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Leonard Ainsworth (1932 -2015)
Fylde Croquet Club announces the passing of Leonard Ainsworth. Leo has been involved in croquet for over a quarter of a century. Leo was instrumental in the 2007 Longman Cup team success and has helped to secure a number of titles for the club.
A retired Industrial chemist and excellent chess player. Leo has one daughter, one son and two grandsons.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
At Hurlingham, photograph: B Bates.Leonard’s Funeral has been arranged for Thursday 17th December at 12 noon at Lytham Crematorium. There will be a wake afterwards at the Lindun Hotel, 63-67 South Promenade, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1LZ Family flowers only – donations to Trinity Hospice c/o Horsfield Funeral Directors.
If you will attend the wake please let Betty know.
7th December 2015
Sunday Lunch (Not)
Minus One Arm14 members turned up to paint the sheds and do various other pre-winter jobs. Amazing! It only took two hours (with two tea breaks) to paint all three, fix some guttering and clear the ditch. We are now set up for winter. Play may continue as and when the weather permits. We will need a hoop painting session in the future – probably at Ian’s house. Another excuse for a get together!
31st October 2015
Midgeland 2015
In our internal handicap Golf tournament final Cyd beat Jean Audsley on the golden hoop.
Liz presents Cyd with the Midgeland.17th October 2015
Handicap 2015
In our internal handicap tournament final Nathan beat Philip 17-16 on a golden hoop to retain the trophy for a second year.
15th October 2015
Greek open championship 2015
Liz and Peter entered this knock out handicap event taking place on Corfu with twenty four players from the UK. The main event was preceeded by two days of doubles in which they were paired up with high handicapers. Liz paired up with Richard Thurlow from Sidmouth CC were runners up and received a small mallet trophy crafted by one of the local players.
There was also a fourteen point flexible consolation event.
14th October 2015
NW Federation Handicap league winners
A tense last match against Birkdale saw FCC pick up a fifth entry this season in the Trophy Cabinet
A place in the Secretary's Shield awaits us in 2016. Ten years on.
20th September 2015
All England 2015
Congratulations to Nathan who was runner up in Chester this weekend with 4/5.
20th September 2015
NW Federation B Level league winners
A tense last match against Chester saw the team secure the title on game difference.
Another entry in the Trophy Cabinet
11th September 2015
Ten years on
Taken from where Ally Pally now stands this panorama from 2005 shows the deserted area on a wet, dark and cold December afternoon but we all agreed at the time it looked wonderful!
the webb site
Philip reports from the lawns.Today was the first test drive of the newly created Aerator / Webb combo. The combo worked well and I drove it on the non-playing areas surrounding the lawns. The Webb mower started first attempt (even though it had been standing without use for several months). I disconnected the mower cutting blades to reduce the load on the clutch. Steering was a little difficult but with practice I think it will be OK (more of a leg action rather than an upper body action). The extra drag from the spikes did not seem to overload the Webb and the array of holes was regular and as expected. The spikes seem to raise the surface locally and it maybe necessary to run over the lawn with the Dennis mower after aeration (to remove any debris). The spikes remained locked in position with no spikes becoming loose. I am quite encouraged by this test and, hopefully, the Aerator will be a useful asset leading to better playing surfaces. A few Aerator statistics: 96 spikes arranged in 8 rows on a 90 degree helical pattern 2 independent rollers - each roller being 12 inches wide and 8 inches diameter. 140 holes / 1 yard travelled by the combo or 210 holes/ square yard Each spike is 45 mm long and secured with an M4 Nyloc nut For a croquet lawn measuring 35 yards x 27 yards there will be approximately 205,000 holes.
11th September 2015
Nathan goes to chester
By winning the Pendle area final, Nathan is through to the final of the All England Tournament at Chester on 19th & 20th September.
Well done to Alan in the same tournament, a good result at Pendle makes him reserve for the final.
Peter happened to be there to present the trophy.10th September 2015
NW Federation midweek league winners
Captain Theakstone done it good and proper there. All the hard work from the guys has paid off.
Another entry in the Trophy Cabinet
2nd September 2015
Trafalgar Plate & Progress Cup
Sunday 16th August was the date for the Trafalgar Plate competition for handicap 9+ golf croquet managed by Liz. Twelve competitors entered and played in three blocks of 4. Block winners John Cutler, Philip Bass and Cyd Harbottle were joined by “best runner-up” Catherine Bass in the semi-finals. The final was between Philip and John and Philip came out the winner 5 – 4 on time. The Inaugural Progress Cup competition in level play golf was also played with 6 entrants – all play all. At the end of the day Peter Wilson and Ian Theakstone were equal on four wins out of five. Peter took the cup as he had beaten Ian. The weather was perfect and the barbeque (run by Jimmy) was a perfect lunch time accompaniment. Special mention to all the new guys who turned up and played splendidly and also to Far Country member Paul Rigge who interspersed his matches with jump shot coaching which was appreciated by all.
Liz, 16th August 2015
FCC at Bury Fun Day
A great day was had by all at the Bury Fun day with a large Fylde contingent supporting. The sun shone all day and the day went quickly with so many different versions of the game of golf. Bury were wonderful hosts and prepared a super feast for lunch and afternoon tea. The hosts were charming and the atmosphere fun .The Whitehead facilities got a big thumbs up. Janet Smith and Leo Ainsworth won two of the competitions and received envelopes containing money. (Although I didn't win anything I got to sit on their posh lawnmower which was a consolation). Many thanks to Derek from Bury for the photographs.
Betty, 12th August 2015
The Jubilee Trophy 2015
Our annual handicap tournament was won for the second time by Nathan. More...
27th July 2015
Liz wins at pendle
As well as managing the week long tournament Liz picked up the Pendle Rose Bowl for open singles advanced play. The two Peters paired up and won the Woodlands Trophy for Handicap Doubles.
10th July 2015
Thank you southport
Everyone at Fylde wishes to thank everyone at Southport for all the effort put into the Festival Weekend. While much of this is visible on the day so much time and planning goes into the event leading up to it. Not least the time and effort put into the North Lawns, which we all agree were eminently playable. We are all enjoyed the Festival and apreciated everyone being together for the event.
29th June 2015
Festival Advanced and Handicap Winners
Lee Hartley and Paul Rigge won the Advanced event, Team Betty the Handicap. FCC also participated in Golf and Short but without success.
Check out the new entries in the Trophy Cabinet and the special Photo page..
Betty reports on the Handicap Team
The Handicap team consisted of Betty Bates (captain) (12), Liz Wilson (2), Peter Hallett (14), Alan Morton (14) and Philip Bass (24).
Fylde won the handicap trophy after winning 6 out of the 7 matches in the two day tournament. The game was slightly different to those played earlier having been reduced to 18 point games in the time of 2 hrs 15 minutes, with a base of 6. The reduce start on hoop 5 seemed troublesome for a few not used to this format.
Peter Hallett’s experience of playing reduced point games showed in the speed of his wins on Saturday, with two games completing within an hour.
Peter contributed to the matches with 3 wins out of 4. Despite a very low handicap Liz Wilson also contributed to 3 out of the 4 wins on the same day. Philip Bass and his contribution of two wins, has now triggered his handicap down to 22
Results:
Wins against the following: Isle of Man 3-0, Bury 2-1, Chester 2-1, Southport 2-1, Pendle 2-1, Westmorland 2-1. Losing game against Bowdon 1-2.
Fylde would like to thank Southport for their hospitality and in particular make comment on the wonderful work on the north lawns and its improvement year on year. The team would also like to thank the opposing teams for their comradery and good humour.
28th June 2015
Crake Plate winner
21st June 2015
Pendle B Class winner
14th June 2015
Just an idea
8th June 2015
Mrs Wilson at the Inter Counties
The Boss joined fellow North West Players Matt Holmes and James Hawkins to travel to The South Coast to compete in The Inter County Croquet Tournament. They were joined by Lancashire born Ailsa Lines, Annabel McDiarmid and David Openshaw to form the first ever team of six comprising of three women and three men. Paul Rigge travelled down to play for one day whilst Captain David Openshaw went AWOL to watch Burnley’s last football match in the Premier League.
100 top croquet players representing various areas of the country were competing and having been relegated to the 2nd division last year the Lancashire team were keen to gain promotion. This they did in some style only losing (narrowly) in two of the ten matches and finishing top of Division two. The format was advanced doubles with each match consisting of three games.
The pairings did vary but mainly Pair one was ex MacRob Captain, David Openshaw and Matt Holmes (who is currently being mentored by David for the GB Squad). Second pair Ailsa Lines and Annabel McDiarmid (not a pleasant experience for most being beaten by two “girls”) and pair three James Hawkins and Mrs Wilson. Much bemusement at team swapping when Liz was always named as Mrs Wilson (an in joke relating to her on line poker name!) The pairings were strong and no pairing lost more than one game, Lancashire lost only 5 games out of 30 played.
3rd June 2015
Millennium LPG Tournament
The inaugural NW Federation G.C. Level Play Tournament took place at Chester on 31st May. Ten players representing Bowdon, Bury, Chester, Craig-y-Don, Fylde and Tattenhall each played 9 games to complete the tournament. The playing conditions were dry ,cold and windy. Paul Rigge and Alan Morton represented Fylde with Paul winning the tournament with 8/9 wins and Alan finishing mid-table with 5/9 wins. The tournament was well run by David Barrett and Jean Hargreaves. Thank you to Chester C.C. who were excellent hosts.
31st May 2015
Locked In
After no awards for two years, one of our new recruits has hit the headlines straight away with a tremendous effort. Freda Hall was well and truly locked in the club house this week. Although setting off the alarm immediately it did not distract those on the lawns from their game nor the tennis lesson on court one. Gallantly waving through the patio windows she was eventually set free. Welcome to FCC!
22nd April 2015
Lawns open
A small group gathered today at the lawns for a hot-pot lunch cooked by Liz. The weather was beautifully optimistic for the new season. Perhaps we will miss the air traffic now that Blackpool's airport is closed. Although the rig copters still fly by. The lawns were splendid having been cut three times already.
Oh, and while we were there we marked out all the lawns, dug the ditch, cut the grass, repaired some posts, white lined and put the fencing up.
22nd March 2015
Liz and Peter visit somerset west
Liz and Peter entered the Somerset West Week. Situated in the suburbs of Cape Town the club has four lawns and very good weather all year around. A party of fourteen players and partners took over a small hotel nearby. The 'apres Croquet' was formidable with locals arranging events and food.
In the Vets block of Handicap play Liz was unbeaten until the final where Richard Hoskyns took first place. In the B class open Liz was again undefeated in the block but this time won the final game against local player, Chris Wakeman.
In the doubles Peter partnered Richard Hoskyns and Liz partnered David Munday both winning about half their block games. In the open singles Peter came up against a string of minus players but netted 6 index points from a couple of wins.
The plaque presented to the club from Fylde (see 2009 news archive) by Philip and Catherine in 2009 is still on display.
22nd February 2015
Grass prototype
Philip has built a prototype grass collection area simply constructed using 10 pallets.
Comprised of pallets for the walls and flooring with a ramp for wheelbarrow access. He plans to cover the walls and floor pallets with mesh (probably chicken wire).
This will promote drainage and air circulation around the grass clippings. The prototype with a floor plan of 3x1 is really too small to be practical and Philip thinks we should be aiming
for a larger construction (say a floor plan of 5x 2 pallets or 6.4m x 2.4m). For this an additional 11 pallets would be required to build a 5x2 pallet floor plan (we've already got 12 pallets).
Philip has marked out where the grass collection area would be located (see second photo attached) and it would allow a 5x2 pallet area to be constructed (area marked out 7m x 3m).
1st February 2015
Virtual Court
Oxford Croquet's research laboratory is pleased to offer its state-of-the-art Virtual 3D Croquet Lawn: http://www.oxfordcroquet.com/coach/3d/ It will only work in up-to-date browsers.
Two layouts are offered:
Simple 3D Lawn (http://www.oxfordcroquet.com/coach/3d/simple.htm) which allows you to rotate and zoom the viewpoint and drag the balls. This can be used as the equivalent of a 'magnetic croquet lawn' for demonstrating manoeuvres to a group.
Coaching 3D Lawn http://www.oxfordcroquet.com/coach/3d/complex.htm) as above but with demonstration sequences of the four-ball-break, triple and sextuple peels. These have both written and spoken commentaries plus realistic noises.
14th January 2015
Winter Lawn set up
Philip and Liz have set up a lawn for use over the winter. It is on part of lawn 5 (as this is the least likely to be weather affected) and has dimensions of 30 yds by 24 yards making the corner hoops 6 yards in instead of 7 yards in. The boundary is marked by string so be careful not to trip over it. Enjoy the winter sunshine .
2nd November 2014
Finals Day
Well we did pick the right day! First rain for three months and at 9.30 am lawn one actually had puddles on it. The start of the Trafalgar Plate was delayed until 11am by which time the water had disappeared. The Advanced Final between Peter and Terry had already started and Terry was well ahead by the time the golf got underway. As the lawn dried out Peter made a good come back. Both players played some bad shots “sic” and with Terry on rover with both balls and Peter on peg and penultimate the match was very tightly poised. Peter regained the innings but made a poor approach to penultimate and had to retreat to the boundary. Terry then regained the innings and eventually took the match 26 – 22.
The Trafalgar Plate had 7 entries with Ian making up the numbers. It was played as a swiss which gave all players 5 competitive games. After three rounds Sue Elsmore was the only player on 3 wins After four rounds Philip Bass and Jan had joined Sue on 3 wins out of 4. The final round saw Jan take on Philip and Sue played Cyd (on 2 wins) The two winners were Sue and Philip who were both on 4/5. In the first round Sue had beaten Philip and was declared the winner.
The Association Handicap Final was between Terry Vernazza and Nathan Baker. Nathan took the red ball round stopping at penult with two bisques leaving him 5 to take the yellow ball round, which he did leaving one bisque to finish off with the red. Terry hit in and managed to take a ball round to peg and pegged Nathan’s yellow ball off. Nathan squandered his last bisque and was faced with a three ball ending with Terry on one. Eventually he had a chance and made the last two hoops but failed the peg out. It just took a few shots at the peg for him to finish and win 26 – 12. Congratulations to all on a well humoured and competitive day. We even got some sunshine!
4th October 2014
New home page
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15th July 2014
