WELCOME
The 2026 playing season is yet to begin for us here in England, but don’t forget to keep an eye on what’s happening around the world. Croquet England have announced their 2026 MacRobertson Shield team and it won’t be long before the other countries will follow with their own announcements. Let us first congratulate Samir Patel, who will captain the England team which comprises of Mark Avery, Jamie Burch, James Death, Robert Fulford, and Jack Good. Our American croquet family have recently announced their Croquet Network Power List for 2026; let’s congratulate our very own Dave Trimmer, whose mallet company appears right at the top of the list. I often have the pleasure of catching up with our mallet makers and croquet producers, and speaking with Dave himself, just into the new year in his workshop, reminded me that the work behind the scenes for croquet never stops; it’s year-round for those who help our sport continue to develop, with equipment and technology. A little further down the list shows the Welsh Croquet Association coming in at number 15, quoting a ‘small but strong association’ which is ranked #7 for AC and #8 for GC in the World Croquet Federation international team croquet rankings. My final thanks are to Croquet Network for producing their power list, the full list can be viewed on their website (https://www. croquetnetwork.com/croquet-network-home/2025/12/30/croquet- network-power-list-2025). Online there has been some live croquet to view, coming from Croquet New Zealand; have a look at their YouTube channel and subscribe to be notified when they’re live (https://www.youtube.com/@CroquetNZlive). Looking ahead to the 2026 season the fixtures list will be open for all in February, but one date we can confirm is National Croquet Day, to be celebrated on Sunday 3rd May 2026. A little later in this magazine please find a poster which can be downloaded and printed for use at your clubs and around your communities. If you would like a customised poster, these are also available, please just contact communications@croquetengland. org.uk for access to your own Canva template. Wishing you a wonderful new year. Alison
Talking Croquet Issue 005 | January 2026
TALKING CROQUET Issue 005 | January 2026
Front Cover: What to wear? (Page 12)
Tudor Jenkins playing Association Croquet at Surbiton Croquet Club, wearing smart casual clothing CONTENTS 4 Chief Executive's Column 6 What’s in a name? - Croquet 9 Letters to the Editor 12 What to wear? 13 2026 Euro GC Club League 14 Mallets and you 15 World Team Championship News 16 Kenilworth Croquet Club 18 The Swing Doctor 20 Croquet Lawn Matters
Alison Maugham Editor editor@croquetengland.org.uk
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 3
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