CHARITY 1-BALL 2026 By Debbie James
Another fantastic result from this annual event in the croquet calendar, uniting clubs from all regions of the country and celebrating all that is good in the croquet community. 40 clubs played a heat, many of them regulars and some new. Into the fold came Leighton Linslade and Winterborne Valley, while Carrickmines in Ireland continued its support of the event with an impressive 560 euros raised from its heat to donate to The Irish Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Collectively clubs played for Save The Children, raising £8,135.25. With Gift Aid an even more magnificent total of £9,043.50. The charity colour was red and the outfits did not disappoint, all adding to the fun spirit in which this season- opening competition is played. Winners and qualifiers from the heats went on to represent their clubs and federations at a regional final. Wonderful support again from the host clubs - Surbiton for the southern final and Bowdon, a new venue for this year’s northern final, which did not disappoint either in the warmth of its welcome or the quality of its lawns. Huge thanks to both clubs for their generosity as hosts. A field of 40 finalists at Surbiton produced a winner in Gareth Hobby from Caversham, while a smaller field of finalists in the north saw Richard Lamborn of York claim the victor’s trophy. Congratulations to both winners, and well played to all who qualified for a final. A final word of ‘thanks and well done’ to everyone - clubs, players, managers and donors - who supported the Charity 1-ball in 2026. Let’s do it all again next year!
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