LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FIGURINES EVERYWHERE
THE EDITOR'S FRIEND
A few years ago a friend gave me a Royal Doulton croquet playing figurine. Strictly speaking we have too much stuff but this was a kind gesture, so she went to live on the cast-iron mantelshelf in the lounge and I found a ball in the correct scale (most probably an early stone bullet) and since then she faded into the territory.
Well, this has been a fun story to run. Not only am I able to show off another couple of little gems from Chris’s collection, missed from the original photo, but now this picture from Ray shows us all these little characters are popping up everywhere. That includes here, on my very own desk. to my indoor croquet project. They also gave me my little croquet friend, who now keeps me company whilst I enjoy delivering our favourite magazines to our community. Thank you to Ray, to Chris, and all our contributors, for continuing to share your croquet stories. Alison Maugham, Editor
My little chap came from a wonderful couple called Nigel and Myra, who kindly donated some mallets and equipment
Imagine my surprise when I flicked to page 10 of the online Gazette. There was Chris Donovan's lovely collection which had me checking our figurine. Yes, Royal Doulton, but made in 1987 for the Collectors Club. Basically white with blue trim at the bottom of the dress and little round sleeves and neck. The mallet is wood colour, but what appears to distinguish her from at least the front row is that it is held only in the right hand, and the left hand is down at that side. I do not think this will lead to a collection, but the small differences are interesting and you never know, one of our 8 or 10 charity shops may have one some time. Ray Hall
Image from Chris: Nut Cracker Figures
At 86 my croquet days are pretty well over but I still have my memories of this wonderful game. During my croquet career I have gathered some 14 books on croquet, several of which are quite rare. I would like to pass these on to someone who likes to collect croquet book memorabilia. I do not want any money for them just that they go to someone who will appreciate them. I only ask that whoever takes them arranges for their collection. I live near Ipswich. My email is don.gaunt709@btinternet. com Don Gaunt CROQUET BOOKS
Here is a list of the books that I have. Rare Books Croquet Handbook by Arthur G F Ross Expert Croquet tactics by K F Wylie (First Edition signed) Shortening the odds by Bill Arliss (Golf, signed)
Croquet by John Solomon (First edition hardback {signed but not sure by whom} Tackle croquet this way by E P Cotter (Pat Cotter in pencil on inside cover) Croquet in Jersey by Richard Sowerby (signed) Townsends Croquet Almanack 1989 (edited by John Walters) Croquet Association Centenary year book and History of the CA by Colin Prichard Croquet. The art and elegance of the game by Donald Charles Richardson (American garden croquet 1989 – bought in America. Probably the only copy in UK) Other books History of Croquet by DMC Prichard Croquet The skills of the game by Bill Lamb The world of croquet bt John McCullogh and Stephen Mulliner Help II The Humorous Guide to Lost Croquet players by Manor House Croquet mallets 1997 Centenary Fixture book and Handbook (in Gold)
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 11
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