Lawns reopened
Thanks to our precious grounds team = Keith, David, Colin for all their hard work
Return to the new normal.
Message from Club Chairman - John Noble 29/11/20
The CA has reissued its COVID guidance: 'croquet clubs in any tier in England can re-open to play outdoors from 2 December under the guidance that was issues after the first lockdown was lifted.’
So, play will resume at Letchworth on Wednesday 2 December. But please remember that, as before, play is restricted to:
(a) pre-booked singles games
(b) 2h slots
(c) only 4 people on each court at any one time; no spectators, no visitors.
Keith tells me that the Courts are in a good condition. They will probably need another cut and the white lines touched up - hopefully on Monday if the weather is OK. There has been some damage from birds and squirrels so please be aware of repairs and avoid them: where necessary, lift and replace your ball outside the repaired area before playing your shot.
As Winter is edging closer, please also remember that there should be no play where the grass is frosted and jump shots should be avoided unless you are confident of not causing damage, particularly when the surface is damp and soft.
I understand that the Tennis Club toilets will be open for use, but (of course) not the café.
Happy hoops!
Message from Club Chairman - John Noble 29/11/20
The CA has reissued its COVID guidance: 'croquet clubs in any tier in England can re-open to play outdoors from 2 December under the guidance that was issues after the first lockdown was lifted.’
So, play will resume at Letchworth on Wednesday 2 December. But please remember that, as before, play is restricted to:
(a) pre-booked singles games
(b) 2h slots
(c) only 4 people on each court at any one time; no spectators, no visitors.
Keith tells me that the Courts are in a good condition. They will probably need another cut and the white lines touched up - hopefully on Monday if the weather is OK. There has been some damage from birds and squirrels so please be aware of repairs and avoid them: where necessary, lift and replace your ball outside the repaired area before playing your shot.
As Winter is edging closer, please also remember that there should be no play where the grass is frosted and jump shots should be avoided unless you are confident of not causing damage, particularly when the surface is damp and soft.
I understand that the Tennis Club toilets will be open for use, but (of course) not the café.
Happy hoops!
AUTUMN 2020 Our primary aim for this year’s Autumn programme was to repair the devastation at the Barrington Road end of the lawn caused by birds digging up the lawn during the summer in their search for chafer grubs. We think this has gone reasonably well, and the worst areas have germinated surprisingly quickly. We also top-dressed the entire lawn with 6 tonnes of sand to improve the surface, and even added extra sand to level out some of the undulations around hoop holes. These were reseeded but will take longer to grow back, so we would ask that you take extra care when playing off poorly covered areas. If possible, just move your ball a few inches to give a better lie - but maybe agree it with your opponent first.
Our main regret is that we are unable to properly eliminate or improve the rough areas caused by fairy rings. Some ring types just cause the grass to change colour and grow more roughly for a while and these don’t really cause a problem, but other types leave bare brown patches which are impossible to repair easily. Recommended practice is to dig the entire ring out to a depth of 2-3 feet, which we are loathe to do because of the disruption it would cause - and even then there is no guarantee of success.
As always, the best way to avoid problems is to keep the grass in good condition so next year we will be spiking the surface more frequently now that we are able to use the watering system as and when needed.
The grass is now being cut at its winter height of around 9-10mm, which may seem quite slow to play on when compared with the 5mm we aim for in summer.
Winter lawn work concentrates on controlling moss and pests, and cutting will continue weekly or fortnightly depending on the weather. Keep your eye on the Booking System as we’ll sometimes be able to delete scheduled maintenance sessions which aren’t needed, but often only a day or two beforehand.
Winter Rules Please keep off the lawn when the grass is covered in frost. Walking on it breaks the stems and makes them more susceptible to disease. Once the grass has thawed, play can start even if the ground itself remains frozen. And please only play jump shots if you are confident about not causing damage to the lawn with your mallet, as it won’t readily grow back until the Spring.
Our main regret is that we are unable to properly eliminate or improve the rough areas caused by fairy rings. Some ring types just cause the grass to change colour and grow more roughly for a while and these don’t really cause a problem, but other types leave bare brown patches which are impossible to repair easily. Recommended practice is to dig the entire ring out to a depth of 2-3 feet, which we are loathe to do because of the disruption it would cause - and even then there is no guarantee of success.
As always, the best way to avoid problems is to keep the grass in good condition so next year we will be spiking the surface more frequently now that we are able to use the watering system as and when needed.
The grass is now being cut at its winter height of around 9-10mm, which may seem quite slow to play on when compared with the 5mm we aim for in summer.
Winter lawn work concentrates on controlling moss and pests, and cutting will continue weekly or fortnightly depending on the weather. Keep your eye on the Booking System as we’ll sometimes be able to delete scheduled maintenance sessions which aren’t needed, but often only a day or two beforehand.
Winter Rules Please keep off the lawn when the grass is covered in frost. Walking on it breaks the stems and makes them more susceptible to disease. Once the grass has thawed, play can start even if the ground itself remains frozen. And please only play jump shots if you are confident about not causing damage to the lawn with your mallet, as it won’t readily grow back until the Spring.
SAD NEWS
Message from Club Secretary - Colin
The ‘Comet’ newspaper reports the death of David Millman, who was our club treasurer from 2007 to 2014. He had suffered from Parkinson’s disease.
David was quietly very efficient in his role as treasurer. He ensured that the subscriptions came in, kept our accounts in good order, and provided clear monthly reports to committee members. He was one of those who helped to build a successful club.
David was a modest and gentle man; I very much enjoyed our games together on a Friday afternoon.
David was also an enthusiastic member of the Hitchin Staplers Folk Dancing Club, and was also their treasurer.
Message from Club Secretary - Colin
The ‘Comet’ newspaper reports the death of David Millman, who was our club treasurer from 2007 to 2014. He had suffered from Parkinson’s disease.
David was quietly very efficient in his role as treasurer. He ensured that the subscriptions came in, kept our accounts in good order, and provided clear monthly reports to committee members. He was one of those who helped to build a successful club.
David was a modest and gentle man; I very much enjoyed our games together on a Friday afternoon.
David was also an enthusiastic member of the Hitchin Staplers Folk Dancing Club, and was also their treasurer.
Croquet Winners of 2019 on show in Clubhouse.
Colin Davies, winner of All England AC Handicap and the Letchworth winning team of the Longman Cup
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Duncan Hector is a Lifetime Member of our club in recognition of all his work for Letchworth C C.
He now lives in Norfolk. He sent this photo of the weathervane we gave him when he moved away. |
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COVID-SECURE GUIDELINES FOR USING LCC FACILITIES
John Noble, Chair
1 July 2020
- Stay safe.
- If you have been advised to shield by the NHS or your doctor you should continue to do so. For your own protection and the safety of others follow the advice about self-isolation if you are, or are living with, someone in one of the vulnerable groups
- Do not go to the club if you are unwell, particularly if you have any symptoms of a cold or flu such as a cough or high temperature.
- All activity, including croquet, should be in line with the Government’s social distancing measures.
- Only pre-arranged games and individual practice are permitted.
- You must book a court through the Club website. Do not just turn up.
- Maintenance sessions remain Monday and Thursday mornings.
- The weekly cycle of social sessions is suspended. The slots can be used for pre-booked AC or GC games/practice as appropriate.
- To give everyone a fair chance of a game:
- In general, there will be a time limit of 2 hours per booking. To optimise court usage all sessions should start and finish on even hours (that is, 1400-1600 not 1500-1700). There is also the option to book 3-hour slots 0900-1200 and 1600-1900 for those who want to be sure of completing a 26-point AC game.
- Each person should book no more than five sessions per week and no more than six days ahead.
- No more than four players on court: either one game of singles or two double banked games of singles. No doubles.
- Stay alert and take sensible precautions.
- Be particularly aware of distancing when setting out and putting away. Do not shake hands before or after a game.
- As we have no handwashing facilities you must bring your own hand sanitizer and use it on arrival, before handling any equipment (eg. hoops, balls and club mallets) as well as after you play. Use the antiviral spray and paper towels provided to wipe down equipment before and after use.
- The Shelter should not be opened. If playing AC, you may want to bring your own chair.
- No food or drink.
- No extra-curricular or social activity.
- No guests or visitors.
- Avoid using flags, clips and ball markers, but where you do, use the antiviral spray and paper towels provided to clean them before and after use.
- As far as possible limit the handling of equipment. So, check the booking system and arrange with those who have booked immediately before and after you as you may be able to handover the court without the need for the hoops to be taken in and put out again. But if no one else arrives at the end of the session, then all equipment must be securely locked away.
John Noble, Chair
1 July 2020
New sprinkler system for our lawns.
Just arrived in time to revive the grass after all the sunshine we have been enjoying. Thanks to our dedicated Grounds team for all the planning and preparation to make this happen.
Just arrived in time to revive the grass after all the sunshine we have been enjoying. Thanks to our dedicated Grounds team for all the planning and preparation to make this happen.
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See it in action!
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Keep 2 metres apart!
Message from Chairman
COVID-19: RETURN TO RESTRICTED PLAY
Good news: we will open our courts for play from 1400 Tuesday 19 May. But, note, the Government requires us to place restrictions on access, so please make sure that you understand the new guidelines attached.
In short, the guidelines mean: all play must be pre-booked; only one singles game per court; and, keep 2 metres apart at all times. Do not turn up without a booking.
The attached guidelines are based on the CA’s advice (see its poster) tailored to our unique circumstances. The guidelines are work in progress and we may well not have them as polished as we would like. Moreover, it is inevitable that they will change as the situation develops and our experience in applying them grows. So, bear with us and keep an eye on the website for updates.
We don’t yet know how the Tennis Club intends to implement the LTA advice that outdoor singles tennis can take place. But for now, we assume that we won’t have access to handwashing or toilet facilities.
The guidelines are necessarily restrictive. There are limited opportunities to play – perhaps no more than 33 two-hour slots per week, enough for a maximum of 132 people to have a game. Recognising that some Members won’t want or be able to play we are proposing initially to restrict each Member to no more than three 2-hour sessions per week.
We are unlikely to be opening our weekly social sessions for weeks or months. This lack of roll-up sessions will change the Club dynamic for many of us. But we should all look at it as an opportunity to challenge players we rarely see. So, go to the contact list and phone or email others and arrange a couple of games.
I look forward to seeing you on court soon.
John Noble
Message from Chairman
COVID-19: RETURN TO RESTRICTED PLAY
Good news: we will open our courts for play from 1400 Tuesday 19 May. But, note, the Government requires us to place restrictions on access, so please make sure that you understand the new guidelines attached.
In short, the guidelines mean: all play must be pre-booked; only one singles game per court; and, keep 2 metres apart at all times. Do not turn up without a booking.
The attached guidelines are based on the CA’s advice (see its poster) tailored to our unique circumstances. The guidelines are work in progress and we may well not have them as polished as we would like. Moreover, it is inevitable that they will change as the situation develops and our experience in applying them grows. So, bear with us and keep an eye on the website for updates.
We don’t yet know how the Tennis Club intends to implement the LTA advice that outdoor singles tennis can take place. But for now, we assume that we won’t have access to handwashing or toilet facilities.
The guidelines are necessarily restrictive. There are limited opportunities to play – perhaps no more than 33 two-hour slots per week, enough for a maximum of 132 people to have a game. Recognising that some Members won’t want or be able to play we are proposing initially to restrict each Member to no more than three 2-hour sessions per week.
We are unlikely to be opening our weekly social sessions for weeks or months. This lack of roll-up sessions will change the Club dynamic for many of us. But we should all look at it as an opportunity to challenge players we rarely see. So, go to the contact list and phone or email others and arrange a couple of games.
I look forward to seeing you on court soon.
John Noble
Safety Poster from the Croquet Association
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COVID-SECURE GUIDELINES FOR USING LCC FACILITIES
1. Stay safe.
a. If you have been advised to shield by the NHS or your doctor you should continue to do so. For your own protection and the safety of others follow the advice about selfisolation if you are, or are living with, someone in one of the vulnerable groups
b. Do not go to the club if you are unwell, particularly if you have any symptoms of a cold or flu such as a cough or high temperature.
c. All activity, including croquet, should be in line with the Government’s social distancing measures.
2. Only pre-arranged games and individual practice are permitted.
a. You must book a court through the Club website. Do not just turn up.
b. Maintenance sessions remain Monday and Thursday mornings.
c. The weekly cycle of social sessions is suspended. The slots can be used for prebooked AC or GC games/practice as appropriate.
d. To give everyone a fair chance of a game: • There will be a time limit of 2 hours per booking. To optimise court usage all sessions should start and finish on even hours (that is, 1400-1600 not 1500-1700). • Each person should book no more than three 2-hour sessions per week and no more than six days ahead.
e. One singles game per court. No double banking. You can only play: • With a person from your own household. • With one other person from outside your household, provided that you maintain a safe distance apart at all times.
3. Stay alert and take sensible precautions.
a. Be particularly aware of distancing when setting out and putting away. Do not shake hands before or after a game.
b. As we have no handwashing facilities you must bring your own hand sanitizer and use it on arrival, before handling any equipment (eg. hoops, balls and club mallets) as well as after you play. Use the antiviral spray and paper towels provided to wipe down equipment before and after use.
c. The Shelter should not be opened. If playing AC, you may want to bring your own chair.
d. No food or drink.
e. No extra-curricular or social activity.
f. No guests, visitors or spectators.
g. Avoid using flags, clips and ball markers, but where you do, use the antiviral spray and paper towels provided to clean them before and after use.
h. As far as possible limit the handling of equipment.
So, check the booking system and arrange with those who have booked immediately before and after you as you may be able to handover the court without the need for the hoops to be taken in and put out again. But if no one else arrives at the end of the session, then all equipment must be securely locked away.
John Noble
Chair
15th May 2020
1. Stay safe.
a. If you have been advised to shield by the NHS or your doctor you should continue to do so. For your own protection and the safety of others follow the advice about selfisolation if you are, or are living with, someone in one of the vulnerable groups
b. Do not go to the club if you are unwell, particularly if you have any symptoms of a cold or flu such as a cough or high temperature.
c. All activity, including croquet, should be in line with the Government’s social distancing measures.
2. Only pre-arranged games and individual practice are permitted.
a. You must book a court through the Club website. Do not just turn up.
b. Maintenance sessions remain Monday and Thursday mornings.
c. The weekly cycle of social sessions is suspended. The slots can be used for prebooked AC or GC games/practice as appropriate.
d. To give everyone a fair chance of a game: • There will be a time limit of 2 hours per booking. To optimise court usage all sessions should start and finish on even hours (that is, 1400-1600 not 1500-1700). • Each person should book no more than three 2-hour sessions per week and no more than six days ahead.
e. One singles game per court. No double banking. You can only play: • With a person from your own household. • With one other person from outside your household, provided that you maintain a safe distance apart at all times.
3. Stay alert and take sensible precautions.
a. Be particularly aware of distancing when setting out and putting away. Do not shake hands before or after a game.
b. As we have no handwashing facilities you must bring your own hand sanitizer and use it on arrival, before handling any equipment (eg. hoops, balls and club mallets) as well as after you play. Use the antiviral spray and paper towels provided to wipe down equipment before and after use.
c. The Shelter should not be opened. If playing AC, you may want to bring your own chair.
d. No food or drink.
e. No extra-curricular or social activity.
f. No guests, visitors or spectators.
g. Avoid using flags, clips and ball markers, but where you do, use the antiviral spray and paper towels provided to clean them before and after use.
h. As far as possible limit the handling of equipment.
So, check the booking system and arrange with those who have booked immediately before and after you as you may be able to handover the court without the need for the hoops to be taken in and put out again. But if no one else arrives at the end of the session, then all equipment must be securely locked away.
John Noble
Chair
15th May 2020
March 18th
New Information with regard to COVID-19
The Government has advised against all non-essential contact and travel. These decisions have therefore been taken:
1 Our Annual General Meeting - scheduled for Monday 30 March at the Golf Club - is postponed.
The current committee comprises twelve members. Three have indicated their intention to stand down at the AGM. The other nine have all been nominated for re-election. These nine (including Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer) will continue in office.
Our Grounds Team have indicated their willingness to continue with routine maintenance as far as is practicable.
2 We have a 'Waiting List' of prospective members, and had planned a Beginners' Coaching Course on Saturday mornings in April and May. This course is now cancelled.
3 The Croquet Association announced yesterday that all CA Tournaments and Coaching are suspended.
The immediate consequence for us is that the AC 14-point Tournament scheduled for Saturday 4 April will not take place.
It appears unlikely that the Leagues of the East Anglian Croquet Federation will be operating.
New Information with regard to COVID-19
The Government has advised against all non-essential contact and travel. These decisions have therefore been taken:
1 Our Annual General Meeting - scheduled for Monday 30 March at the Golf Club - is postponed.
The current committee comprises twelve members. Three have indicated their intention to stand down at the AGM. The other nine have all been nominated for re-election. These nine (including Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer) will continue in office.
Our Grounds Team have indicated their willingness to continue with routine maintenance as far as is practicable.
2 We have a 'Waiting List' of prospective members, and had planned a Beginners' Coaching Course on Saturday mornings in April and May. This course is now cancelled.
3 The Croquet Association announced yesterday that all CA Tournaments and Coaching are suspended.
The immediate consequence for us is that the AC 14-point Tournament scheduled for Saturday 4 April will not take place.
It appears unlikely that the Leagues of the East Anglian Croquet Federation will be operating.
THE WINNERS! - in 2019
Victory for Letchworth in the Longman Cup
Letchworth, St Albans, Chester and Sussex made it through the early knock-out rounds to reach the finals of the Longman Cup, this year hosted by Surbiton, 5-6 October. Letchworth fielded the same four who had played together in all earlier rounds: Colin Davies, David Mathews, John Noble and Jeremy Scott. Letchworth secured their place in the Final by beating Chester 4-3 in the Semi-Final on a dull, but dry Saturday. Unfortunately, Sussex proved too strong for St Albans who were ultimately unsuccessful in making the Final an all-Hertfordshire contest. Saturday night saw constant rain and the Letchworth team arrived at Surbiton on Sunday morning to find much of the playing surface underwater. The forecast had improved overnight and suggested little more rain, but play was able to start only after several hours hard work by the Surbiton grounds team and then on only three rather than six courts. A truncated format of the game (known as 14-point croquet) had to be played in order to accommodate all the matches within the day. After the delayed start Letchworth soon eased ahead 1-0, by lunch had a 2-1 lead, and only an hour later two quick wins had secured the match 4-1. The remaining two singles were played in a mixture of bright sunshine and squally showers and the games shared to make the final score 5-2. The trophy was presented to John Noble by Quiller Barret, President of the Croquet Association. The Longman Cup has a long history and the impressive piece of silverware was first competed for in 1929, Edgbaston being the winners that year. Letchworth last won the trophy in 1989.
Letchworth, St Albans, Chester and Sussex made it through the early knock-out rounds to reach the finals of the Longman Cup, this year hosted by Surbiton, 5-6 October. Letchworth fielded the same four who had played together in all earlier rounds: Colin Davies, David Mathews, John Noble and Jeremy Scott. Letchworth secured their place in the Final by beating Chester 4-3 in the Semi-Final on a dull, but dry Saturday. Unfortunately, Sussex proved too strong for St Albans who were ultimately unsuccessful in making the Final an all-Hertfordshire contest. Saturday night saw constant rain and the Letchworth team arrived at Surbiton on Sunday morning to find much of the playing surface underwater. The forecast had improved overnight and suggested little more rain, but play was able to start only after several hours hard work by the Surbiton grounds team and then on only three rather than six courts. A truncated format of the game (known as 14-point croquet) had to be played in order to accommodate all the matches within the day. After the delayed start Letchworth soon eased ahead 1-0, by lunch had a 2-1 lead, and only an hour later two quick wins had secured the match 4-1. The remaining two singles were played in a mixture of bright sunshine and squally showers and the games shared to make the final score 5-2. The trophy was presented to John Noble by Quiller Barret, President of the Croquet Association. The Longman Cup has a long history and the impressive piece of silverware was first competed for in 1929, Edgbaston being the winners that year. Letchworth last won the trophy in 1989.
Good News to report from Colin Davies
'Yesterday I won the All England AC Handicap Played over two days
in sunny and very windy (on Saturday) Hunstanton, also getting a silver Merit award along with a handicap reduction, (now a 7). Players came from Edgbaston, Camerton & Peasedown, Chester, Reigate Priory, Kingston Langley and Royal Tunbridge Wells, with Handicaps ranging from 2 – 16.
There were 8 people playing in the final with winners playing winners. I won 4 out of my five games, with a
3 way tie for second place.'
Congratulations to our new National Champion!
'Yesterday I won the All England AC Handicap Played over two days
in sunny and very windy (on Saturday) Hunstanton, also getting a silver Merit award along with a handicap reduction, (now a 7). Players came from Edgbaston, Camerton & Peasedown, Chester, Reigate Priory, Kingston Langley and Royal Tunbridge Wells, with Handicaps ranging from 2 – 16.
There were 8 people playing in the final with winners playing winners. I won 4 out of my five games, with a
3 way tie for second place.'
Congratulations to our new National Champion!
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Finals Day
Only four Finals were played on the day! Congratulations to our new Club champions Nick Mounfield beat John Noble in GC Level Play John Noble beat Colin Gregory in AC High h'cap Paul Gilbert beat Paul Martin in GC High h'cap MaryAnne Schreiber beat SusanGriffiths in GC 7pt Earlier Lynn Wood beat Sue Bathmaker in GC Ladies We wait to hear about the other competitions............... |
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Letchworth Croquet Club
We have had an active membership since our founding in 1987 and now have over 70 members with a range of abilities and interests.
There is a regular programme of club tournaments and social events throughout the year. |