Important Notice: Frosty Conditions and Lawn Care

During frosty weather, we kindly ask that you avoid booking the following times:

  • Lawn 1: Before 12:00, as the sun does not reach the southwest boundary until then.
  • Lawn 2: Before 11:00.

This is to ensure safety and preserve the quality of the grass for the following reasons:

  1. Injury Risk: The path and verandah were icy this morning, and frost makes the grass slippery, increasing the likelihood of slipping and falling. This can result in sprains, fractures, or other injuries, especially if the ground is icy or if you’re walking on a slope.
  2. Damage to Grass: Frost causes ice crystals to form on grass blades, which can puncture and damage their cell walls. Walking on frosty grass can rupture these cells, leading to brown, dead patches. The pressure from your steps can also cause permanent damage, particularly when the frost is thick.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Grounds Maintenance Team

Thanks to everyone who attended the Grounds Maintenance Group meeting on Friday. We had a fantastic turnout of around 15 members!

After discussing the history of grounds maintenance at the club, we had the opportunity to see Nick in action as he demonstrated his weeding techniques. He showed us how he uses a weeding tool and “Vitax Lawn Clear spray” for tackling the more invasive weeds, like clover, which are difficult to remove by hand.

One particularly challenging weed is the invasive pearlwort, which Nick has kindly agreed to continue tackling.

Volunteers were organised into four groups, with each group assigned to weed one lawn and the adjacent rough grass along it’s boundaries. Once the weeds are brought under control, ongoing maintenance should only require one to two hours per month.

Additionally, several members volunteered to mow the rough grass around the perimeter of the lawns. This effort will help keep the area neat, reducing the need for relief, and make it easier to maintain lawn sizes through the application of the white lining.

It was also agreed to organise a working party in March to take on several general tasks around the club. These include trimming hedges, clearing the car park, removing ivy from the fences, painting the benches, and cutting back vegetation along the road to maintain clear visibility when exiting the car park.

It was also suggested that everyone be reminded to swish the lawns before weeding or playing, and check the bird-scarer kites to ensure they’re “flying” properly. If they’re tangled, kindly take a moment to untangle them.

If you have any feedback about grounds maintenance or would like to get involved, please contact Martin.

Thanks again to everyone who attended the meeting!

Indoor AC Speed Short Lawn Croquet in Aldham

The Winter Indoor Short Lawn Croquet has commenced in Aldham village hall every Thursday throughout the winter. The cost is £5/half day, £10/day. Winter Membership of Colchester Croquet Club is required at £40 for the season.

The game is played in a doubles format, with each team allowed a maximum of three hoops per turn. Each team has up to ten minutes to play, making the game a total of 20 minutes.

A good grasp of Golf Croquet (GC) and a basic understanding of Association Croquet (AC) are preferred, as there won’t be time for training. However, if you’re interested, feel free to come along and watch – someone will be happy to explain the game as it unfolds.

For more information contact secretary.colchestercroquet@gmail.com

EACF Handicap League Final

Last year the Colchester team, captained by Steven Scrase, reached the final of the EACF Handicap League at Wrest Park, only to come a close second to Meldreth.  This year, we scoured the globe for a truly multinational team to avenge that defeat – Marilyn Wood from Wales, Alex Wood from Scotland, Marion de Landmeter from Holland and Kev Croot from England.   

Thankfully the apocalyptic floods of recent days abated, on a lovely sunny autumn day, the team faced Newport Oaks.  Team handicaps of both teams were similar, leading to many long, hard-fought games – the record went to Marion, who, in a real test of physical and mental endurance, finally overcame her opponent after an hour and fifty minutes! 

Oaks got off to a fast start but were pulled back to all square by lunchtime.  Colchester grabbed a two-game lead in the first block of the afternoon and held on to the lead to seal a 10-8 win with the last game of the day. The six o’clock finish had us wondering if our phone torches could be used to floodlight the last few games!   

The final hoop score of 105-100 to Colchester, showed how narrow the margin was between the teams. 

This is Colchester’s first title win in the 20th anniversary year of the competition.  Well done to the winning team and shout out to everyone who played in earlier rounds – Stephen Scrase, Patrick de Burca, Hugh Brown, Patricia Drinkwater and Chris Clarke.  Without their contributions in the league stage, we would not have reached the final. 

As always, the match was played in a very friendly (but competitive) spirit and we look forward to renewing the rivalry next year.

The team now goes forward to the National GC Handicap team event in 2025. 

GC Winter League 2024

Marilyn Wood will be organising the GC Winter League again this year, following the success of last year’s inaugural event. The rules will remain largely the same (details provided below), with one significant change: to participate, you must now have an official GC handicap.

Don’t worry, obtaining a handicap is quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes. To schedule an assessment, please reach out to Ian Cumming via the GC WhatsApp group or by email at ian@graham-cumming.com. If you are awaiting an official handicap but would like to sign up, you can still do so. Simply write “Handicap pending” and notify Marilyn once Ian Cumming has assessed you. 

League Format:

  • The league phase will begin once the courts are converted to their winter format, expected in early November.
  • We will accept up to 32 players, divided into 4 leagues of 8 players each.
  • Within each league, players will compete against all others in a singles match, resulting in a maximum of 7 matches per player.
  • Each match will be the best of three games.
  • The winner of each league match will receive one point, while the loser will receive none.  
  • The winner and runner-up of each league will advance to a knockout stage in February and March to determine the overall champion.

Important Notes:

  • Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • If you enter, please make every effort to play as many league matches as possible. While playing all your matches is not mandatory, your chances of winning your league increase with every match played and won.
  • To register, send an email with your name and official GC handicap to km_wood@hotmail.co.uk or add your details to the sign-up sheet in the Clubhouse.

Please also note that, in line with club winter rules, NO JUMP SHOTS ARE ALLOWED to avoid damaging the greens. If a deliberate jump shot is played, it will be treated as a fault and all balls will be replaced and any hoops run will be cancelled.


Winter League 2024 – Rules

  • Players must have an official GC handicap.
  • Players are expected to arrange their own matches at mutually convenient times, booking courts in advance. Be prepared to double-bank, using secondary colours if necessary.
  • All matches will be singles, played off handicap under Advantage Play rules. The first player to start will be determined by a coin toss.  .
  • Each match will be best of three games and will not affect your handicap. 
  • Results must be recorded on the league sheets in the Clubhouse and emailed to cccresults@gmail.com. Please write your score first (e.g., a 7-5 win would be recorded as 7-5; a loss as 5-7).
  • League matches must be completed by Sunday, 16th February, to allow time for the knockout stage. 

Knockout Stage:

  • The top two players from each league will advance to the knockout phase. In the event of a tie, standings will be determined by the number of games won, and if still tied, by net hoops. Marilyn will handle the calculations, so it is essential that all scores are recorded accurately.  
  • Quarterfinals: The league winner will face the runner-up of another league.
  • Semifinals: The four winners of the quarterfinals will advance.
  • Final: The two semifinal winners will compete for the title of Winter League Champion.

For any further clarification, feel free to contact Marilyn at km_wood@hotmail.co.uk.

Mersea visitors afternoon September 11th

We had the great pleasure of hosting an afternoon event on Thursday for the members of the newly formed Mersea Croquet Club. We welcomed 14 Mersea members, all new to croquet, who were paired against 14 Colchester members for a series of doubles matches. Each game was played to five hoops, allowing for a steady rotation throughout the afternoon.

Despite a brief downpour, during which we took refuge in the clubhouse for tea and coffee, the weather remained mostly sunny—though a bit on the chilly side. Everyone had a wonderful time, and we hope the Mersea players took away some helpful tips for their own matches.

We also look forward to seeing them again and hope they’ll take advantage of our Winter membership and join us for this year’s Winter league.

EACF Handicap League September 8th – Semi-final Result.

In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, Colchester again faced Unity (Sudbury) at Newport on Sunday 8th September. Unfortunately, the glorious sunshine of last year was absent, as the day began with thunder and lightning, followed by showers throughout.

Eager to escape the persistent drizzle, Colchester raced to an impressive 8-2 lead by lunchtime. Whatever Sudbury had in their sandwiches, it worked, as they came out swinging after lunch, winning the first block. But Colchester rallied in the final block to secure a 12-6 victory, with an incredibly narrow hoop margin of 99-97.

The match was played in great spirits and expertly hosted by Newport Club members, who also treated everyone to homemade sausage rolls and scones for match tea.

Congratulations to the team—Marilyn (Captain), Alex, Kevin, and Marion. A special mention goes to Marion, who, in her first team appearance, overcame her nerves to win two of her singles matches against tough opposition.

Their final match of the season will be the East Anglian Croquet Federation final at Wrest Park on 28th September, where they’ll face the Newport Oaks team. They’re not expecting Newport to be quite as friendly then!

Community BBQ Sunday, August 11th

Join us for our annual BBQ on Sunday, August 11th! We’ll be serving burgers, sausages, teas, coffees, and offering gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Our main goal is to introduce people to croquet in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with the hope of gaining new members. Flyers are available in the clubhouse for distribution wherever you think potential members might be found.

All ages are welcome and we’d love for you to bring a friend who might enjoy croquet and encourage them to join.

EACF Handicap League August 2nd

On 2nd August, the Colchester team of Marilyn Wood (Captain), Alex Wood, Kev Croot and Patricia Drinkwater played their fourth league match, away against Maldon Pavilion. Thankfully no rain this time, but by the end of a very hot, humid day the players would have been glad of shower or two! 

Maldon’s two lawns are laid out on a converted bowls green and are full length but only three quarters width which took a bit of getting used to. Colchester started fast, and despite strong resistance by the home team, the team held on to win 11-7 with a hoop difference of only three – 96-93. 

Once again a competitive but nevertheless friendly match, played in excellent spirit.  Congratulations to the Colchester team and thanks Maldon players and supporters for a great match and delicious home-made cakes and tea.   

The win keeps Colchester at the top of the Eastern Region league with one match to play at home against Maldon Lakeside team on 16th August.  You are welcome to come along and support the team. 

For those interested, results of all EACF matches and league positions are posted on the East Anglian Croquet Federation website at https://www.angliacroquet.uk