WELCOME
It gets me every time: that fabulous notice, from our very own James Death, which tells us our fixtures calendar is 'Open'. This year was no different to any other, I found the regular favourites, then scoured for something new and made sure there were no clashes. And by clashes, I mean any event that I wanted to enter clashing with any other event I wanted to enter. And then there are the home calendar clashes, the dates that I wonder ‘Am I really needed for Ben’s summer concert?’ I’m kidding of course, I would be playing something local so I could ask the manager for an hour off. My hat comes off to the tournament committees who spend so many hours scheduling throughout the winter so that we can all play as much as possible. I suppose it would be impossible for them to know that I would want to play in a tournament which coincides with another tournament in my perfect holiday destination. Each year, like many others, I like to try and visit a new club. We have over 230 clubs across the country, from half-lawn courts on the edges of cricket outfields to the Olympic-size clubs like Budleigh, there are so many people to meet and so many places to see. This year will be no different, and plans are already afoot for my summer travels. I have been known to be somewhat of a gate crasher, sneaking in unexpectedly from the back gates. What’s even better, I never need an event as an excuse, every day is a croquet day in my diary. Visiting other clubs is one of the best things we can do to help each other and our sport. Giving the opportunity for others to play different opponents, telling more people about other clubs and what makes those clubs unique, this is how we can spread the word. Everyone knows that the best form of marketing is ‘word of mouth’, so let’s get chatting, and playing of course. Alison
Talking Croquet Issue 006 | March 2026
Front Cover: Prize Money returns for the players of the Golf Croquet Open Championship at Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club (Page 18) Photo credit: Brian Carroll, Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club CONTENTS 4 Chief Executive's Column 6 Croquet in the garden 8 Unsolicited advice 9 Letters to the Editor 12 Behind the Advantage Curtain! 13 Handicap Advice
Alison Maugham Editor editor@croquetengland.org.uk
CROQUET STORIES Please consider sharing your croquet stories with your fellow Croquet players. Can you inspire others with news from a special project, share pictures of fun times and special moments? Could you volunteer to be a regular reporter or photographer?
16 The Women's Game 18 GC Opens Prize Fund
19 Christopher Robin at Dulwich 21 U3A at Guildford & Godalming 22 The Swing Doctor 23 Indoor Croquet in Lincolnshire 24 Croquet Lawn Matters
Please do get in touch with me for a chat Alison (editor@croquetengland.org.uk)
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 3
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