2021
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Graham is GC Handicap champion for 2021!
Graham Styles (6) beat Brian Havill (1) 7 - 3, 7 - 3 to win the trophy. With accurate play from both it was a close and exciting match. Congratulations to Graham on a well-deserved win. |
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Our Longman AC team wins through to semi-finals for the third time in the last four years
Congratulations to David Clancey, Colin Davies, Stuart Haggett and David Mathews for winning 6 - 1 against High Wycombe on Saturday 4th September.
They will now play in the semi final at Surbiton.
Letchworth last won this national trophy in 2019 so keep fingers crossed for 2021
Congratulations to David Clancey, Colin Davies, Stuart Haggett and David Mathews for winning 6 - 1 against High Wycombe on Saturday 4th September.
They will now play in the semi final at Surbiton.
Letchworth last won this national trophy in 2019 so keep fingers crossed for 2021
John leads Herts GC team to victory
Hertfordshire win GC Inter-Counties Division 2
Cheltenham 21-22 August and a sense of deja vu - same time, same place and, fortunately same result as, for the second year running, Letchworth's John Noble leads Hertfordshire to the top slot in Division 2 of the GC Inter-County Championship.
Hertfordshire were one of three counties to win five of their seven matches. But Herts had the better hoop score and, crucially, had also beaten second place Oxfordshire. Unlike 2020 when COVID forced the decision to block promotion and relegation between Divisions, Herfordshire and runners up, Oxfordshire, this year get the promotion they deserve. Kent and Glamorgan have been relegated to Division 2. Favourites Nottinghamshire were yet again the winners of Division 1.
The Hertfordshire team: Nick Archer, Simon Hathrell and John Taylor (Watford CC) and John Noble (Capt., Letchworth CC)
Cheltenham 21-22 August and a sense of deja vu - same time, same place and, fortunately same result as, for the second year running, Letchworth's John Noble leads Hertfordshire to the top slot in Division 2 of the GC Inter-County Championship.
Hertfordshire were one of three counties to win five of their seven matches. But Herts had the better hoop score and, crucially, had also beaten second place Oxfordshire. Unlike 2020 when COVID forced the decision to block promotion and relegation between Divisions, Herfordshire and runners up, Oxfordshire, this year get the promotion they deserve. Kent and Glamorgan have been relegated to Division 2. Favourites Nottinghamshire were yet again the winners of Division 1.
The Hertfordshire team: Nick Archer, Simon Hathrell and John Taylor (Watford CC) and John Noble (Capt., Letchworth CC)
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September Fun Doubles enjoyed in late summer sunshine
The player with the highest individual, score was Stuart Haggett and the winning Doubles pair was Robert Staddon and Julia Goodwin. Congratulations to them all and thanks to Colin Gregory for organising the event so successfully once more. |
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George wins at Colchester
This week George Woolhouse won the Colchester Handicap Tournament.
This is the second time he has won this tournament
- the first time was 18 years ago!
As George says 'The old ones may still be the best occasionally'
This week George Woolhouse won the Colchester Handicap Tournament.
This is the second time he has won this tournament
- the first time was 18 years ago!
As George says 'The old ones may still be the best occasionally'
Tournament for new members 31st July
Four of our newest players - Jim and Alison Walker, Tony Hyde and Dianne Alford took part in a specially tailored session, mentored by Stuart and Trish, which aimed to provide experience at playing singles, tactics and forward thinking.
For some it was their first experience of the singles format, but they found the session very instructive and quickly gained confidence. Without a doubt all four improved and hopefully learned skills that they can take forward into their croquet careers. Playing 3 back- to- back 40 minute games the eventual winner was Jim with Dianne in second place. Although there were no prizes each player came away with a shiny new handicap card and a lot of confidence.
Four of our newest players - Jim and Alison Walker, Tony Hyde and Dianne Alford took part in a specially tailored session, mentored by Stuart and Trish, which aimed to provide experience at playing singles, tactics and forward thinking.
For some it was their first experience of the singles format, but they found the session very instructive and quickly gained confidence. Without a doubt all four improved and hopefully learned skills that they can take forward into their croquet careers. Playing 3 back- to- back 40 minute games the eventual winner was Jim with Dianne in second place. Although there were no prizes each player came away with a shiny new handicap card and a lot of confidence.
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EACF GC Open League Enfield v Letchworth 19 July
Nuts! Croquet is not coming home as Letchworth Open team gets its first win of 2021, beating Enfield on their home turf 12 - 6. This most excellent result against an under-strength Enfield side almost certainly means that the wooden spoon has slipped from our grasp. The Letchworth players are fired up with the prospect of achieving mid-table status in their final game at home to Wrest Park on 27 July. Come on the Black Squirrels! Report by John Noble |
EACF 2021 Club Championships
Wrest Park C.C. 25th July 2021
Three of our club champions are taking part this year in Association Croquet playing against other club champions
Nick Mounfield is competing at Advanced level with three others
Heather Bennett is playing in Advanced B level as one of six competitors
John Noble is playing in the Handicap section against five others
We wish them every success!
Wrest Park C.C. 25th July 2021
Three of our club champions are taking part this year in Association Croquet playing against other club champions
Nick Mounfield is competing at Advanced level with three others
Heather Bennett is playing in Advanced B level as one of six competitors
John Noble is playing in the Handicap section against five others
We wish them every success!
Beginners' Course starting July 22nd for
Four Thursday evenings 6 - 8pm
Contact Andrea 01462 673375 for details
Four Thursday evenings 6 - 8pm
Contact Andrea 01462 673375 for details
Fun Doubles GC Tournament June 27th
The rain held off and 24 of us enjoyed the first Fun Doubles for nearly two years. There were seven or eight people who were playing in their first tournament but kept up with the fast pace. Susan was the player with the highest individual score. Stuart and Anna won the overall competition. Congratulations to all and thanks to Colin for the planning and organisation.
The rain held off and 24 of us enjoyed the first Fun Doubles for nearly two years. There were seven or eight people who were playing in their first tournament but kept up with the fast pace. Susan was the player with the highest individual score. Stuart and Anna won the overall competition. Congratulations to all and thanks to Colin for the planning and organisation.
Edward Martin GC Tournament 31st May
Winner Sheila Haggett
Runner Up Tricia Noble
Winners of Doubles Sue Bathmaker and Sheila Rhodes
Thanks to Colin for superb organisation
and to Keith and Grounds team for the lawn preparation
Report from Sheila Haggett
Wrest Park GC C-level tournament (National Series) -26th May 2021
I don’t know how many of the higher handicap GC players at Letchworth are aware of the ‘C’ Class Tournaments which take place at various clubs around the UK, but for those who are not aware, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about it.I discovered these tournaments a couple of years ago, you can find out all about them on the CA Website by going to the ‘Compete’ section on the home page and then clicking on the ‘Fixtures Calendar’ which will throw up a list of the tournaments. I have played in three so far. You don’t need to be in a ‘Team’, you play as an individual. The games are for anyone with a handicap higher than a 7 and there is no upper limit.Last Wednesday I went to play at Wrest Park. I was a little nervous being on my own, but as I have found previously, croquet players all seem to be really friendly and I felt at home straight away. We were all put into our groups, told which lawn we were playing on and off we went. My first competitor was a 7 handicap, I am 11 and this was a level play competition. My first shot was right in-front of hoop one! so I made up my mind that I could do this. I won the first game 7-6. Second game I won 7-6 and I lost my third game 5-7. After a very quick lunch we were back on the lawns. I had been told that I was in the quarter finals, which I won 7-4. I then played in the semi-finals and unfortunately lost this one 5-7 and I then played in the finals for third and fourth place, finishing at fourth place.I had a super day, met some really lovely people and will certainly give it another go. Maybe some of you out there will join me next time
I don’t know how many of the higher handicap GC players at Letchworth are aware of the ‘C’ Class Tournaments which take place at various clubs around the UK, but for those who are not aware, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about it.I discovered these tournaments a couple of years ago, you can find out all about them on the CA Website by going to the ‘Compete’ section on the home page and then clicking on the ‘Fixtures Calendar’ which will throw up a list of the tournaments. I have played in three so far. You don’t need to be in a ‘Team’, you play as an individual. The games are for anyone with a handicap higher than a 7 and there is no upper limit.Last Wednesday I went to play at Wrest Park. I was a little nervous being on my own, but as I have found previously, croquet players all seem to be really friendly and I felt at home straight away. We were all put into our groups, told which lawn we were playing on and off we went. My first competitor was a 7 handicap, I am 11 and this was a level play competition. My first shot was right in-front of hoop one! so I made up my mind that I could do this. I won the first game 7-6. Second game I won 7-6 and I lost my third game 5-7. After a very quick lunch we were back on the lawns. I had been told that I was in the quarter finals, which I won 7-4. I then played in the semi-finals and unfortunately lost this one 5-7 and I then played in the finals for third and fourth place, finishing at fourth place.I had a super day, met some really lovely people and will certainly give it another go. Maybe some of you out there will join me next time
New Way Forward
From Monday 17 May we expect to be able to move forward from solely pre-booked games and to return to our routine of weekly roll-up sessions – both singles and doubles.
COVID-SECURE GUIDELINES FOR USING LCC FACILITIES
John Noble, Chair
17 May 2021 v4.2
Weekly sessions from May 17th
Monday 2 - 4 and 4 - 6pm Monday Challenge GC Singles (pre-booking needed)
Tuesday 2 - 4pm GC Doubles Roll-up
Wednesday 2 - 5pm AC Handicap Roll-up
Thursday 2 - 5pm AC Level play Roll-up
Friday 4pm - late Club Evening Roll-up (details later)
Saturday 2 - 5pm AC Roll-up
Sunday 2 - 4pm GC Doubles Roll-up
Click button to find out more about LADDERS
From Monday 17 May we expect to be able to move forward from solely pre-booked games and to return to our routine of weekly roll-up sessions – both singles and doubles.
COVID-SECURE GUIDELINES FOR USING LCC FACILITIES
- Stay safe.
- 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.
- From Monday 17 May we can move forward from solely pre-booked singles games and return to our routine of weekly roll-up sessions – both singles and doubles.
- An updated weekly schedule of sessions is published on the website.
- Outside the roll-up sessions, you should continue to book a court through the Club website for individual games and practice.
- The Courts are closed for Maintenance on Monday and Thursday mornings.
- Stay alert and take sensible precautions.
- Be particularly aware of distancing when setting out and putting away.
- 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. Do not shake hands before or after a game.
- Use the antiviral spray provided to wipe down equipment before and after use.
- The Shelter can now be opened for access but be aware and avoid congestion near the doorway. Only one person inside at a time.
- You should bring your own chair if playing AC.
- No guests or visitors.
- Only use flags, clips and ball markers where necessary (such as a league match) and where you do, use the antiviral spray provided to clean them before and after use.
- Limit the handling of equipment as far as possible. 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 please remember that if no one else has arrived at the end of the session, then all equipment must be securely locked away.
John Noble, Chair
17 May 2021 v4.2
Weekly sessions from May 17th
Monday 2 - 4 and 4 - 6pm Monday Challenge GC Singles (pre-booking needed)
Tuesday 2 - 4pm GC Doubles Roll-up
Wednesday 2 - 5pm AC Handicap Roll-up
Thursday 2 - 5pm AC Level play Roll-up
Friday 4pm - late Club Evening Roll-up (details later)
Saturday 2 - 5pm AC Roll-up
Sunday 2 - 4pm GC Doubles Roll-up
Click button to find out more about LADDERS
John Noble wins the Colchester B-Level Advanced (AC) Weekend
In his first Tournament of the season, John Noble continued the tradition of Letchworth players succeeding at the Colchester B-Level Advanced (AC) Tournament. Previous Letchworth winners have included Brian Havill (2018 & 2019), George Woolhouse (2017) and Terry Mahoney (2005, 2007, 2014 & 2015). Winning all five of his games, John also managed to bring his handicap down one step. This was perhaps as well as the Tournament Manager had found an obscure ruling in the Tournament Regulations that, he said, allowed him to ‘cut the handicap of any player who had the audacity to wear shorts in what was obviously cold and inclement weather’.
In his first Tournament of the season, John Noble continued the tradition of Letchworth players succeeding at the Colchester B-Level Advanced (AC) Tournament. Previous Letchworth winners have included Brian Havill (2018 & 2019), George Woolhouse (2017) and Terry Mahoney (2005, 2007, 2014 & 2015). Winning all five of his games, John also managed to bring his handicap down one step. This was perhaps as well as the Tournament Manager had found an obscure ruling in the Tournament Regulations that, he said, allowed him to ‘cut the handicap of any player who had the audacity to wear shorts in what was obviously cold and inclement weather’.
Falcons' Tournament
Report by Trish Noble
12 enthusiastic Falcons met on Tuesday 27th for the first B-level tournament of the year. The team was divided into two sub-teams: Blacks and Yellows to play a mix of singles and doubles. After 6 closely fought games, the day ended at 12 games all. The eventual winner was decided on hoops scored which gave the victory to Blacks.
Final score was 133 hoops to the Blacks and 128 to the Yellows.
Congratulations to the Blacks!
12 enthusiastic Falcons met on Tuesday 27th for the first B-level tournament of the year. The team was divided into two sub-teams: Blacks and Yellows to play a mix of singles and doubles. After 6 closely fought games, the day ended at 12 games all. The eventual winner was decided on hoops scored which gave the victory to Blacks.
Final score was 133 hoops to the Blacks and 128 to the Yellows.
Congratulations to the Blacks!
New Croquet Beginners' Course
Starting May 20th
Cost £30
(which is deducted from membership charge when joining the club)
Contact Andrea 01462 673375
Starting May 20th
Cost £30
(which is deducted from membership charge when joining the club)
Contact Andrea 01462 673375
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
Message from Chairman 1st July 2020
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
Keep 2 metres apart!
Safety Poster from the Croquet Association
| ca_covid_infographic[12841].pdf |
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
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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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. |