annual dinner

The St Annes Masonic hall decked us out in Royal Blue and looked after us in the beautiful room with great food and wonderful service.

Founding Father Geoffrey made trophy presentations galore and too many to mention, you need to visit our honours page for all the details. Your eyes do not decieve you, that is the Longman Cup back in our hands! Drop in on our trophy cabinet (or scroll down here) to read all about our winning efforts this year.

Thanks to all those providing raffle prizes and for Jan, Allison and The Boss for working towards this wonderful evening. Alan, Betty and Ian gave us some music and allowed everyone to join in with the comb and paper.

25th November 2023

Not so FAST

Peter, Liz, Barry, Alan, Philip, Rob, Derek & Alison.

Two seeded blocks of four members braved a cold start to the FAST today. Muddy conditions made the lawns play hard. Great to have Derek and Rob playing today. Both gave everyone a run for their money and both came within a whisker of beating their experienced opponents.

In the final, after Liz's take off stuck like glue to a hoop, Peter made a long roquet that many commentators said was suicide, but from which the game ended.

15th October 2023

Lawn Report

Unusually warm today, but abundant rain and holidays washed away the lines and hoop holes in the last week. This was all repaired today and Martin's Meadow was cut back for the Winter.

8th October 2023

Peter's CA Diploma Award

Presented by CA Secretary, John Reddish in Corfu Town.

Peter says: To receive this from John at The Croquet Club's gala dinner was overwhelmingly surprising. Surrounded by my friends it was an amazing experience. Thank you to FCC for the kind thought and nomination.

5th October 2023

Longman Cup Winners 2023

The Team, The Presentation by Ester Jones and the winning peg out.

FYLDE 5 EAST DORSET 2

Alan and Phil write:

Match Report
Fylde made it to the Longman Cup Final against last years runners up East Dorset. To reach the final was an excellent achievement after not playing in the competition for a number of years. The final was kindly hosted by Edgbaston, providing excellent facilities for the match.

FYLDE: Andrew Webb (5), Phil Snowden (8) captain, Betty Bates (8), Barry Broughton (18).
EAST DORSET: Chris Weedon (4.5) captain, Alan Jones(6), Mike Rice (7), Christine Rice(8).

Morning Play
DOUBLES
Andrew / Phil v Chris / Alan, Andrew was in great form, after both Phil and Andrew ran hoop 1 early, Andrew then made an excellent break taking his ball to Rover. After a few short breaks by each team, Phil managed a short 6 hoop break to extend the lead for Fylde. After some careful tactical play by Andrew and Phil, both sharing thoughts and ideas Fylde held East Dorset at bay winning +8 on time.

SINGLES
Betty v Christine
Betty scored the first point but stopped at hoop 2 but then her first major break saw her taking Red from hoop 2 to Penult but the break ended when Referee Neil adjudgd that Betty had faulted whilst trying to make a roquet with her ball hampered. During the break there was some fortune as Betty taking off with Red to Blue which positioned near the east boundary, hit the hoop wire and landed in a scoring position from which Betty made the hoop. Christine fought her way back into the game and after an hour had closed the gap to 5 points. Christine playing well took the lead by one hoop. Another break by Betty took her Yellow ball from Hoop 2 to 4 back. Betty eventually got to Rover with her Red and regained a slender lead. Betty peeled Yellow through penult with a pass roll and held on to win +2T

Barry v Mike
Barry made the early break and was +9 with his Brown at 4 back. Barry took Brown to Rover and Green to 2 back and was + 5 as time was called. Mike was in play and ran 5 hoops to tie the game resulting in the match going to Golden hoop. Barry approached 2 back with Green using Pink as the croquet ball. Brown was positioned in Corner 1 and White positioned at penult which was Mike's hoop. Barry's full roll took Green to far west of 2 back and so ended his turn by joining up. Despite the pressure of the Golden hoop situation Mike made a 14 yard roquet, then taking off to his partner ball to run penult resulting in a lose to Fylde -1T, keeping the match very much alive for East Dorset.

LUNCH Fylde 2 East Dorset 1
An excellent lunch was provided by the Edgbaston Club, allow all players the opportunity to regroup after the mornings play.

Afternoon singles matches
Andrew v Chris
Andrew continued his excellent form, the calmness of the captain must be rubbing off on him. He again made an excellent first ball break to Rover. Through some careful play kept his opponent out of the match and soon finished winning +24 in approx 90 minutes putting Fylde 3 - 1 up and taking some of the pressure of the other team members.

Phil v Mike
Mike continued to play well in the afternoon, hitting in well and making a number of good breaks. Phil made a couple of short breaks struggling to build on some good hits to establish a big break. Mike held the lead throughout the game, Fylde going down -16, with East Dorset bring the match result back to 3 - 2.

Barry v Christine
Barry controlled the game well, using his bisques well to construct good breaks. He made a Rover Peel with Yellow but didn't get a rush towards Peg and so was content to peg out his yellow ball. Barry decided he would shoot at Christine 's Blue and Black and at the third attempt spectacularly roqueted Black which was in the jaws of hoop 5 with a 20 to 30 yard strike. Barry proceeded to Peg out Red to win the match +14 and secure the Cup for Fylde.

Betty v Alan
Betty made several short breaks to take the lead against Alan, continuing her recent form hitting in from distance and building a number of good breaks. Betty stayed in control through the match and secured the final game victory for Fylde +6.

Fylde played well and deserved their win. The match was competitive, played in a friendly spirit. Thanks to Edgbason for their hospitality and to Referee Neil for his contribution to the match. Thanks to the supporters on the day Alan Morton, Rachel Snowden and Alison Broughton. Thanks to the players, Andrew, Betty, Barry and Ian Theakstone for stepping in against Bury in the quarter final on what felt like the wettest day of the year.

Well done team Fylde.

Triple appeal

2007, 2008 and 2023. Congratulations Betty for being a finalist in every winning team.

30 September

Internal cup Finals Day

WIP. If you have anything to say or any pictures of the day to add here please send to the Webmeister.

In his first year as manager, Barry brought club members together on a warm and Sunny day for a BBQ and final deciders in four competitions. Umbrellas up and a gazebo erected, the flag flying proudly (see below) all layed out. What a sight and to see every one there brought a tear to your reporter's eye. I should also add that behind every good man(ager) there is a great woman. Our thanks to Alison as well.

The first result was Betty 'On A Roll' Bates beating Lee in short order retaining the Bradshaw from 2022.

On form Betty.

Stewart beat Helen in the F.A.B. It was a good game with both players choosing good lines of play and executing their shots well. Both showed exemplary sportsmanship and have learned a great deal in their first season. Congratulations to both of them!

The Tower Trophy went to the last game of the best of three with Sue and Jude retaining it in a rain affected tense and close battle with Colin and Viv.

With the BBQ in full swing and the Strawberries being covered in ice cream Robert and Colin set off on the battle for the Trafalgar Plate. Colin took a lead with a super long hoop, but Robert came back and crossed the finish line ahead.

Robert with the Trafalgar Plate. Picture; Barbra B.

Barbara and Ted brought some jars of chutney for club funds. They also sent some photos.

Third time winners have something to fill their cup with. Hard luck on Colin who was runner up twice today.

Check on our Honour Boards for earlier winners of different trophies.

9th September 2023

Longman Semi Final victory

Phil Writes: After a wet quarter final against Bury, the Sun returned to Fylde for the Longman Cup Semi Final against Nottingham.

The morning consisted of the 2 in form players of the team, Betty Bates and Barry Broughton playing the singles against Mark Innes and Ben Shelton respectively, whilst Andrew and Phil paired up for the first time in doubles against Mark Lansdale and Mick Owen’s. At the end of the morning session this appeared to have been a good decision as Fylde won the 2 singles with scores of +1 and +4. Unfortunately both Andrew and Phil failed to capitalise on a couple of breaks that they got started to go down to a narrow lose -2.

The afternoon singles resulted in all Fylde players with the exception of Barry conceding bisques to Nottingham. On what looked like an error from Andrew when he hit his first ball in to corner 3, as had happened in the doubles, it still caused a level of confusion to his opponent. In what looked like an odd tactic to those watching, was obviously a stroke of tactical genius as Andrew won his singles +4.

The other matches were close affairs and the pair of winning players from the morning didn’t manage to continue their form into the afternoon as Nottingham got a little more used to our lawns and went down to Betty -4 and Barry -1 defeats. The final game to finish between Phil and Mick, the 2 captains was a close affair and after a tentative start a few breaks by each player were made with the lead changing hands. As time was nearing, Phil managed to hit in a get a short break to take back the lead by 3 hoops. Phil was still on the lawn as time was called, considering the position we where in and the placement of the balls, he safely spread all the balls out leaving Nottingham a long hit in attempt which was missed handing Fylde the decisive rubber and the match win.

All games were played in great spirit and it was a pleasure to host the Nottingham team who thankful had a good journey home.

After an absence of 8 years from the competition, Fylde have returned to reach the final which will be against East Direst, venue tbc.

Screen capture from CA Website.

The Boss writes: Fylde hosted Nottingham in the semi-final of the Longman Cup. Captain Phil Snowden partnered Andrew in the doubles which they lost but Betty and Barry both won their singles games to make the score 2 -1 at lunch.

Lunch was a cheerful get together with Fylde presenting each ember of the Nottingham team with a stick of Blackpool rock. The afternoon games were all very close. Betty and Barry both lost but Phil and Andrew managed to win (just) their singles games to make the score 4 - 3 to Fylde who now go on to play East Dorset in the final on 30th September at a venue to yet be decided. Liz and Alan hosted and it was great to see Alan back at the club. I have been playing competitive croquet for over 30 years and have never come across quite such a sporting, cheerful and professional Team. The picture at lunch says it all.

8th September 2023

Give it to me straight

Barry and Ian refurbishing the old flag pole today.

Ten years ago : With the help of a few out of towners the top section of the mast was repaired.

4th September 2023

Archive Documents

Alison came across some papers when clearing out a house. Southport has an internal A/C trophy named after Mr Sandiford. More research is being done!

30th August 2023

midgeland tropy day

12 members (the perfect number for 3 lawns!) turned out to play this one day event. All turned out to help set up and play got underway on time at 10am. The event was a random draw Swiss and after 3 rounds there was only one player on 3 wins with 6 on 2. A bagatelle style shoot out at the peg from pre-chosen distances scoring more points the further away the shot came up with a winner - Barry Broughton who clearly demonstrated his "surveyor" skills by choosing the flattest distance to shoot over. The overall winner was Sue Clarke who had to play very skilfully to beat the high handicap players

30th July 2023

longman cup Fylde 4 Bury 2

Fylde: Phil Snowden, Ian Theakstone, Betty Bates & Barry Broughton.
Bury: Ken Jones, Richard Leach, Chris & Anne Alvey.

After thirty six hours of rain and an overnight storm, Lorna Ndawarda made an inspection at 7:30 am finding court 5 playable and court 1 slightly puddled but draining quickly. Even with continuous drizzle, the courts held up until a torrential downpour flooded court 1 bringing both games to a halt. These games were transferred to court five as space became available. This lengthened the day for all concerned. It was a remarkable effort from everyone to battle on while the result was open in the miserable weather.

Court 1 goes down after a cloudburst.

Betty, wringing out her socks.

23rd July 2023

Millennium short

8 competitors form Fylde, Westmorland, Bury, Llanfairfechan and Stonyhurst turned up to contest this trophy which was played in 2 blocks of 4 and a final between the winners of each block.

Ged Smolskas (0) triumphed over all 3 in his block - Alison Broughton (6) Fylde, Elaine Crook (10) Llanfairfechan and Benedict O'Connor (6) Stonyhurst

In the other block Phil 'The Iceman' Snowden (2) Fylde was equal on 2 wins with Sue Pritchard (3.5) Westmorland but won through on a who beat who tie break. Other block members were Barry Broughton (5) Fylde and Gabby Smolskiene (10) Bury.

The final was nip and tuck with Phil Snowden overcoming Ged having wasted his 2 bisques at hoop 1!

A very happy day with great weather (considering the day before!!!) Particular thanks to Elaine travelling from Llanfairfechan - it was a delight to see you in your first ever tournament.

16th July 2023

Fed Festival of Croquet

Overall we were 2nd, equal to Bowdon and Bury.

Alison writes: The Fylde Short Lawn team were out in force for the festival weekend with a total of 18 matches to play, 9 singles and 9 doubles. Alison took on the Singles competitors and a combination of Liz, Phil S, Helen, Ian and our newest beginner Stewart who played 4 games on the Saturday! Well done Stewart. Blazing sun on Saturday followed by an almost tropical rainstorm on the Sunday didn’t deter us from winning 12 out of 18 games and topping the table ( again !) Well Done Fylde.

Doubles partners help out!

Barbara writes: On Saturday, in heatwave conditions, the "Walker" trio won 3 games out of 5 leaving us in 4th place. The Sunday forecast was for rain and thunder after lunch and it was accurate. The Sunday morning games were won by Barbara & Ursula 7 - 6 and Ted & Claire 8 - 4. The predicted rain arrived on time and in torrential conditions Ursula & Claire produced the win of the day 7 - 6 against Westmorland. Barbara & Ted prevailed over LLanfairfechan 7 - 5 also in the rain, in what was noted as the fastest game of the tournament. Playing against the Bury pair, using the advantage system meant they had to score 8 hoops to our 7. At 6 - 7 in their favour, we scored the next hoop to win 7 - 7 and it was this result that decided the game and retained the shield for Fylde.

Catherine writes: Fylde entered the Level Play Golf for the first time. All the other entrants play in the North West League. Bowdon took the trophy, beating all nine Clubs. On Day 1, Fylde edged Southport winning Golden Hoop. In the afternoon, another win came close vs Bury 5-7.

On Day 2, Fylde were about to run Hoop 12, when the bell rang. Craig y Don won 6-5. A Draw came vs Crake 6-6 on time. After lunch, another close match as the Heavens opened Westmorland won 7-5. Finally, standing water hampered shots in the last match loss to hard-hitting Llanfairfechan.

Peter writes: Jim and I played doubles on both days. We won two of the five games however we were within seconds of getting a draw and a minute of getting a win against Crake (Games finished on the stroke of time.). The short but heavy rainstorm on Sunday made our last game difficult.

25th June 2023

Longman Cup - Tyneside 0 Fylde 7

After an absence of 8 years from the Association Croquet Longman National Inter-Club Trophy, Fylde Croquet Club returned with a bang.

The Team of Phil Snowden, Andrew Webb, Betty Bates and Barry Broughton headed off early Saturday morning to Tyneside Croquet Club. After the long drive to the North East and navigating around the beautiful park that Tyneside Croquet Club is situated, we arrived. The sun was shining and after receiving a warm welcome and drinks from the Tyneside team the matches were set.

In the first set of matches, the doubles pair of Betty and Barry made steady progress against Terry Vernazza, well known by many at Fylde, and Derek Johnson. With Fylde in the lead, Terry then gave everyone a very good lesson in getting started, setting the balls for a 4 ball break and made a break to 4 back. Despite this late show of class, Betty and Barry held their nerve and won 20-16.
In the singles matches, Phil made steady progress using the 3 bisques he had, well against Eric Nixon (Tyneside) to make 2 good breaks and after taking his time took his final bisque to complete the match and peg out, for the win of 26-6.
In the second singles, Andrew made a slow start against David Millener (Tyneside) but gradually got into his stride. As time was called Andrew had managed to get himself a lead of +3, which after the final post time shot of David, the result of 20- 17 in favour of Fylde was confirmed.

At the break, Fylde were leading 3-0, the long drive must not have affected the team too much. After a brief stop for lunch, kindly provided by Tyneside, the set of 4 singles matches proceeded.

The first to finish was Andrew against Terry, after hearing the usually frustrations from Andrew that he couldn’t hit anything he seemed to be soon clearing the balls of the lawn and had secured the vital singles win to secure the match for Fylde with a wining score of 26-10. All the other singles matches were closer affairs and went to time.
Barry was pleased to put into practice some of the recent coaching around rushing the balls across court, which helped him secure victory against Derek with a score of 20-14. Meanwhile, it looked like Phil was struggling against David with a bit of fatigue after driving the team to Tyneside. Although being given the same bisque number as in the first match, he struggled to get going and the game became a bit nervy at times. So much so that Andrew couldn’t watch any more and went to watch Barry and Betty. As time started to draw to an end, after feeling like he’d been behind most of the match, Phil managed to pull a little break together and get himself +2. As time was called, The Iceman took his final turn just to ensure he’d counted correctly and managed another 2 hoops giving a final score of 20-16.

The closest game was Betty against Eric. The game was neck and neck with about 10 minutes remaining. The score was even, with both players having clips on three and four back. Eric then hit in and proceeded to score the next 3 hoops and peel two hoops giving him (Tyneside) a +5 advantage. With 6 minutes left, Betty hit in and took her ball round to peg, leaving the score still +1 to Tyneside. Having split the balls up, Eric shot but missed and left Betty to take advantage of the rush that she had nicely left from her previous turn. With less than 3 minutes left, Betty ran the next 2 hoops to give Fylde +1 lead. The crowd erupted but not because Fylde had got their nose in front but because time was up. This distracted Betty who miss-hit her shot sending a ball off the lawn near to the hoop Eric needed. As the tension mounted with the last play of the match, Eric returned to the lawn and used Betty’s ball to set himself nicely in front of the hoop. Then in what felt like his only missed hoop of the day, Eric clanged the hoop post to end the match 23-22 to Fylde.

Posted by Phil, 20th May 2023

Defibrillator Tutoring

John, Lou, Ted and Barbara attended the SSLTC demonstration of the club de fib machine. The machine talks to the operator and gives instructions, but the hands on experience was extra valuable.

2nd May 2023

Lawn and equipment report

John has got the mowing off to a tee. Lawns looking great in the Sunshine. Our rovin reporda, Launa Ndawarder visited today and expained;

The new Advantage Golf Laws are adopted by the Federation. Our equipment officer has designed a new line of the score post visual aid system endorsed by Phil Mcardin, Mark Kerr and Rog Barnford.

Sets are available from our online boutique outlet.

£299.99 per set (plus £2.99 postage UK only).

21st April 2023

Phil wins handicap doubles alternate shots at crake with Gail

Gail Moors (Southport & Birkdale CC) writes: Phil and I haven't partnered each other before but found we complimented each other with different strengths making a successful team overall. There were some hairy moments judging the Crake lawns in the best possible way not always to our advantage. Crying over spilt milk doesn't get you anywhere so soldier on is the best attitude even though there were some frustrating outcomes. Our adversaries were seasoned players making the games interesting and difficult at times. This was an early start to the season so still brushing off the winter dust in readiness for a good season ahead.

I wish Phil a good season and thank him for being my partner.

Phil and Gail in play.

20th April 2023

Lawns Open (Almost)

Alison, Barry, Liz & Peter completed setting all the lawns today. Much needed mowing being done today.

3rd April 2023

Lawns Open (Almost)

Alison, Barry, Liz & Peter completed setting all the lawns today. Much needed mowing being done today.

3rd April 2023

Advantage Golf Lecture

22 Members attended a briefing this morning at SSLTC, to get an understanding of the Advantage Golf system that we will be using in the Golf (handicap) League this year instead of the Extra Turns system using bisques. Many thanks to David Cornes (Crake Valley) for coming all this way to share his experiences and clarify the use of the system. David guided us through the calculations at the start of a game, doubles and singles, use of clips to mark and display score, how to complete our Handicap Card and then gave a practical application on a mini tabletop layout with hoops, balls and scoring markers using real handicap values of those present. For those braving the cold, David remained to help with a hands-on application of what was learned.

Further information is available on the CA website.

22nd March 2023

Richard moves on

After many years of service to the club our groundsman Richard has left us. The club thanks Richard for everything he has done and wishes him all the best in his new venture of employement.

9th March 2023

Seasonal preparations lawn report

Many members turned up today to make a start on preparing the club for the new season. Ditch clearing, equipment checking and tidying up the store with a much needed trip to the tip to boot. SSLTC kindly used their ride on to make the first cut. The Winter growth had been unusually long. Then the grass was brought down with a double mowing. Everything at the club was in good shape. More work needed of course.

26th February 2023

Annual Dinner

Everyone with a trophy! Photo: C Bass

Jan and Cyd did it again raising 18 hours worth of lawn cutting with the help of the generosity of the raffle and of Dahlias Restaurant which served us well.

The usual seat jigging was choreographed by The Boss who also awarded 3 Blues to our new team players.

Barbara praised the Falcons golf team who won the North Division league and gave each a scroll and tube of Smarties because they always looked so smart.

Presentations: NW Fed Chairman Paul Rigge. Photos: A Broughton.

13th November 2022

The 2022 News Is Archived Here

20th December 2022