CA Diplomas Awarded in 2018
Contents...
Diploma Group (L-R): Mike Huxley (Guildford and Godalming), Steve Fisher (Harwell), Mike Russ (Cheltenham), Charles Waterfield (Middlesbrough), David Guyton (Chester), Douglas Gurney (Roehampton), Richard Field (Bishop Monkton), Klim Seabright (Cheltenham), Jill Catt (Dogmersfield), Quiller Barrett (President of CA), Sylvia Steer (Bowdon), Mike Steer (Bowdon)
Peter Stansfield - Northampton Croquet Club
Peter Stansfield has been a member of Northampton Croquet Club since the year after its founding in 1987.
In his childhood, he became fluent in French and Spanish since his father, a banker, was posted to Canada and South America and he attended a French-speaking school. His first job was with a firm of grain importers, later he sold Panther motorbikes, but at 25 he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and joined Barclays Bank. He settled in Northampton after being asked to set up Barclaycard here. He joined the Club after he retired from banking and so became an ideal person to act as Club Treasurer, a role he filled from 1988 to 2007.
Peter has been a stalwart of the Club, not only in his role as treasurer but also in organising and running several of our annual club events. Most noticeable is the Annual Fun Day, where new games involving croquet appear each year. Forfeits for running a hoop might include playing the next shot backwards, playing on one leg etc.
Now in his eighty-eighth year, and with his with Association and Golf handicaps of 4 and 2 respectively, Peter still makes himself available to play regularly for the Club in both league and cup matches, A fairly slow player who takes extreme care with his shots using a technique which involves casting several times, he remains one of the most difficult of players to beat for he never gives up.
Klim Seabright - Cheltenham Croquet Club
Klim was formerly the Secretary of the CA. On leaving that post he became Club secretary at Cheltenham resigning that role in 2017. He has been very effective at getting good publicity for the Club and for the game in the local media and this in turn has led to new members.
He was very involved in negotiations to ensure that catering for lunches at Cheltenham's many tournaments was provided, overseeing the introduction of an outside caterer.
Klim is very involved in coaching- especially of beginners and is a qualified coach and CA handicapper in both GC and AC. His tricks and tips for coaching have been very helpful to other coaches. He is a Graded coach and CA handicapper for both GC and AC.
In 2013 he was asked the by the WCF to go to India to introduce croquet to young beginners.
He has also been involved with various initiatives with the local health and care community to bring croquet to sheltered housing and to healthy living schemes and has also managed to teach croquet to a Duke of Edinburgh Award candidate. He has managed to get croquet into a schools activities week in Summer 2018.
As with so many who keep croquet alive his work has often been unseen.
Mike Russ - Cheltenham Croquet Club
Mike Russ is the sort of member that every club wants, and indeed needs, if its infrastructure is to be sustained. Since he joined the Club Mike has been the member we turn to when something needs fixing. Highly practical and extremely competent he can, and does, turn his hand to almost anything. Our veteran doors have been keep secure with the fitting of new locks and handles, broken mallets are returned to the rack repaired ready for another season and, for years, Mike has coaxed the Club clock to keep turning, renovating the inner workings and, last year, overseeing the fitting of a new face. As befits a retired engineer with a background in machine design, Mike is always willing to try out new ways to solve old problems. He experimented with many different materials to produce corner pegs that were not attractive to the young fox cubs. He has also made skewers, hoop clamps and measuring bars for the hoop setters as well as height-of-cut gauges for the mowing team.
But Mike is not only a doer. He has the priceless gift of engaging with even the most hapless beginner, ensuring that their contact with croquet is always a positive experience. For many years he helped with coaching and acting as a referee at our annual High Bisque tournament.
The saying is that a volunteer is worth ten pressed men - the Club is indeed fortunate to have, in Mike, such a volunteer.
Jill Catt - Dogmersfield Croquet Club
Jill is a founder member of Dogmersfield Croquet Club, which was formed in 2005 at the request of the local Four Seasons Hotel. She was the first secretary of the club and only stood down recently. Throughout this time, she was also social secretary, a position that she relinquished at our AGM this March. Dogmersfield is only a small club with half a lawn on which we play golf croquet and so our emphasis has been on the social side despite playing in two leagues, being on the border of the Southern and South East Federations. Jill has excelled in both positions with annual events such as barbecues and skittles evenings expertly organised. She has made our annual fun afternoon on the last Thursday in September her own. Every year she introduces new croquet games; pirates, race round the lawn, wheelchair croquet, time trial, skittles, clock golf to name but a few together with her legendary teas, to which those fortunate enough to have played a friendly match in our beautiful walled garden can attest (we have to play all league matches away). She is normally the contact for new members giving them a warm welcome and although we have only 39 members 40 people came to our annual dinner last year, expertly organised by Jill of course.
Dedication, encouragement, friendship, inspiration; we commend Jill to the committee to be considered for a CA Diploma.
Charles Waterfield - Middlesbrough Croquet Club
Charles Waterfield has been a key member of Middlesbrough Croquet Club since its foundation 30 years ago.
He has guided the Club through two changes of venue; as Secretary he always keeps an eye on the good order and running of the Club; he does those unglamorous jobs like marking the white lines and liaising with the authorities and ground-staff of Albert Park where we play; he is a strong player, yet unselfishly he is always ready to fit in with doubles or singles games so that everyone enjoys Club days; he gives time to coaching new players and arranges the appropriate tests to ensure they have the correct handicap; and he manages internal Club tournaments and external weekend tournaments.
Living some distance from the lawns, he often makes a special journey just to mark out the lines or to tidy the cabin before a tournament. On the wider front he manages the CA team in their annual match versus the SCA; and he is a strong supporter of Croquet North and of the CA. He has been the Croquet North Federation Representative for nearly two decades, and he sits on the CA Publishing Committee.
All these jobs take time, which he gives unselfishly and unstintingly. Such commitment and loyal service deserve recognition.
We recommend him to the CA for a CA Diploma.
Jenny Biggs - Ashby Croquet Club
Every Club should have a "Jenny Biggs"!
Jenny organises our "taster sessions" for groups of people such as Girl Guides, Lions Club, Women's Institutes, etc. She has a group of willing club members who help supervise these sessions. Jenny often prepares supper for the visiting groups. She has a friendly disposition and is always bright and cheerful. Jenny welcomes new members and includes them in general play. Jenny assists in our "Learn to Play" courses. She manages the "C" golf croquet team for Ashby Croquet Club in the East Midlands League. She includes new and inexperienced players boosting their confidence, her ethos is to do one's best but enjoy and have fun. She is a willing volunteer for club working parties; nothing is too much trouble for her.
She has been a committee member for several years. She is renowned for being Ashby Croquet Club's caterer at events played at the Club. Her meals are legendary!
Martin Wroughton - Ashby Croquet Club
Martin is a warm, friendly member of our Club. He welcomes new members and visitors putting them at their ease and including them in games. He is a Golf Croquet coach - he simplifies Golf Croquet for beginners until they have developed basic skills then starts to introduce more formal coaching. He gently helps them develop and understand the game.
Martin instigated our Winter Croquet League on Sunday and Wednesday mornings enabling members to play in the winter. This proved very popular as Sunday Carvery was booked for after the playing session. He acts as one of the hosts to visiting corporate groups that book evening sessions at our Club. He manages some of Ashby's internal competitions and the Ashby "8" Level heat. He is a member of our Golf Croquet "A" team in the Federation of East Midlands Croquet Clubs league and often plays to represent Ashby in competitions.
When not playing croquet, he is Ashby Croquet Club's groundsman working tirelessly preparing the lawns for us all to enjoy our croquet. He maintains the mowers and other appropriate machinery. He encourages Club members to join working parties to help spring clean before the start of the summer season.
He has been a respected member of the Committee for several years working on development, advertising and promotion.
He belongs to a local history group where he helps with collecting artefacts and articles. He gives talks on the work of the group and local topics. Martin also looks after his granddaughters on a regular basis.
I don't know where he finds the time for all of this!
Mike Huxley - Guildford and Godalming Croquet Club
Having joined Guildford and Godalming as a novice in 2001, Mike quickly discovered the delights offered by the game, winning his first AC Handicap Tournament just two months later. His newfound passion led to the beginning of a long and deep involvement in the running of the club.
He qualified as a Club Coach and Grade 1 Association Coach. As Chairman from 2004 to 2013, he grew the membership from 20 to around 50 by deploying the skills developed over a lifetime of enthusing and encouraging his students. He still runs regular coaching sessions, particularly aimed at introducing newcomers to the game and club. He has been a tournament manager since 2013.
Re-elected as Chairman in 2016, his commitment to the club remains undimmed. Always willing to lead the way in everything from organising working parties to improve the club's facilities, to developing strategies for increasing publicity, he will turn his hand to almost anything (re-fixing the loo seat being one of his specialities!). His commitment to the wider game is exemplified by his genuine desire to regenerate interest in AC.
As a player, he has represented both Surrey and Middlesex in GC and AC Inter-County championships respectively. He was also awarded the CA Merit award for a Triple Peel. He represents the club in league matches and regularly participates in tournaments.
Basically, he is an all-round good egg, and our club would like to see this formally recognised.
Douglas Gurney - Roehampton Croquet Club
Douglas Gurney personifies what croquet is all about; a good-humoured, octogenarian player of GC and AC who, despite using a mallet that has seen better days (the handle is bound up with insulating tape) is amazingly accurate at hitting-in over long distances.
He thoroughly deserves a CA Diploma, not for his undoubted croquet playing talents, but because, since joining Roehampton to play croquet over 30 years ago, at different times he has served as both Captain and Chairman, is a qualified handicapper for both GC and AC, and is a meticulous manager of competitions and tournaments. This includes organising AC events throughout the winter months where, often in bitter cold and with winds that rock the balls, he remains positive and cheerful. He has always gone out of his way to welcome and encourage newcomers to the section, patiently showing them the ropes.
In short, Douglas Gurney has played a key role, over many years, in helping croquet at Roehampton to flourish as well as being a superb ambassador for all that is best in croquet.
The CA Diploma was surely invented to thank people such as Douglas Gurney.
Mike and Sylvia Steer - Bowdon Croquet Club
Mike and Sylvia Steer joined Bowdon Croquet Club in 1996 and 1997 respectively and have both made a valuable contribution to the club. They have both been captains of several club teams and on winning teams in both Longman Cup and Sylvia in the Secretary's Shield team. They have used their knowledge and skill to help with coaching on Taster Days and Beginners' Courses for many years.
Sylvia's keen interest in gardening and cooking has meant that she would often be seen tidying the borders and helping with catering for tournaments and other club events. She is also responsible for the ordering and distribution of club white clothing.
One of Mike's greatest contributions was in his role as editor of 'The Bowdon Clang', a quarterly 'magazine' devoted to keeping members informed of not only what was going on within the club but in the world of croquet in general. This was a huge commitment; which Mike undertook from January 2002 until October 2010. His latest projects have involved making videos of major National events held at Bowdon, which he has posted on YouTube
Over the years Mike and Sylvia have welcomed many visiting players to stay at their home. They have also supported tournaments both in the UK and abroad over many years, most recently on the Isle of Wight.
Frank and Janice Moir - Bowdon Croquet Club
Frank and Janice have been members of Bowdon Croquet Club since 1999. Both have successfully played in class and knockout events. In addition, they have represented Bowdon in club teams competing in the North West Leagues. Frank has also been a past member of Bowdon teams that have been successful in CA competitions.
Frank and Janice have regularly helped with:
- Supporting Coaching on Taster Days and Coaching Courses.
- Tournament catering
- Social events.
- Providing accommodation for visiting players, some International, coming to Bowdon for Tournaments.
- Maintaining the Clubhouse - from emptying the dishwasher to cleaning out the huts and ensuring the bar doesn't run out of beer.
- In addition to the above, they have provided floral displays outside the clubhouse in both summer and winter.
Frank and Janice always make themselves available to offer friendship and support to new members whilst also concerning themselves with the welfare of sick and older members. They have made an invaluable contribution to the promotion of croquet and the success of the Bowdon Club.
David Guyton - Chester Croquet Club
I would like David to receive a CA diploma for services to Chester Croquet Club. David was Chairman of Chester Croquet Club from 2004 to2015. During this time he oversaw major changes in the Club, the lawns and the public Park in which the club is situated. David has been an outstanding leading member of the club over many years. His notable achievements are
- Bringing a comprehensive management system to the club during a period of major expansion. Not only were roles managed to meet the needs of the club but he established a culture of willingness amongst members to do" their bit for the club" As well as Chairing the Committee for 11 years with all the normal duties that requires he initiated an annual planning evening where all members can raise issues and put forward ideas for the future of the club in a highly democratic manner. He continues to publish and manage a comprehensive annual calendar of matches and events.
- New clubhouse and 25-year lease. In 2008/09 we had a new clubhouse which made a huge difference to all the members and potential members. David was instrumental in persuading the outgoing City Council to provide this clubhouse. He then painstakingly negotiated the long-term lease to secure tenure for the club.
- Liaising with the Local Authority, a role he still performs for the club. This is probably the most thankless and frustrating task a club member can undertake. David has sent hundreds of emails to the relevant council officials not just ensuring that the council fulfils its obligations to the club in lawn maintenance but driving officials to install a lengthy new fence. David tracks down the correct officials and councillors, organises meetings, explains the issues, and forces them into action by never giving up pestering. A prime example this year has been lawn watering. The lawns have been in grave danger from the drought without a sprinkler system. Over months officials have been stalling, giving excuses and doing nothing. David cut through all their objections, organised members to provide a working party to help the grounds-people and finally achieved daily watering of our lawns.
- Club Website. David taught himself the skills required to build a new website for the Club. He has completely authored the club website and is still a major contributor to regular updates. This required many dozens, if not hundreds, of hours dedicated to the single task.
- Contribution to the North West Federation and the CA. David has ensured that the club has played a full regional role. Under his encouragement, the club hosts NW and National tournaments each year. David produced a new data protection policy for the club which was then taken up by others in the North West. He co-authored the note on roles within the CA to stimulate a more thorough approach to effective governance.
Steve Fisher - Southern Federation
As a key member of National Development Officer Dave Gunn's 'Federation Working Party on Marketing', Steve took on a lead role in the design and development of a free of charge, centrally hosted and administered club website template.
This offering aims to help the nearly one hundred clubs that currently have no web presence, to 'get online' and improve the effectiveness of their marketing to potential new members.
Steve led the selection of appropriate design software and hosting environments, the testing of early versions of the template and is currently supporting an eleven-club pilot with a view to a full launch later in 2018.
Plans for a Federation version of the template are also in hand.
The project has consumed many hours of Steve's time and his efforts are much appreciated.
Richard Field - Bishop Monkton Croquet Club
I would like to nominate Richard Field of Bishop Monkton Croquet Club for a CA Diploma. I have been a member of the Croquet club since its inception in 2008, and have seen it grow and thrive under Richard Field's leadership. His determination and enthusiasm have never wavered and has enabled the Club to benefit the lives of the 61 members who regularly use the greens. I believe he has given exceptional service to the club. In 2008 Richard Field founded, on rough agricultural land with no facilities and borrowed equipment, the now successful 61 member club with its excellent lawns.
As Chairman since its inception, he works tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to make the club what it is today. He is lucky to have the full and active support of a hard-working committee. Amongst his most obvious achievements have been spearheading fundraising for a new clubhouse, raising £17,500 for ground improvements after continual flooding, and raising membership.
The club plays in the Yorkshire Federation League and hosts two tournaments. Richard edits the village website which includes a comprehensive croquet section and spearheaded moves to gain Royal recognition for the ground, safeguarding Croquet here in perpetuity.
Stewart Newman - Sapcote Croquet Club
As per your article in the June/July 2018 Croquet Gazette I wish to nominate Stewart Newman for a CA Diploma. As there is a restriction of approximately 100 words it is difficult to list every job that Stewart carries out on our behalf but he has created a very friendly and social Club and we think he thoroughly deserves recognition.
Four years ago Sapcote Croquet Club was operating with just four "active" members and we decided to close.
Stewart arrived and brought with him 16 U3A members most of whom are now full members
Due to age and ill health we lost our Chairman and Groundsman. Stewart now carries out their duties.
Has Introduced our first Constitution/website.
Has gained Club Coach Status.
Is working towards his Grade 1 AC badge
Has rebuilt our storage area and made new kit carriers
Introduced AC both outdoors/indoors(winter) - 12 players taking part
He is our first honorary President.
We are celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year all thanks to Stewart
James Hawkins - Development Committee
As a key member of National Development Officer Dave Gunn's 'Federation Working Party on Marketing', James has produced an excellent 'easy to use' guide that aims to help the large number of clubs with no social media presence to make a first step by creating an effective Facebook page. Facebook is an excellent way to reach the much sought-after demographic of 30 to 50 year old's, something that should be of interest to many clubs as they look to increase and broaden their memberships. James also supported the club website template offering by producing a similarly 'novice focused' set of documentation to help newly appointed club webmasters get to grips with the possibilities.
The many hours James has invested in these projects are much appreciated.
Using this website
