News 2024

September Update

September was the climax of the season with Crake Valley winning the Cumbria Tankard courtesy of Penrith’s win against Westmorland in the final fixture. It is great that our Club continues to play AC and it is hoped more members take it up for the 2025 season.

The Club was also awarded the NW Federation Golf Handicap League title after winning all but one fixture during the season. The Level Play golf team lost to Chester to finish 4th in their league with our other representative teams finishing in respectable positions.

In Golf Croquet, John Bowes travelled to Watford competing in the “C level 7 plus” National Final. John was the highest ranked player in the field and had many close games, achieving the only 7-0 win of the tournament. A great experience for John which will help his development next season. Injury prevented David Cornes taking his place in the National “A level” final held in Sidmouth. David and Sandra did travel to Budleigh Salterton and both recorded 5 wins out of 8 games in their first short lawn AC tournament. Congratulations to Chris Williamson who travelled to Tenerife to play in the 4th GC Canarias Championship, producing some great play including a very close match with England International, Euan Burridge. Chris was also successful nearer home winning the Bury AC summer competition.

In Association Croquet, Neil Adams finished 3rd in the prestigious Spencer Ell Cup in Pendle to complete another season. Neil is now up to 61st best player in the National records.

The Club Finals Day was held on 14th September and the respective winners were – Advanced AC = Neil Adams, Handicap AC = Jim Allcock, Golf Advantage Block = Karen Bowes, Golf Advantage KO = Andrew Hargreaves and AC Alternate Strokes = Colin Dykes and Paul Galley.

Moving into October, eight members helped prepare 4 half lawns to enable play to continue throughout the winter months. Members’ “winter” roll ups are to continue where weather and lawn conditions allow. The first Saturday roll up produced a “peg out” play off with Liz Mallinson successful stopping the ball right on the centre peg – a very skillful shot.

Finally the Club remembers with great affection, Pendle & Craven CC’s Will Drake who passed away aged 101. A true gentleman and a superb Croquet player until his “retirement” just a few years ago.

Crake Hosts successful Croquet England v Scotland representative match

Crake hosted the Annual “Glasgow Quaich” Association Croquet match over the weekend of August 31st & September 1st. The trophy was retained by Scotland’s players after their resounding victory over Team England. CqE Vice President, Colin Irwin presented the cup to Scotland’s captain, Chris Martin.

The match is made up of two teams of six. The combined handicaps were evenly matched with the format being a round of doubles and two singles on Saturday, followed by another doubles and one singles on Sunday – 24 games to play for. Crake’s own Steve Skelton and David Cornes were selected for Team England giving extra interest to members and spectators.

After torrential rain earlier in the week, preparing the lawns was made difficult as the ground was so soft. Our volunteers worked tirelessly and final touches completed in time for our visitors to enjoy some practice time on Friday.

Saturday saw David and Team England captain, Paul Rigge, win their doubles but the Scots took the lead 2-1. Round two saw Scotland increase their lead to 7 games to 2. In Round 3 Team England rallied with end of play score being Scotland 9 Team England 5 with one game ‘pegged down’.

The ‘pegged down’ game was completed early Sunday, with David winning his second singles game of the match, taking the scores to CqE 6, SCA 9. Sadly, the Sunday doubles all went to the Scots, Team England were now playing for a draw. The final round of games saw Scotland dominate and increase the lead to 18 games to 6. Well done Scotland.

Special mention to all our members who volunteered to make the weekend a huge success.

End of August Update

August has been another busy month at Crake Valley. Crake Lakes Advanced AC team got narrowly beaten at Pendle and cannot now retain the League trophy for a third season in a row. The Handicap AC team also lost at Pendle and will finish mid-table. The Golf Croquet’s Level play team kept their title hopes alive with a win at Southport but then lost to Bowdon (who are now favourites to win the title). Better news for the Handicap Golf team whose win at Fylde means the Club has won the northern section and are due to contest a play-off with either Llanfairfechan or Bowdon to determine the outright North West winner. In the Cumbria Tankard the Club beat Keswick to remain unbeaten this season.

Social GC roll ups continue and a “Fun Weekend” was held over the Bank Holiday. Unfortunately, the weather was the winner but 20 members and guests enjoyed an “indoor” league of board games including table top “curling”.

Finally the Club had a presence at the local Rusland Show from which some interest for potential membership was forthcoming.

CAVENDISH CLOCK – 3rd & 4th AUGUST

The weekend saw 12 players from as far afield as Middlesbrough, Penrith, Keswick, Bowdon and Nottingham, along with our local hopefuls, compete for the prestigious Burlington Slate Clock presented to the Club back in 2005 by Lord Cavendish.

With two blocks of six, everyone played 3 games on Saturday but, as the top two players in each block were undefeated, the final two games on Sunday were crucial in deciding who would make it to the final. Omied Hallam (Nottingham) won all five games in Block A, an outright winner with Andrew Killick (Middlesborough) second with 4 wins. However, Block B ended with two players on 4 wins: Jack Good (Bowdon), who completed 3 triple peels in the process, along with Neil Adams (Crake Valley) and current holder of the trophy. As Jack beat Neil in the final block round, he claimed the top spot.

Both final games commenced: Omied vs Jack (for the Clock) and Andrew vs Neil (for third place). Jack was first to start his attack with 3 hoops completed but Omied fought back taking his first ball to 4-back. Jack then hit in but made a rare error after running hoop 4. The spectators were treated to the perfect innings with Omied making a triple peel to take the title. A well deserved winner having not lost a game all weekend. Third place went to Andrew Killick managing to peg out as time was called.

In addition to presenting the winner’s trophy, Club Chair, Graham Jowett, found time to create a flavour of the event in pictures – thanks Graham!

Congratulations also go to Chris Williamson (Penrith) who recently passed the AC Referees Examination and was presented with a bottle of bubbly by National Examining AC Referee, Brain Storey (Bowdon).

Update at the End of July

July has been a very busy month both at home and away for Crake Valley’s competitive players.

In the leagues, our Handicap Golf Team recorded a win away at Bury South whilst the Level Play Golf team lost away in difficult conditions at Llanfairfechan, North Wales, but bounced back to beat Westmorland at home. The Handicap AC team beat both Bury teams to move up their league table. Crake Lakes Advanced AC team narrowly lost to Bowdon in what is thought to be the title-decider but beat Fylde 4 games to 1.

On an individual basis, Neil Adams won the GC Veterans (60+) Plate in Sussex, a great achievement in his first major “Open” GC tournament. David Cornes was runner-up in the Hunstanton GC A-level tournament and John Bowes was runner-up at Bury GC C-level. Sandra Cornes, Frank Sharps, Paul Galley, Graham Jowett, Brenda Knight, Karen Bowes and Ray Hodgson also competed at various locations away from Crake.

 

Neil also won the handicap competition whilst down at Budleigh Salterton, competing in the AC National Seniors tournament. Closer to home, Jim Allcock was crowned the North West Federation’s AC B-level Champion on countback at Pendle & Craven.

The Club continues to run regular Croquet Socials and coaching sessions for members including GC “skills test” where a player’s improvement is monitored throughout the season.

In August we welcome some of the best Association Croquet players from around the country to contest the Cavendish Clock (3rd & 4th), followed by the prestigious Croquet England v Scottish Croquet Association representative match (31st August & 1st September). The Club will be present at the Rusland Show (17th August) where people will be able to try the game on a specially prepared piece of land.

1st July Update – Festival of Croquet Success for Crake Valley

The weekend of 29th & 30th June saw Crake Valley win their first North West Festival of Croquet Trophy since 2018. The Annual event is the highlight of the season bringing together 10 clubs in the northwest playing up to 5 different formats of Croquet.

Crake’s previous win was in the Handicap Shield in 2018 and this year our outstanding pairing were John & Karen Bowes winning 5 out of 7 games to gain the Advantage (Handicap) Golf shield.

The Club finished second overall despite only having teams in 4 out of the 5 strands/formats. All points are accumulated to find the Champion Club which this year is Fylde (74 points from 5 strands). Crake finished with 67 points, the best of those clubs that entered 4 teams overall – a great achievement. Level play Golf and Advanced Association finished joint 2nd in their league. The Short lawn playing well but narrowly lose several games to finish mid-table. Thanks to all our players for attending and representing our Club so well.

 

 

The Festival saw challenging conditions with heavy rain attracting puddles and ducks to the lawns. They soon dried out to enable all games to be completed by 3.15pm on Sunday. Most players stayed at the Rufford Arms, where the service and accommodation was up to a very high standard (as in previous years).

Three CqE Medals earned at Crake Valley

What a week it has been at Crake Valley. Torrential rain and flash floods versus our great new drainage system and (on both days) Giles Pepperell working the “Bowdry Sponge machine” – who would win? Somehow, the Club managed to fulfil all 3 tournaments despite the most challenging of weather. The 3 winners progressing to National Finals and each receiving a CqE Medal for their achievements.

The worst of the weather was on Saturday 15th when only 4 rounds of matches were completed in the GC “A level” 2-day tournament. A couple of games had to be moved, mid game, from the worst affected areas to Lawn 1, which remained playable all weekend. Sunday morning saw the Blocks completed and the decision made to play the knockout as a best of 19 point games rather than risk best of 3.

Four qualifiers from each block (in order), Block A = Tony McCann (Backworth), Mike Bilton (Gainsborough), Ted Flexman (Ripon Spa) and Paul Galley (Crake Valley). Block B = Tom Grievson (Chester), David Cornes (Crake Valley), Christine Wood (Tyneside) and Julie Tremble (Guildford). In an unusual twist, the 4 quarter final winners came from the same block. The semi finals saw Tom beat Christine (10-8) and David overcome Julie (10-5). Spectators were treated a some superb play by both finalists with David just seeing Tom off by 10 hoops to 7, thus gaining revenge from their block game the day before. David will now play in the National Final in Sidmouth and will receive a CqE “Gold” medal. Jane Pringle won the Plate and Ted Flexman the Shield.

Shortly after the presentations, the rain returned justifying the slightly curtailed format needed to complete the tournament.

On the Friday, Crake Valley “B level” was held. Progressing from Block A was Sarah Clements (Chester – 4 wins) and Robert Strover (Bishop Monkton – 3 wins plus a better hoop difference over Marcia Henderson). In Block B, Phil Tremble was solid throughout with 5 wins and joined by Robert Mumford (Bishop Monkton – 3 wins). A close semi final saw Robert M beat Sarah 7-6 and Phil beat Robert S 7-4. In the Final Phil was too strong for Robert taking the win 10-4 and earning a place at East Dorset along with a CqE “Silver” medal.

 

The first tournament was the GC “C level” with a full field of 12 players. Block A saw Chris Williamson (Penrith) and John Bowes (Crake Valley) progress with 5 and 4 wins respectively. In the other Block David Carpenter (Ben Rhydigg) and Ray Hodgson (Crake Valley) both won 4 out of 5.
Two close semi finals followed with Chris edging Ray out on the 13th hoop and John beating David 7-5. In an exciting final John won through 10-9 and, therefore, qualifies for the National Final at Watford and will receive a CqE Bronze Medal.

Cumbria Cup 8th and 9th June 2024

Crake welcomed Advanced Association players from Bowdon, Fylde, Keswick, Middlesbrough, Nottingham and Penrith, in addition to two members, to compete for the Cumbria Cup this weekend.

Two blocks of 6 saw Neil Adams (Crake Valley) and Andrew Killick (Middlesbrough) each achieve 4 wins. As a result of “who beat who” Andrew progressed to the final on his first visit to Crake.

In the other block another player making his first visit to the Club, Richard Huxley (Nottingham) achieved 4 wins along with Andrew Winn (Bowdon) and Lee Hartley (Fylde). “Who beat who” failed to provide the group winner so it was “hoop difference” that took Andrew though (plus 72). Special mention should be made of 3 triple peels in the group stages, two by Neil Adams and one by Lee Hartley.

In the final, Andrew K got off to a flyer but Andrew W responded well. Andrew W pegged out his opponent but could not quite achieve the comeback. Final score 26-19. Congratulations to Andrew Killick who is pictured holding the trophy alongside the full field of players. Other pictures are general play from the weekend including the winners first attempt at pegging out his second ball in the final.

3rd June Update

Tournament play at away venues commenced in May. The first weekend saw David Cornes struggle to find form on the Saturday at Bury “A level” but Graham Jowett performed well. On the Sunday David was stronger winning all 6 games to lift the Golf Croquet Plate. The next 2 weekends were GC “B level” tournaments held at Pendle (where Frank Sharps finished 4th) and Bury (where Sandra Cornes won the 3rd & 4th place play off. The best achievement of our members was that of Paul Galley in his first major GC tournament. Paul beat James Hopgood (who has represented England in the past) in the Block. He then won all 3 games in his plate block to meet James again in the Final. Paul played really well to lead 6-4 but James’s experience came through to win 7-6. In advanced AC tournaments, Neil Adams played a major part in the inter-counties win for Lancashire against Sussex and, in the Peterson Cup Tournament held at Bowdon, Neil beat the ladies world champion, Debbie Lines, his best ever win which also included a triple peel.

In the leagues Crake Lakes won their Advanced Association Croquet match against Bury to maintain an unbeaten start to the season. The Handicap AC team lost both their matches, narrowly, to Bowdon and at Chester. The Level Play Golf team won convincingly against Bury whilst the handicap golf team won home fixtures against Bury North and Fylde Falcons.

Social “Roll Ups” have continued to be well supported by members on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

June sees Crake host fully subscribed “Open” tournament at Advanced AC level as well as GC National Qualifiers at A, B and C-level. The month concludes with our presence at the North West Festival of Croquet in Southport.

1st May Update

Crake Valley’s careful management of lawn usage and treatments against the constant heavy rain proved successful during April. Whilst many clubs were not able to play during the month Crake member’s social roll up continued using half lawns – the latest winner being John Bowes. Our internal competitions started on full lawns, and we held five “free” taster sessions for those potentially interested in joining the Club.

On a coaching front a new 45-minute “Alternate Strokes” exercise has been introduced to encourage golf players to experience association croquet. We have also held the first of several sessions planned throughout the summer based on the United States Croquet Association GC skills test. All coaching is proving popular with members.

Each of the 4 league teams have commenced their season with opening wins for the Level Play Golf, Handicap AC and Advanced AC teams. The Handicap Golf team has one win and one defeat to date.

The best and biggest achievement of April was the completion of the car park extension alongside the newly created rock garden. Drainage has also been improved for part of the existing car park. The pictures show the significant improvement to the Club surrounds this project has made. Many thanks to John & Karen Bowes for their project management and donation of materials. Also, thanks to every member who contributed their time during construction.

May sees further league matches and regular social sessions for members. We also aim to roll the lawns ready for several “Open” tournaments in June which are attracting some very high quality players from around the country.

The Harding brothers win Crake Alternate Strokes

Crake Valley’s first tournament of the season saw 16 players compete the annual AC Alternate Stroke Doubles. Starting reasonably warm and dry, the weather wasn’t kind with wind & rain making conditions very difficult.

Two blocks of 4 pairs played each other, top of each block competing to decide the overall winner. In the final it was experience that took the lead, with some great shots made by Bowdon players Alan Mayne & Kay Martin. As the cold took hold and with time running out, one mistake was all that was needed for Richard & David Harding (from Nottingham & Llanfairfechan) to take a risk on hoop 6 that changed the game, giving them a 14:11 win.

1st April Update

The lawns had their first John Deere mow for the year this Easter Sunday with a huge amount of grass cuttings topping up the skip. The lawns were also treated, seeded and top soiled in places as we prepare for the summer season. Lots of work on the surrounds also took place including Brenda painting the gate. We hope the weather dries up a little to enable the car park extension and the rock garden to be completed.

On the lawns the social play on Club Days is proving popular as well as competitive play in both formats of the game. Two of our members have been selected for the England international development squad weekends, Neil Adams (at Ealing for Association) and David Cornes (at Wrest Park for Golf).

There are good numbers signed up for the 4 free taster sessions in mid April from which we hope to attract new members to the Club.

Crake Valley takes soak-away design to new levels

What happens when a club member offers to design and build a rock garden to hide an unsightly soak away? – – – –

John & Karen Bowes’ offer to build a rock garden was welcomed with open arms by the Crake Valley committee, but we could never have imagined just what an amazing structure they would create (with a little help from some willing hands!).

If you have ever visited Crake Valley, you will recall the bright yellow patch of bearded iris that hid one of our soak-aways. Removal of these was the start of a complete transformation of the club entrance area. Rocks arrived over a period of a few days, then digging began. Several loads of soil were removed, at which point we found the reason for flooding alongside the lawns: 10ft of blocked drainage pipe! This was excavated, creating an even larger hole, a new and extended piece of drainage pipe was installed and then creating could begin.

Rocks were lifted into place (some were quite heavy!), then followed the soil, membrane and four tonnes of decorative stone along with a few strategically placed plants. I make it sound so easy but without the dedication of the volunteers, John’s amazing vision and the very generous offer, this development would not have taken place, so thank you both John & Karen Bowes.

Work continues for the next few weeks, extending the car park area so watch this space for more news.

Update February 14th 2024

Despite challenging weather conditions, winter play continues at Crake. The high tides and what seems like continuous rain has not prevented the Club from cutting the lawns to host Social GC Roll Up sessions on Saturday mornings. The two most recent events have attracted 12 and 9 members with a format of random pairings playing three, 30-minute games. Any member who wins all 3 games plays off with nearest the peg as the winner. Congratulations to John Bowes and Frank Sharps who triumphed over these weekends. The afternoons are taken up with a mix of GC as well as tuition on AC from the experienced Neil Adams.

 

Congratulations go to Neil on his selection for the AC International Development Squad. He will join his peers in Ealing, London during March for the first coaching session.

The Club is hosting its AGM on Wednesday 28th February and has a Spring Lunch planned on Wednesday 20th March. Free “taster” sessions are planned for mid April with anyone interested in signing up asked to contact the club by email.

Good turnout at the first 2024 Saturday “roll up”

Ten members took advantage of the dry conditions to play in the Saturday “roll up” on 13th January.
Four Country members joined 6 locals in a variety of games on a cold but still day.
The Club has recently introduced a WhatsApp group for members to keep everyone informed of the condition and status of the lawns. This new aide to communication is working well as evidenced by the excellent turnout this weekend.