Passing of a Local Croquet Legend
The sad news of the passing of Dave Nick in February was noted in the NW Federation website. Below is an obituary prepared by a former Crake member, Bob Burnett, which is to be published in the Croquet Gazette. A current member of the Crake Valley Club, Tom Griffith, has recorded his personal reminiscences of Dave Nick which can be viewed here.
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David Nicholson, known in the croquet world as Dave Nick died quite suddenly on Sunday 19th February from a heart attack. For many years, he was the Chairman, Captain and leader of Crake Valley Croquet Club. He organised and managed the tournaments at the Club as well as setting out and mowing the lawns.
He was for many years a member of the Lancashire County Team and with a handicap of minus 1.5 and a platinum badge to his credit was one of the stalwarts of the team. He was a natural, no nonsense player who assessed the situation, chose his shot and hit the ball without any preamble or “casting” – as his record shows, very successfully.
He stopped playing croquet a few years ago due primarily to bad health.
He will be remembered most for his sense of humour around the Northern Circuit and his willingness to help and coach other players. He was a great friend to many and will be sadly missed.
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