sponsors for the Golf Croquet World Championship pic.twitter.com/lR2NIEez6X — Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club (@CroquetWells) July 2,...
  • 02/07 SECF U league v Canterbury – we squeak a win 4:3
    In the Home AC match on July 1, the RTW team again lead 3-nil at lunch-time, but this time had to survive a powerful comeback from Canterbury until Tom Carpenter won the final...
  • 01/07 SECF Golf Restricted League v Medway – won 5.5-1.5
    ...
  • 30/06 We’re 10th in the Southern Challenge
    After a decent Saturday, winning three matches in the heat, unfortunately our team lost all five matches against harder opposition on the Sunday leaving us in 10th place and avoiding relegation...
  • 26/06 SECF A league v Surbiton – lost 1:6
    A return visit to Surbiton for some, but the result was much the same as the previous GC day… Overnight rain had slowed the lawns, but only a little, so our team was...
  • 26/06 Mike Gentry
    Belated congratulations to Mike Gentry on becoming a Golf Croquet Referee, just in time for the World...
  • 25/06 Richard Mann wins Lewis Shield
    Our round of the CA All-England Handicap competition attracted just the minimum four entrants needed to allow one player to go forward to the Surbiton semi-finals in August. The format chosen was...
  • 25/06 SECF U League v Compton – won 6:1
    On the longest day, and with summer threatening to return, we welcomed Compton up from Eastbourne on a sunny, but not too hot, day. For the first time in ages, it seems, we...
  • 24/06 SECF Golf Level League v Surbiton – lost 0:7
    We really struggled with their lawns – so much faster than our own, with more holes (birds?) and also not quite as level! However, we didn’t play that well too which explains the...
  • 23/06 GCWC: local press coverage
    ...
  • 19/06 SECF Golf Croquet Handicap League v Canterbury – lost 4:5
    ...
  • 13/06 Tweet: GCWC official opening
    The Duke of Gloucester will officially open the WCF Simon Carter Golf Croquet World championship in Southwick on Friday 26th July. @croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw — Tunbridge Wells...
  • 12/06 Tweet: Golf Croquet World Championship update
    Mayor of Tunbridge Wells to inaugurate WCF Simon Carter Golf Croquet World Championship on 27th July 9:30am on our lawns!@croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw@WestKentChamber @TWellsTourism...
  • 06/06 Tweet: More French students!
    Another 50+ French students plus their teachers learn to play Croquet. Tiring for our coaches! @croquetengland @RoyalTunWells @maryharristw pic.twitter.com/jNrgn0LJgE — Tunbridge Wells Croquet...
  • 04/06 SECF Golf Restricted League v Rottingdean – Lost 2:5
    ...
  • 04/06 SECF One Ball tournament
    Despite a team dropping out at the last moment, reducing the number of games from 5 to 4, a great time was had by all at Canterbury on Sunday. The team of Jon...
  • 22/05 Golf Handicap League loss to Dulwich 7:2
    Derek Crocombe turned out to be the weakest link (as he said) for this away match – so we...
  • 15/05 Montevideo Cup Report
    Jonathan Lamb presented us with this Cup when he won it for the first time (he’s been a long-time resident in Uruguay which is why the cup has that name, but is now...
  • 14/05 Tweet: Jonathan Lamb wins our Montevideo Cup
    Jonathan Lamb wins our Montevideo Cup (again), with an easy win in the final against Chris O’Byrne from Reigate...
  • 13/05 National Croquet Day great success!
    We were blessed with a bright sunny day with a temperature of around 15C and a good turnout from existing Club Members to support as Volunteers. We had 34 visitors playing during our...
  • 30/04 Kent Cup results and report
    A somewhat chilly weekend, but with only spits and spots of rain, saw another full-house for the AC Kent Cup, held in TW for about the seventh year in a row. Sadly, despite...
  • 28/04 Tweet: Robert Alexander wins the Kent Cup again!
    Robert Alexander wins the Kent Cup again! Robert Alexander wins the Kent Cup again! pic.twitter.com/5rDw4q2qMR — Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club (@CroquetWells) April 28,...
  • 22/04 Tweet: Samir Patel in the semifinals at Surbiton.
    Photo of Samir Patel in the semifinals at Surbiton. A glorious days play and I’m doing quite well – 4 wins out of 6 games currently! ⁦ Samir Patel in the semifinals at...
  • 14/04 Tweet: An excellent start to the new season with 16 players today.
    An excellent start to the new season with 16 players today. Our One Ball charity heat was contested by 12 with John Greenwood running out winner with 5 wins and raised £100 for...
  • 14/04 2019 Competition Draws released
    After some last minute adjustments, due to management incompetence, the 2019 Competition Draws have been released. Some last minute adjustments had to be made to the Golf Doubles, so if you looked at...
  • 10/04 Tweet: Our nice new banner advertising NCD, courtesy of Nigel!
    Webmaster @ Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club...
  • 29/03 Tweet: Taught 50 French students and their teachers to play
    Taught 50 French students and their teachers to play Croquet yesterday. Only another one million years or so before we manage to teach the whole nation! Webmaster @ Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club...
  • 22/03 SECF Fixtures
    These have now been fully released for 2019 and are shown on the 2019 Fixture...
  • 21/03 Dates for our Introduction to Croquet Courses announced
    The dates for our one day Introduction to Croquet Courses this year have been announced. They are all on the following Saturdays: 4th May 1st June 20th July 10th August More details can...
  • 19/03 Tweet: Croquet lunch at the Spotted Dog
    Croquet lunch at the Spotted Dog Croquet lunch at the Spotted Dog pic.twitter.com/iu0rvKbVMa — Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club (@CroquetWells) March 19, 2019 Webmaster @ Tunbridge Wells Croquet...
  • 07/03 Tweet: Applying Neurofeedback in Croquet via @YouTube
    Applying Neurofeedback in Croquet https://t.co/1fuDHDWvZM via @YouTube Applying Neurofeedback in Croquet https://t.co/1fuDHDWvZM via @YouTube — Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club (@CroquetWells)...
  • 06/03 Golf Croquet rules updated
    Version 5 of the WCF rules for Golf Croquet came into effect in England and Wales on 1st March. The CA has produced an update of their rules booklet (was a green colour...
  • 27/02 Roger Morris
    We’re sad to have to report that Roger Morris, a long-time member of the club, died recently. His funeral is this Friday at the Tunbridge Wells Crematorium. Roger was responsible for project...
  • 22/01 2019 AGM
    All players should have received a formal notice of the AGM, being held in Frant on 16th February. Coffee and biscuits will be available from 10.30 am AGENDA APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE MINUTES OF...
2018
  • 31/12 Barney wins our final competition for 2018!
    Probably on the latest date in the year ever, Barney Lewis and John Greenwood completed the much delayed final of the Calverley Cup on 30th December. Obviously Barney has recovered from his injuries...
  • 17/12 Our 2018 Competitions are now almost over!
    Jon Diamond beat Duncan Cox 7-4, 7-5 today in the Hunter Plate on a damp lawn 2 that was a little slow, despite the sun. (Lawn 3 has been attacked by badgers…) The...
  • 12/12 Nigel and Mike win the GC Doubles
    Nigel writes: “We need three games so you can see it was close. Mike and I won 7:4, 3:7, 7:4 Derek played many very accurate shots up to the hoop, Lister many excellent...
  • 25/11 Winter social programme update
    We’ve now got two more pub lunch dates: 11th December 12:45pm start at the Nevill Crest & Gun, Eridge Road, Eridge TN3 9JR 15th January 1pm start at the Rock Inn, Hoath...
  • 24/11 New Golf Croquet Rules
    The Croquet Association has announced that the 5th Edition of the Rules of Golf Croquet will become effective in England from 1 March 2019. It should be emphasised that the 5th Edition is...
  • 23/11 One Ball
    Our One Ball on Sunday was played in excellent weather and attracted 10 players, perhaps a record? Chris Barham ended up as winner, winning all his games, with Barney Lewis and John Greenwood...
  • 14/11 Lawns re-opening
    As you can see above Kate and Michael (and I) have been transferring loads of topsoil into our flower beds in preparation for replanting for next season, but more importantly you can see...
  • 11/10 Initial pub lunch dates announced
    16th October – George Inn @ Frant 20th November – Bottle House Inn @...
  • 11/10 SECF League Results
    The season is now over and we can now see how well our teams have done this year: A league: 4/6 (our highest ever position!) U league: 14/14 GC Level league: 7/9 Restricted...
  • 19/09 Autumn Maintenance
    This is now scheduled for Monday 24th September, subject to the weather. Since it consists of levelling and tons of top dressing the lawns are likely to be out of action for at...
  • 10/09 Four competitions complete on Final Day
    A glorious day dawned on a Sunday early in September, so it must be Finals Day! This year three finals of our competitions were played and there were more spectators than players –...
  • 05/09 Andy Dibben wins the Honeygrove Cup
    At the end of the first day our two players were doing really well, with Jon on 3 out of 4 wins, having lost only to Alex (who was also Manager of the...
  • 31/08 Golf Doubles semi-final completed…at last
    Derek Heath and Lister Fielding won a marathon semi-final in the Golf Doubles today. In an earlier session they ran of of time after 2.5 hours with one game each, so returned to play...
  • 31/08 Kate Sander wins Golf High Biquers
    In the final last night she beat Richard Smith 7-4,...
  • 30/08 GC Level League v Woking lost 1-6
    Outclassed by a team including  -4 and a -3 handicappers, near to world-class, (all our players were three handicap steps higher than the Woking equivalent)  we lost all three matches in...
  • 30/08 GC Restricted League v Canterbury lost 2-5
    We played heroically through driving rain on their lovely new lawns, but sadly...
  • 29/08 Finals Day Programme announced
    We’ve got three finals of our internal competitions taking place during the afternoon of Sunday 9th September. Please come along and watch – free tea and cake to all spectators! Full...
  • 27/08 Summer BBQ
    On a balmy summer afternoon, a select few enjoyed a lunch with meats and fish of their choice cooked on a large fire-pit which lit quickly and burned well, served with salads and...
  • 21/08 A league loss to Sussex County 2-5
    A nice day for a trip to the (almost) coast – not too sunny and warm given the rest of our summer! Surprisingly we found the lawns to be very green and lush,...
  • 20/08 Sander’s Swingers win Fraser Tankard
    With the result of the Fraser Tankard, our Golf Teams competition, in doubt until the final match Sander’s Swingers ran out the winners by the narrowest of margins. Congratulations to the...
  • 19/08 Alex Jardine wins the Spa Salver
    With an unbroken record of 4 wins Alex has successfully wrapped up our premiere...
  • 19/08 Kent & Sussex Courier: printed coverage
    ...
  • 18/08 KentLive News: Royal Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club to welcome global superstars from 30 countries as it hosts world championship
    With balls reaching speeds of up to 40mph – and the Egyptians being the hardest hitters according to Jon – the club will be installing temporary plastic mesh fencing to protect...
  • 17/08 Golf Level league win against Compton 4-3
    ...
  • 15/08 Golf Restricted league loss to Cheam 3-4
    ...
  • 10/08 Disappointing result at SECF Golf Teams Day
    In the Doubles event on 5th August at Southwick our teams came 20th and 21st our of 22 teams (our overall score was 1 win and 7 losses). In the Singles we did...
  • 04/08 A league loss to Dulwich 3-4
    Could we follow up on our previous success? Well, on a scorchingly hot day (the temperature hit 32 degrees) it turned out not, but it was close. The morning went pretty well to...
  • 30/07 Golf Handicap league win against Ivychurch 7-2
    Well, we finished the season in this league with two wins, making an overall results of two wins and two losses – so what we should expect if our handicaps are about...
  • 25/07 Golf Handicap League win against Caterham 5-4
    At last a win! Caterham’s lawns were as dry as ours, but the hoops must have been put in by a pile driver as they were so firm. We found that they only...
  • 21/07 Golf Level Play loss to Dulwich 2-5
    Our visit to Dulwich on one of the cooler days in our summer this year was initially unpromising, with the London traffic delaying us somewhat. However, with Dulwich missing their top two players...
  • 17/07 Golf Restricted league loss to Rottingdean 0-7
    A whitewash, sadly.  Our only consolation is that we were playing level games against opponents who were 2 steps below in handicap. Several matches went to 3...
  • 14/07 Golf Handicap League loss to Reigate Priory B 1-8
    ...
  • 07/07 Internal competition results updated
    ...
  • 05/07 U league loss to Guildford & Godalming 1-6
    After a series of withdrawals, a team of three made their M25 way to Guildford Rugby Club where GGCC are now based on the old bowls lawn, their famous slopey lawn (not used...
  • 02/07 Golf Level League loss to Sussex County 1-6
    Unfortunately we lost our fourth team member at the last moment due to an operation that didn’t go totally to plan, so we were two games down before we started. All our opponents...
  • 01/07 A league won against Woking 4-3
    At last a win in the A league – the last time we won one was in 2014! A beautiful, if rather hot day, saw our lawns in fine condition and even green...
  • 28/06 Competition results updated
    ...
  • 27/06 Golf Restricted league loss to Littlehampton 2-4
    ...
  • 12/06 Golf Handicap League loss to Merton 1-8
    ...
  • 09/06 Jon Diamond wins our latest One Day tournament
    A select group of 5, including one non-club member, contested this on Friday, with Jon winning all his games, albeit with small margins. It was good to see Chris Barham back on the...
  • 08/06 French Students visit
    50 exchange students from Versailles, aged 12-13, and their teachers had a fun time learning to play croquet on our lawns on Thursday. Hopefully they’ll take back the experience and start...
  • 05/06 SECF One Ball Teams
    Four teams travelled to Canterbury to play in the inaugural SECF One Ball Teams event, so with the two local teams made a full six teams on their three lawns. Their lawns are...
  • 03/06 Tom Carpenter wins the Montevideo Cup
    Tom Carpenter from Tunbridge Wells won our annual Open Golf Croquet level play tournament (Montevideo Cup) on Saturday 2nd June, beating the previous winner, Liz Farrow from Sussex...
  • 02/06 U league loss to Ramsgate
    June started with another rather ignominious defeat, unhappily, 6-1 this time at home, some players feeling somewhat under-bisqued!! At least, the threatened thunderstorms failed to appear. Results:...
  • 29/05 Crescent Road Car Park restricted access
    “Day time use of Crescent Road Car Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells is being restricted to permit holders only from Tuesday 29 May. “The restriction which applies Monday to Friday, 8 am until...
  • 29/05 Kent improves at the Inter-Counties!
    Tunbridge Wells provided four players for the Kent team this year (Jon Diamond, Jolyon Creasey, John Greenwood and Alex Jardine) for the annual CA Association Croquet Inter-Counties event. This...
  • 29/05 U league: Lost to Compton 5-2
    ...
  • 25/05 Internal competition results updated
    Also some changes to both Association and Golf High Bisquers...
  • 21/05 Jon Diamond in Southport
    Southport Croquet club is close to the sea, which is wonderful but does mean that the lawns are sometimes below high tide. Given the wet winter we had this led to their 5...
  • 20/05 A league loss to Surbiton
    Played on the day before the FA Cup Final, this was not so much Chelsea v Man Utd, more like Chelsea v Maidstone Utd as the anticipated 6-nil loss displayed. Only Mick in...
  • 15/05 National Croquet Day report
    After a slow start on Sunday due to a damp night, but a dry if cloudy early morning, we had 19 visitors including two family groups whom we are hopeful may join. We...
  • 14/05 Barney semi-finalist at the CA One Ball
    Barney won our heat for the CA Charity One Ball event earlier this year (on Opening Day) and so went to the National Final, held at Surbiton last Sunday. He had a great...
  • 12/05 Stephen Hadfield wins
    Nine players came to our first AC One-day of the year, four visitors and five home, including Martin Lester visiting from Oxford.  With a mixture of all options being played (Handicap, Advanced...
  • 08/05 Alex Jardine second in Sussex B-level Challenge
    Alex picked up second place in the Sussex County B-level Challenge at the weekend. Four players won 4/5, three who had done the usual “he-beat-her-beat-me-beat-him” and one who had won...
  • 30/04 Match v Woking cancelled
    The forecast heavy rain and wind and cold forced the cancellation of our match today. Sadly this made the cake go past its best by...
  • 27/04 Other croquet news
    Some other croquet sites provide a news feed and we’ve consolidated all  those that we can find in the South East, plus the Croquet Association. Click on the link on the right halfway...
  • 27/04 Robert Alexander wins the Kent Cup (AC)
    Thanks goodness the heat had gone! The hottest April day in 70 years was just two days ago and the weather for this event on 21st/22nd April at Tunbridge Wells was perfect. Unfortunately...
  • 20/04 AC on Thursday evenings started successfully
    Our first try for AC with free parking garnered 6 players, with one short lawn and one full-sized one. Both Advanced and Handicap games were played, mainly 18-points so that each person who...
  • 09/04 Barney wins on Opening Day!
    Once again, Barney Lewis proved to be Top-of-the-One-balls, his single-point defeat of John Greenwood being the deciding factor when both ended up on 3 wins out of 4 games. A decent attendance of...
  • 29/03 Fraser Tankard draw announced
    The draw for this season’s Tuesday evening GC team event has been released and is now available here. Please note that the Rules have been revised this year: the start time is 6:15pm and...
  • 27/03 Introduction to Croquet Course
    Details of this course for 2018 have now been...
  • 22/03 SECF fixtures announced
    Details of our opponents for this year in the SECF leagues have been announced: Current SECF Fixtures. Full details of all league fixtures and rules are published on the SECF...
  • 13/03 First Aid Course
    We’re pleased that the following attended our First Aid Course, run by the Red Cross: Nigel Barton Beverley Brown John Greenwood Michael Hughes Alex Jardine Barney Lewis John Moore Kate and...
  • 11/03 One Ball in March
    The rain eased up, so the weather was almost nice! Despite it being Mothering Sunday 8 players turned up for our successful One Ball morning, with a few staying on to the afternoon...
  • 09/03 New Committee Member
    Nigel Barton has agreed to be co-opted on to our Committee. His initial responsibility will be organising our participation in National Croquet Day on 13th...
  • 18/02 2018 AGM minutes
    are now available:...
  • 12/02 February one ball
    A lovely day, apart from the temperature! Nevertheless 5 hardy people came and enjoyed 4 games, plus sausage rolls to warm us up. Lawn 2 in excellent condition and surprisingly fast – all...
  • 10/02 AGM
    At our AGM today the Committee was re-elected unopposed and the subscriptions are unchanged for 2018 (they haven’t changed since 1995!). Details of the programme for 2018 were discussed, with...
  • 01/02 First Aid Course
    Following the odd accident over the years we thought it would be advisable if more of our members were actually trained to be able to provide First Aid assistance.   So we have...
  • 09/01 Data Protection
    In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a new General Data Protection Regulation that comes into effect in May 2018. So the Committee has approved a new Privacy Policy to comply with...
  • 08/01 Twelfth Night greatly enjoyed!
    A Happy New Year was celebrated by a significant number of our club members at the home of Kate and Michael Sander, with a considerable sum raised for club funds, including nearly £40...
2017
  • 15/12 Our new website
    Now live, so ready for review! Please report any...
  • 13/12 2017 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 13th December – Xmas lunch A few late cancellations reduced us to 13 for...
2016
  • 31/12 2016 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 30th November – Mark Houslop wins the Calverley Cup Mark has repeated his...
2015
  • 31/12 2015 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 15th September – SECF A League v Woking – lost 0:7 13th September...
2014
  • 31/12 2014 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 18th October The full SECF league results have been announced and confirms our...
2013
  • 31/12 2013 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 8th December – First Winter One Ball 11 people attending our first one of...
2012
  • 31/12 2012 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 2nd December – Winter Drainage We’ve now drained down the water in...
2011
  • 31/12 2011 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 4th December – Winter One Ball 7 players made a small competition and a...
2010
  • 31/12 2010 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 20th December – Miriam Reader It is with sadness that we report the death...
2009
  • 31/12 2009 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 25th October – John Hobbs wins Golf Level Play 10 players enjoyed a windy...
2008
  • 31/12 2008 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 22nd November – AGM This was held as usual in the Frant Memorial Hall;...
2007
  • 31/12 2007 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 14th December – December Newsletter The main points are: Yet more fencing...
2006
  • 31/12 2006 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 15th December – AGM Chairman’s Report to the AGM Richard Clark...
2005
  • 31/12 2005 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 10th December – AGM Frank Gunstone and Selwyn Ward join Committee as Derek...
2004
  • 31/12 2004 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 11th December – AGM Richard Clark elected as new Chairman as John Hobbs...
2003
  • 31/12 2003 News
    Additional pictures can be seen in our Photo Gallery and detailed match results/reports via our Competitive Play page 16th November – AGM Clive Horton retires as Treasurer after 12 years, John...