Bygrave's busy summer of Croquet
At Bygrave we have had a busy summer with play virtuallu every Friday and three lawns fully used most of the time. What makes Garden Croquet such fun is the fact that it is played in a garden - not on a manicured lawn. So there is a lot if skill involved in reading the lawn. This is particularly true here at Bygrave where we play on part of the infilled moating system which was originally built in 1386 click Bygrave information to find out more about the moats.
Interspersed with this some of our members have been playing Association Croquet very successfully on the National scene. See below> Crocquet - Croket
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Crazy Croquet
Letchworth CC had their 25th Anniversary Party at Bygrave. More than 50 members attended and in contrast to recent weather it was a wonderful summer day. There was champagne and delicious food in abundance. In the afternoon we offered Crazy Croquet which is played like crazy golf. It was crazy! Hoops at all angles, double hoops, pegs to avoid (shot lost if you hit a peg) and if you go into the rough it is a shot lost too. There was also a woodland walk round the historic moated site. The moats and stew pond were constructed in 1386 and most of the system, survives today. The church which is Hertfordshire's most researched was open where the amazing stained glass window (installed for the Millenium) could be seen. The church has 5 floor levels that date back to C 700AD and wall paintings that originate from the 1500s. Thanks to Sue, Andrea and all the others who helped to make it an enjoyable day. |
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13th and 20th July - croquet in more rain!
The 13th July was so wet that only two lawns were in use because of standing water. The 20th July brought another rainy day but our stalwarts played through it all (almost). We played doubles because there were only 3 lawns and all fully occupied. In future we will have 5 lawns up and running so that we can accomodate more people. Standards are rising but as with any learning process everyone wishes they could do even better.
Garden Croquet - Friday 29th June
It was a blustery afternoon but fine and dry. There were about 10 of us and the messaage of the day was trying to rush balls into useful positions. Lawn one nearest to the wood is hilly and the sufrace was relatively fast so gaining an accurate position for a rush was very difficult if not impossible. But that is the skill of croquet played in gardens, each lawn has its own quirks and you have to read them as best you can. We played two games each and most games were getting to the peg or close which is a definite improvement.
Croquet at Bygrave Friday 29th June
It was a blustery afternoon but fine and dry. There were about 10 of us and the messaage of the day was trying to rush balls into useful positions. Lawn one nearest to the wood is very hilly and the sufrace was relatively fast so gaining an accurate position for a rush was very difficult if not impossible. But that is the skill of croquet played in gardens, each lawn has its own quirks and you have to read them as best you can. We played two games each and most games were getting to the peg or close which is a definite improvement.
It was a blustery afternoon but fine and dry. There were about 10 of us and the messaage of the day was trying to rush balls into useful positions. Lawn one nearest to the wood is very hilly and the sufrace was relatively fast so gaining an accurate position for a rush was very difficult if not impossible. But that is the skill of croquet played in gardens, each lawn has its own quirks and you have to read them as best you can. We played two games each and most games were getting to the peg or close which is a definite improvement.
Friday 22nd June Croquet in the garden
Despite the weather a healthy number turned up and we had three lawns in use all afternoon. Duncan gave some coaching on how the angles work in croquet shots and some individual coaching on shooting.
Everyone is improving and the news mallets, hoops and balls proved to be very popular.
The next session is Friday 30th June when we anticipate blue skies and hot sunshine!
Despite the weather a healthy number turned up and we had three lawns in use all afternoon. Duncan gave some coaching on how the angles work in croquet shots and some individual coaching on shooting.
Everyone is improving and the news mallets, hoops and balls proved to be very popular.
The next session is Friday 30th June when we anticipate blue skies and hot sunshine!
Marcus Evans,Richard Smith, David Maugham (capt) Ian Lines, Samir Patel
England Croquet Team wins the home Internationals
As expected, England won the Home Internationals at the weekend. Having won 29 of their 30 matches in the last 10 years they were hot favourites. The team was led by David Maugham and included Bygrave member Richard Smith. England beat Scotland 3-0, Wales 3-2 and Ireland 3-2.
Bygrave Croquet Club was asked to supply customised shirts for the team on a 5 day deadline which we achieved. In fact we can do a 24 hour turnround if necessary.
Again this proves that teams play better in our clothing.
Bygrave Croquet Club was asked to supply customised shirts for the team on a 5 day deadline which we achieved. In fact we can do a 24 hour turnround if necessary.
Again this proves that teams play better in our clothing.
Anne triumphs at Bygrave
Just a handful turned up to play croquet on Tuesday 12th June, not enough to finish the delicious carrot cake provided by Carol.
We played a doubles with David Mathews partnering Anne and Paul Noel and Annette as opponents. DM proved too strong and after some cake and a drink Carol and Anne played a game of singles. This proved to be a vary tactical game of cat and mouse with Anne winning the day. The other game was a doubles affair with Duncan and Paul playing David Mathews and David Mathews. With a few minutes to go Duncan managed to finish in style with a double peel on partner into the bargain.
The next meeting will be on Friday 22nd June - the day before our Charity Race Day. Let's hope for SUNSHINE!
We played a doubles with David Mathews partnering Anne and Paul Noel and Annette as opponents. DM proved too strong and after some cake and a drink Carol and Anne played a game of singles. This proved to be a vary tactical game of cat and mouse with Anne winning the day. The other game was a doubles affair with Duncan and Paul playing David Mathews and David Mathews. With a few minutes to go Duncan managed to finish in style with a double peel on partner into the bargain.
The next meeting will be on Friday 22nd June - the day before our Charity Race Day. Let's hope for SUNSHINE!
Hertfordshire Croquet's best result since 1908
Hertfordshire were very successful at the Inter County Championships taking 3rd place behind Nottinghamshire and Somerset. Our nearest rivals were Essex, Glamorgan and Surrey and we beat all of them achieving the best result since Hertfordshire last won this event in 1908. The Bygrave members involved were Richard Smith (Captain), Nick Mounfield (Vice Captain) and Duncan Hector who was referred to as the "President", but that was after a visit to the bar!. The Championships were held at Southwick and Eastbourne over a four day period 2nd to 5th June. This is the largest croquet tournament in the World with around 140 people in play on 14 full sized lawns - a total area of over 6 acres which is why there are two venues.
Herts retain Wheeler Trophy
It is unusual for us to mention Golf Croquet but Herts GC team retained the Wheeler Trophy on June 9th at Hunstanton. This is an East Anglian Inter County event which started last year. The winning Team was Captained by Bygrave member Peter Ross and the other players were David Tutt and Keith Rhodes of Letchworth CC and Nick Archer Watford CC. The scoresa were Herts 14; EACF Select 12 and Norfolk 11 with Beds, Essex and Suffolk failing to make the cut. That's twice this week that Herts have beaten Essex and Suffolk, once in Association at the Imter Counites and now at Golf Croquet. Yipee!
It is unusual for us to mention Golf Croquet but Herts GC team retained the Wheeler Trophy on June 9th at Hunstanton. This is an East Anglian Inter County event which started last year. The winning Team was Captained by Bygrave member Peter Ross and the other players were David Tutt and Keith Rhodes of Letchworth CC and Nick Archer Watford CC. The scoresa were Herts 14; EACF Select 12 and Norfolk 11 with Beds, Essex and Suffolk failing to make the cut. That's twice this week that Herts have beaten Essex and Suffolk, once in Association at the Imter Counites and now at Golf Croquet. Yipee!
Quiller Barrett demonstrates hoop running
Croquet in the Olympic Games Paris 1900
St Louis 1904
Tricky hoops!
Was tight croquet legal in 1900?
In 1900 people played basically the same game
in America and England and it was introduced as an Olympic sport
in the 1900 Paris games where three croquet events were played. Seven men and three women participated. (Yuri Ilyukhin of Kroket Russia points out that Croquet was the first Olympic sport to allow female competitors). The doubles competition was scheduled first, though it's unclear whether the French pair which won actually had any competition.
The one-ball singles was played the next week, followed by two-ball singles the week after. France, with 9 of the 10 competitors, won all the medals. Belgium was the only other nation to send a croquet player, though he did not finish the first round of his competition.
In early 1900 American croquet leaders disagreed with many of the new English rules which outlawed mallets with heads made of rubber and had introduced the 6-wicket court layout. They kept the 9-wicket version and short handled mallets with heads of metal face on one end and rubber on the other. They introduced their version of 9-wicket croquet at the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis which was won by an American but never played in the Olympics again. This version became known as "roque" to distinguish it from the English version by dropping the "c" and the "t" from the name.
The one-ball singles was played the next week, followed by two-ball singles the week after. France, with 9 of the 10 competitors, won all the medals. Belgium was the only other nation to send a croquet player, though he did not finish the first round of his competition.
In early 1900 American croquet leaders disagreed with many of the new English rules which outlawed mallets with heads made of rubber and had introduced the 6-wicket court layout. They kept the 9-wicket version and short handled mallets with heads of metal face on one end and rubber on the other. They introduced their version of 9-wicket croquet at the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis which was won by an American but never played in the Olympics again. This version became known as "roque" to distinguish it from the English version by dropping the "c" and the "t" from the name.
Charity Race Day £448
The Charity Race Day was a great success and raised £448. Half of this goes to our equipment fund and the other half to the Sue Ryder Hospice at Moggerhanger.
The jockeys had to pull the horses along by winding string round a broomstick handle. This would surely mean that the younger people would win but not so! Jeremy Scott, adorned in morning dress, won the De Somery Sellers Plate, winning £15 for his syndicate. His success was followed by Andrew Young whose surname is slightly misleading. He won the De Warren Handicap Stakes and the £15 prize. The third race was the Lady Thornbury Maiden Stakes, this was the Ladies Race. Word has it that the Youngs had been practising so, unknown to everybody apart from Andrew Young, she should have been red hot favourite to win. However, nobody backed her at the Tote until just before the race when Andrew rushed in and placed a bet. He was the only backer so when Penny won the race the syndicate won £20 and Andrew was showered with 5,760 pennies in old money which equates to £24.`The Association Croquet Cup was the longest race demanding great stamina from the jockeys and Peter Whiting galloped home on his mount to win £25 for his syndicate. The last race of the day was the Sue Ryder Handicap Stakes and jockeys were falling like flies. A last minute substitute was summoned from the Tote's back office in the shape of Tim Hector. He is an aggressive sprinter on a racing bike so those "in the know" backed him heavily causing the odds to fall to Evens. He came in well ahead of the field and finished off a most entertaining day. The last prize to be awarded was for the best dressed couple went to Jeremy and Carol Scott. Jeremy cut a dashing figure in his brand new morning suit and Carol was fantastic in her beautiful dress and Ascot hat.
The Hornpipe
There was an interlude between races when we enjoyed accompanying the Sailor's Hornpipe which is that tune they play on the last night of the Proms - it gets faster and faster. Duncan provided 1000 paper bags for use by everyone who blew them up and popped them with loud bangs at the right time. This is a most demanding exercise and when it finished the floor was covered in used paper bages and a crowd of people convulsed in laughter.
Thanks
We owe a debt of gratitude to all who helped to make this such a successful day. Duncan and Annette for providing the Lodge and organising things. Paul Culpin for an excellent PA system, the Baldock 41 Club in the shape of John and Les who cooked and provided the burgers and hot dogs. The Adams Crowther Sheppard Marquee Consortium for the huge marquee. Anne Noel who ran the knitted animal stall and contributed a handsome percentage to the funds. Peter Whiting who was Course Steward and Syndicate organiser and Trevor Hiorns who sold lots of tickets, ran the bar, took the gate money and added everything up at the end of the day. AND all those gererous people who came and helped us raise "loads o' money".
Our horses
Our stable of horses is available for loan in exchange for a small donation to Bygrave Croquet Club. Along with this we can provide a customised spreadsheet which calculates the odds and payouts and guidance on the betting regulations so that you can run a charity racing event without the need for a betting licence.
The jockeys had to pull the horses along by winding string round a broomstick handle. This would surely mean that the younger people would win but not so! Jeremy Scott, adorned in morning dress, won the De Somery Sellers Plate, winning £15 for his syndicate. His success was followed by Andrew Young whose surname is slightly misleading. He won the De Warren Handicap Stakes and the £15 prize. The third race was the Lady Thornbury Maiden Stakes, this was the Ladies Race. Word has it that the Youngs had been practising so, unknown to everybody apart from Andrew Young, she should have been red hot favourite to win. However, nobody backed her at the Tote until just before the race when Andrew rushed in and placed a bet. He was the only backer so when Penny won the race the syndicate won £20 and Andrew was showered with 5,760 pennies in old money which equates to £24.`The Association Croquet Cup was the longest race demanding great stamina from the jockeys and Peter Whiting galloped home on his mount to win £25 for his syndicate. The last race of the day was the Sue Ryder Handicap Stakes and jockeys were falling like flies. A last minute substitute was summoned from the Tote's back office in the shape of Tim Hector. He is an aggressive sprinter on a racing bike so those "in the know" backed him heavily causing the odds to fall to Evens. He came in well ahead of the field and finished off a most entertaining day. The last prize to be awarded was for the best dressed couple went to Jeremy and Carol Scott. Jeremy cut a dashing figure in his brand new morning suit and Carol was fantastic in her beautiful dress and Ascot hat.
The Hornpipe
There was an interlude between races when we enjoyed accompanying the Sailor's Hornpipe which is that tune they play on the last night of the Proms - it gets faster and faster. Duncan provided 1000 paper bags for use by everyone who blew them up and popped them with loud bangs at the right time. This is a most demanding exercise and when it finished the floor was covered in used paper bages and a crowd of people convulsed in laughter.
Thanks
We owe a debt of gratitude to all who helped to make this such a successful day. Duncan and Annette for providing the Lodge and organising things. Paul Culpin for an excellent PA system, the Baldock 41 Club in the shape of John and Les who cooked and provided the burgers and hot dogs. The Adams Crowther Sheppard Marquee Consortium for the huge marquee. Anne Noel who ran the knitted animal stall and contributed a handsome percentage to the funds. Peter Whiting who was Course Steward and Syndicate organiser and Trevor Hiorns who sold lots of tickets, ran the bar, took the gate money and added everything up at the end of the day. AND all those gererous people who came and helped us raise "loads o' money".
Our horses
Our stable of horses is available for loan in exchange for a small donation to Bygrave Croquet Club. Along with this we can provide a customised spreadsheet which calculates the odds and payouts and guidance on the betting regulations so that you can run a charity racing event without the need for a betting licence.
Champions Day at Wrest Park
Appointments
Nick Mounfield has been elected Vice Chairman of Letchworth Croquet Club.
Duncan Hector has re-joined the Letchworth Croquet Club committee having served as Chairman twice and until last year as President. He has also been elected to the committee of the East Anglian Croquet Federation - a federation of 30 croquet clubs in the Anglia region.
Nick Mounfield has been elected Vice Chairman of Letchworth Croquet Club.
Duncan Hector has re-joined the Letchworth Croquet Club committee having served as Chairman twice and until last year as President. He has also been elected to the committee of the East Anglian Croquet Federation - a federation of 30 croquet clubs in the Anglia region.
London Marathon
Well done to our member Kathryn Hector who completed the London Marathon in 4hours 14 minutes and raised money for Phab Kids, a charity that helps kids with disabilities play sport.
Well done to our member Kathryn Hector who completed the London Marathon in 4hours 14 minutes and raised money for Phab Kids, a charity that helps kids with disabilities play sport.
News
22nd April
Nick Mounfield won the Colchester Advanced weekend tournament and, as a result has shot up the rankings to 50th UK - 110 World.
Duncan Hector won the East Anglian Championship of Club Champions at Wrest Park, currently ranked 60 UK - 128 World.
Bygrave in the Beds and Herts League
Bygrave and Meldreth have combined forces to play int the Beds and Herts League under the name of "Melgrave". Peter Whiting will be playing in the team away at Northampton on 28th April.
22nd April
Nick Mounfield won the Colchester Advanced weekend tournament and, as a result has shot up the rankings to 50th UK - 110 World.
Duncan Hector won the East Anglian Championship of Club Champions at Wrest Park, currently ranked 60 UK - 128 World.
Bygrave in the Beds and Herts League
Bygrave and Meldreth have combined forces to play int the Beds and Herts League under the name of "Melgrave". Peter Whiting will be playing in the team away at Northampton on 28th April.
May 18th Champagne!
We started the new croquet season with Champagne all round!
The lawns looked resplendant with the two new croquet sets laid out complete with corner flags and brand new colourful pegs.
There were 8 new club croquet mallets with brass bound hardwood heads and Englich Ash shafts. These proved to be very popular and a definate step up.
Unfortunately the photographer failed to take any pictures but we had all three lawns in operation. Terry Mahoney who is a scratch player came and demonstrated his excellent coaching skills. Bridget and Graham visited us from Hinxworth where they hope to set up a Garden Croquet Club. Graham had a marvellous old Slazenger mallet, round head and brass bound.
Duncan demonstrated how to run an angled hoop by jumping the ball through. It was a seemningly impossible angle but the ball obliged by leaping into the crown of the hoop and spinning through. This was one of our new mallets showing off! Paul and Anne were there too and Anne has made a definate improvement since last year. Trevor and Geraldine came too - Trevor with a damaged shoulder but apparently still able to absorb red wine! Pauline was our "newcomer of the week" and soon got to grips with the concept of croquet. A dark horse methinks! On the third lawn Annette played her 90 year old mother who thoroughly enjoed the challenge.
We started the new croquet season with Champagne all round!
The lawns looked resplendant with the two new croquet sets laid out complete with corner flags and brand new colourful pegs.
There were 8 new club croquet mallets with brass bound hardwood heads and Englich Ash shafts. These proved to be very popular and a definate step up.
Unfortunately the photographer failed to take any pictures but we had all three lawns in operation. Terry Mahoney who is a scratch player came and demonstrated his excellent coaching skills. Bridget and Graham visited us from Hinxworth where they hope to set up a Garden Croquet Club. Graham had a marvellous old Slazenger mallet, round head and brass bound.
Duncan demonstrated how to run an angled hoop by jumping the ball through. It was a seemningly impossible angle but the ball obliged by leaping into the crown of the hoop and spinning through. This was one of our new mallets showing off! Paul and Anne were there too and Anne has made a definate improvement since last year. Trevor and Geraldine came too - Trevor with a damaged shoulder but apparently still able to absorb red wine! Pauline was our "newcomer of the week" and soon got to grips with the concept of croquet. A dark horse methinks! On the third lawn Annette played her 90 year old mother who thoroughly enjoed the challenge.
Association Croquet news
Newport Open Weekend 26/27th May
This is going to be double dutch to garden croquet players but here is my report on last weekend's tournament at Newport where our member Nick Mounfield (pictured left) excelled.
Mark Avery stormed to an 8/8 victory at Newport (Essex) in the heat of last weekend completing 6 TPs on the way. In second place was Robert Fulford 6/8 with 3 TPs, 1 QP 1 SXP and in third place the rapidly improving Nick Mounfield 4/6 with 1 TP.
The lawns became faster as the tournament progressed but the hoops were universally firm and tight, making angled hoops very tricky to negotiate. It was an impressive display by Mark who brushed most people aside beating Robert +25tp and then +24 in the final. But in the middle order Nick Mounfield excelled himself winning a CA Gold medal for his Tp and he also took Mark and Robert to their closest results losing by 6 to Mark and 9 to Robert.
The best incident of the tournament was Nick’s response to Robert’s sextuple leave. The cross wire at hoop 1 gave Nick a chance of a steeply angled hoop (it looked impossible) which he took successfully. But his take off to the tea lady was not so good, in fact it trundled into 4 back and came to a stop in a perfect running position with one of Robert’s balls temptingly in range if the right amount of wire could be taken. Unfortunatley for Nick the shot missed but only by inches.
Ailsa Lines completed an excellent straight triple against me which included an “interesting” rover peel from 6 yards which was the highlight of her tournament and the low light of mine!
This tournament brought Newport back onto the list of worthwhile destinations. Great Clubhouse, attractive setting and much improved lawns. Two years ago the lawns were dreadful, many said they were unplayable. After a lot of restorative work they are returning to their former glory and with a new maintenance regime firmly in place they will continue to improve. George Woolhouse and I gave initial assistance and guidance back in late 2010 when the lawns had huge bare areas, thick moss and dry patch galore. Newport’s Francis Lambert, supported by enthusiastic members, took up the challenge and has achieved a remarkable transformation.
As always Andrew Gregory’s quiet management style kept us all in order and playing with little waiting. The amiable Doctor Mike Porter used his knowledge of Metal Carbenes. Ylide Rearrangements and Biometric Synthesis to produce tasty lunches and yum-yum cream teas.
Mark Avery stormed to an 8/8 victory at Newport (Essex) in the heat of last weekend completing 6 TPs on the way. In second place was Robert Fulford 6/8 with 3 TPs, 1 QP 1 SXP and in third place the rapidly improving Nick Mounfield 4/6 with 1 TP.
The lawns became faster as the tournament progressed but the hoops were universally firm and tight, making angled hoops very tricky to negotiate. It was an impressive display by Mark who brushed most people aside beating Robert +25tp and then +24 in the final. But in the middle order Nick Mounfield excelled himself winning a CA Gold medal for his Tp and he also took Mark and Robert to their closest results losing by 6 to Mark and 9 to Robert.
The best incident of the tournament was Nick’s response to Robert’s sextuple leave. The cross wire at hoop 1 gave Nick a chance of a steeply angled hoop (it looked impossible) which he took successfully. But his take off to the tea lady was not so good, in fact it trundled into 4 back and came to a stop in a perfect running position with one of Robert’s balls temptingly in range if the right amount of wire could be taken. Unfortunatley for Nick the shot missed but only by inches.
Ailsa Lines completed an excellent straight triple against me which included an “interesting” rover peel from 6 yards which was the highlight of her tournament and the low light of mine!
This tournament brought Newport back onto the list of worthwhile destinations. Great Clubhouse, attractive setting and much improved lawns. Two years ago the lawns were dreadful, many said they were unplayable. After a lot of restorative work they are returning to their former glory and with a new maintenance regime firmly in place they will continue to improve. George Woolhouse and I gave initial assistance and guidance back in late 2010 when the lawns had huge bare areas, thick moss and dry patch galore. Newport’s Francis Lambert, supported by enthusiastic members, took up the challenge and has achieved a remarkable transformation.
As always Andrew Gregory’s quiet management style kept us all in order and playing with little waiting. The amiable Doctor Mike Porter used his knowledge of Metal Carbenes. Ylide Rearrangements and Biometric Synthesis to produce tasty lunches and yum-yum cream teas.
May 25th Finalists Anne and Bridget
We had 13 participants in the afternoon's competition and after two 40 minute games of doubles Anne and Bridget were the leading pair. They played each other singles in the final. This was the first time they had played singles and spent some of the time helping each other which was fun to watch. The game was played in great spirit and Bridget came out the winner by a narrow margin.
The President of the Croquet Association, Quiller Barrett visited Bygrave to discover how we coach beginners. He was roped in to demonstrate hoop running (see picture below) and also helped by playing doubles with Annette whose game dramatically improved as a result. George was also here and helped to demonstrate break building and he partnered Geraldine. Duncan talked about how to rush balls and also played with Paul in an interesting game against Quiller and Annette.
It was another great afternoon blessed by brilliant sunshine and Carol's cakes which were consumed with gusto and washed down by wine of various colours.
The President of the Croquet Association, Quiller Barrett visited Bygrave to discover how we coach beginners. He was roped in to demonstrate hoop running (see picture below) and also helped by playing doubles with Annette whose game dramatically improved as a result. George was also here and helped to demonstrate break building and he partnered Geraldine. Duncan talked about how to rush balls and also played with Paul in an interesting game against Quiller and Annette.
It was another great afternoon blessed by brilliant sunshine and Carol's cakes which were consumed with gusto and washed down by wine of various colours.
Melgrave v Northampton
On April 28th Melgrave (Meldreth and Bygrave) played Northamption in the Beds and Herts league. The weather was atrocious and the lawns fully lived up to their dreadful reputation. Team captain Robert Skeen reports that our man Peter Whiting played well. He and Peter won their doubles match but there was only one other win so we went down 4-2. So, being positive, nearly a draw!
On April 28th Melgrave (Meldreth and Bygrave) played Northamption in the Beds and Herts league. The weather was atrocious and the lawns fully lived up to their dreadful reputation. Team captain Robert Skeen reports that our man Peter Whiting played well. He and Peter won their doubles match but there was only one other win so we went down 4-2. So, being positive, nearly a draw!
Thornbury Challenge June 11th
On Monday June 11th Bygrave CC were going to host a visit from 22 members of the Baldock 41 Club. But the rain was persistent all evening and so we changed the sport to indoor Ice Hockey and Pool. Everyone had a great time and the 41 Club made a generous donation of £50 to our Equipment Fund.
On Monday June 11th Bygrave CC were going to host a visit from 22 members of the Baldock 41 Club. But the rain was persistent all evening and so we changed the sport to indoor Ice Hockey and Pool. Everyone had a great time and the 41 Club made a generous donation of £50 to our Equipment Fund.