CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S COLUMN
nature of conversation. Discussions become more grounded, more honest and often more ambitious. What struck me during these conversations was not that everyone agreed — they didn’t — but that people cared deeply enough to challenge, to question and to push us to evolve. Ideas were shared freely, assumptions were tested, and priorities were examined. That kind of constructive challenge is not something to be managed or softened; it is something to be welcomed. These discussions are far from finished. Over the coming weeks, we will be holding further sessions with our Committee Chairs and Federation representatives, ensuring that voices from every part of our sport help to shape our priorities for the future. fortunate enough to visit clubs. One recent visit to Hove Beach Croquet Club was particularly special. Located on a former bowls lawn that I once competed on as a teenager, it was a joy to see a thriving croquet club with a waiting list for members. Not every club can boast a beachside backdrop, Alongside these strategic conversations, I have also been but the real learning was about people, culture and commitment. Passionate individuals had seized the initiative to set up and develop a club which is now offering recreational and competitive opportunities for its members. I also had the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the lawns at
Roehampton, another beautiful setting with a warm welcome from committee member Jenny. There was sadness on this trip as I was informed of the passing of the club captain Mike Patterson, a gentleman who had made me feel so welcome when I dropped into Southwick to watch the European Open on one of my first Croquet outings. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate those named to represent England in the MacRobertson Shield later this year. It took me back to being selected to represent my country and the pride it brought to not only me, but my friends and my family. I’m sure Samir, Rob, James, Mark, Jack and Jamie are both proud of their achievements and excited for the competition to come! As we reflect on this past month, I am filled with a sense of optimism. There is creativity, passion and a shared desire to see croquet flourish. Our task now is to harness that energy, to be clear about our priorities, and to turn conversation into action. The direction of travel for Croquet England will not be set by any single voice. It will be shaped collectively, through continued dialogue, collaborative leadership and a shared belief in the potential and power of our sport. I look forward to continuing these conversations as we work together to secure a strong and vibrant future for croquet.
Andy Dalby-Welsh Chief Executive Officer Croquet England
One of the great privileges of stepping into the role of Chief Executive is the opportunity to listen and learn. Over the past month, I have done a great deal of that, listening carefully, as we have reviewed Croquet England’s priorities and ambitions for the future.
This has not been a desk-based exercise. Instead, it has been a genuinely collaborative process
involving our Trustees, our Executive Committee, our staff team, and a wide range of members from across the country. The generosity shown by so many people with their time, experience and ideas has been both inspiring and energising. Croquet is a sport built on volunteer commitment, and this month has been a powerful reminder of just how deep that commitment runs. One of several valuable sessions took place in the Midlands, hosted at the beautiful Nottingham Croquet Club. It was a pleasure to spend time there with volunteers representing clubs and players from across the region. There is something about stepping away from formal meeting rooms and into a club environment that changes the
NATIONAL CROQUET DAY SUNDAY 3 MAY 2026
The date of our National Croquet Day has now been confirmed as Sunday 3 May 2026. This is an opportunity for our community to welcome the rest of the world to our beautiful sport. Whether we play for fun, for friendship, to win or to exercise, we come together on our lawns and celebrate the sport we love. The Marketing Committee have organised some posters which can be downloaded, adapted and printed. Please contact marketing@croquetengland.org.uk and let us help with your special day. Find the downloadable poster on page 5.
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 4
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