 |
Cornwall Croquet ClubFormal Opening Ceremony, Sun 15 May 2005 |
 |
Previous Page News & Results By Year Newsletter index
CRACKING START FOR CORNISH CROQUET
Cornwall Croquet Club was formally opened on Sunday 15th May; members, their invited guests and friends all enjoyed the event despite rather sombre weather conditions. Wine and soft drinks preceded a finger buffet. Lunch guests included the Mayor of Restormel, Councillor Lesley Clark, Cliff Jones and Roger Buckley, Chairman and Development Officer of the South West Federation of Croquet Clubs and Patricia Duke Cox, Chairman of the Development Committee of the Croquet Association. The Formal Opening ceremonies included speeches by Howard Rosevear, the Club's President and Benefactor, Tony Backhouse, Chairman, Cliff Jones and Patricia Duke Cox. It was made very clear that a "proper" croquet venue in Cornwall will be an asset to the county, and the good wishes of the visitors for the club's future were greatly appreciated by existing members. Blue, red, black and yellow ribbons (primary ball colours) were duly cut by Patricia as she declared the club open at about 2.50pm. This allowed an Exhibition Match between A Class players, Cliff Jones and Mike Hoggett to start at 3pm. The rain held off for most of the match which was won by Mike Hoggett, who is a professional artist. The Eden Project currently has 280 of his paintings mounted on a 100 foot wall. The Cornwall Croquet Club was founded in the basement of Bustopher Jones Winebar, Truro, in August 1995, and was limited to the use of small, private lawns while looking for a suitable, permanent site. After eight years without viable success, Howard Rosevear of Porthpean Farm and Golf Club decided to construct two lawns on a sheep pasture next to his Golf Driving Range. So, with the help of a generous grant from the Croquet Association and donations from members, a hut, equipment and one lawn were available for the first Club Day in August 2004 nine years from the Club's foundation. The second lawn was ready, despite the recent bad weather conditions, for the Formal Opening this Sunday 15th May. |
People of all ages can play and enjoy the game, and thanks to an effective
handicapping system, can do so on an equal basis regardless of differing
skill and experience. The club runs classes for beginners and improvers.
These are free to members but there is a charge for non-members. However,
the club welcomes prospective new members for free taster sessions if
required initially.
|
The Club will be holding an Open Day on Bank Holiday Monday, May
30th from 10.30 - 5.0, |
Membership Enquiries to the Secretary : 01726
66534, email: info@cornwall-croquet.org.uk |