Dear Members,

The grass is still green on the croquet lawns, but only just. As this exceptional run of hot weather continues I hope you are all finding ways to play without overheating. (STOP PRESS - as I add the finishing touches to this newsletter it is raining!)

Tennis news:

We are well into the tennis summer league and it seems from reports sent in that everyone is enjoying the competitive tussle. The Ladies A-team in Div 4 West have finished all their matches against very strong opposition and look like they will be going down. The B-team in Div 6 West have only played two matches which they lost, then got two walkovers: to be continued!

The Men’s A-team in Div 5 West are in a good position in third place having played 5 matches with the two teams above them having played 6 matches - a big win in their next match will see them in joint first place. The B-team in Div 6 West are also in third place and could easily overtake Boughton Park C to move into second - go the B-team!

Also in this newsletter it would be good to revive Peter Bishop’s excellent short articles on some aspects of the game. This could include issues around strategy and tactics, the general rules, playing matches, etc,. More to follow but in the meantime here’s one to ponder: a player returns a ball very close to the net on the opposite side with masses of backspin, the ball bounces on the other side and then bounces back onto their side and bounces again. Who has won the point? Answers on a postcard to me at ashbysworld@gmail.com

Two new net straps have been attached on courts 1 & 2 and the actual ground anchor on court 2 very ingeniously repaired by Emma’s Bowen son, a big thank you to him. Net on court 3 to be replaced shortly. The courts are looking good and quotes are being gathered for both replanting and replacing at some future date.

Croquet news:

The long awaited new croquet hut arrived in kit form earlier this month. A highly skilled workforce levelled a base and fitted an interlocking grid system filled with gravel over a weed-suppressing membrane. Everything was screwed together for greater strength and there’s just windows, grills and a security lock to fit before it’s all ready to go. A big big thank you to Mike, John, Andrew, Roger and Jen who did all the work.

With a view to adding some extras to our new hut, Ann, Elspeth, Julia, Pat M and Lesley organised a very successful Progressive Supper which was attended by twenty eight croquet members and partners. They very kindly opened their houses and produced excellent food for their guests. It was a lot of work for them and we cannot thank them enough. We all finished up at Mellington House in the centre of Weobley for coffee and puddings. Sue stepped in and organised and served the puddings with Ros’s help; a big thank you to them and to all who made the desserts. The garden at the back of Mellington House was a magnificent venue in which to finish the night and we must thank Ann’s son,

Chris and his wife Alison for letting us use it. It was a wonderful evening which raised the marvellous sum of £700!

It has been a season of mixed results so far in both GC and AC leagues. We have two GC matches and one AC match still to play and we are hoping to finish strongly.

We have had two groups who have come to us to try out croquet this season. Earlier in the season we had the Hereford 41 Club and more recently we had a Badminton Club who like to branch out and try new sports. Both groups were very appreciative of the sessions we organised and were very complimentary about our excellent facilities.

So far this season we have only had one friendly against Llanidloes. The return match was postponed due to rain, would you believe! We have rearranged it and are hopeful of arranging some more friendlies in September and early October.

We have had to rearrange one league match and reschedule one of our internal competitions due to the extreme heat. It also means that the lawns are looking very brown and are running super-fast. The only bonus is I don’t have to cut the lawns so often!

We have five internal competitions running this month and next. In Golf Croquet we have two knockout singles, two knockout doubles and the Cagebrook Cup for Association Croquet which is a “round robin”. We have a lot of entries for these - good luck to all who participate.

Other news:

There are still some books for sale if you want to rummage through them in the changing room. They will be there for another 10-days at most so dive on in if you haven’t already. Thus far the sale has raised in excess of £200 so well done to Sarah Rickett’s for organising it, much appreciated.

After a long absence we are going to see the return of the hugely popular Curry & Quiz Night on 22nd October at Eardisley village hall. More nearer the time but for now put it in your diary to keep it free.

The Club is organising Resuscitation Training, including use of the defibrillator. This is booked for Thursday 27th October at 7pm at Eardisley Community Hall. If anybody is interested then contact Janet Parry - membership@eardisleytennisandcroquetclub.uk

Sadly we are losing the generous support of Maureen Brewer as secretary of the club. Maureen has done a huge amount of work over the years - including designing the club website - and she will be much missed. So, if there is anybody out there who would like to step into the space that Maureen leaves behind we would be very glad to hear from you. It is not an onerous role yet is vital in keeping the club ticking along so that we can all enjoy our tennis and croquet. Do get in touch if you want more information and/or to have an informal chat - David Ashby - 01544 598 509 or Janet Parry - 01981 250 412

The tennis court gates have been found open again. PLEASE, if you are the last few on court it is your responsibility to make sure that all gates are closed and locked, clubhouse included. Thank you.

And lastly, sometime during the autumn we’d like to get a team together to do a stream clear: welly boots and strong backs are welcome. More anon.

Swing free, David