History of Huddersfield Croquet Club written for the 30th Anniversary in 2022
A woman and her 2 young teenage boys joined a local croquet club and with a fourth
croquet player formed a team to play in the Yorkshire Croquet Federation leagues with
International laws.
This team increased with the arrival of another woman and her teenage daughter, soon to
be joined by members of the Women’s Institute, a member’s son and members of the
Towns Women’s Guild. More space was needed to continue playing and improving.
Karen Pearson, Mandy Sykes, Chris Marsden, Alain Giraud. Greenhead Park [Photo courtesy of Huddersfield Daily Examiner]
A photograph in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner attracted the attention of the Trust House
Forte Hotel at Brighouse where the Kirklees Croquet Club was formed. Play continued
here for a few years until the ground was required for wedding marquees.
Alain, Anna, Anthony Giraud with Chris Marsden at Trust House Forte, Brighouse [Courtesy Yorkshire Post and “Croquet Gazette”]
Tricia, Elsie, Betty, Anna, Sylvia. Coaching at Trust House Forte, Brighouse. [Courtesy Halifax Courier]
An application to I.C.I Recreation Club (soon to be the Zeneca Recreation Club) found a
member there who was keen to start croquet at the Club and the Zeneca Huddersfield
Croquet Club was born.
1992 [Courtesy Yorkshire Post]
1994 [Courtesy : Huddersfield Daily Examiner]
1995 : Bill Mell, Anna Giraud, Antony Blackshaw, Anthony Giraud, Tommy
Taylor (ZRC Secretary), Maggie Sowerby, Joyce Mell
[Courtesy Huddersfield Daily Examiner]
As successful coaching improved members’ play, some entered other clubs’ tournaments,
such as Nottingham, Isle of Wight and Southport as well as National Competitions,
enriching their experience.
June 10th 2004 : Nancy Stott, Bill Mell, Barbara Binns,Anna Giraud, Marjorie Eldon (President), Malcolm Daines [Courtesy: Huddersfield Examiner]
October 2nd, 2006
An annual outing to Southport and Birkdale Croquet Club for inter-club competitions was enjoyed by many members of the Huddersfield Croquet Club.
June 26th, 2007 [Courtesy: Huddersfield Daily Examiner]
Internal Club Competitions were introduced for the President’s Trophy, the Mid-week
Tournament Trophy, the Short Croquet Shield and Salvers for the 4 ladder competitions.
Pro-am competitions included all
the members.
When the Recreation Club became the Syngenta Recreation Club, the Croquet Club
became the Syngenta Huddersfield CC, within the Rec. Club. Play had been on the
outfield of the cricket pitch until the cricketers left. The Croquet Club expanded the playing
area and had full use of the pavilion, a typical Edwardian style building, which had graced
the Site from the beginning.
The Croquet Club was able to host heats of some National Competitions and also hosted
the Yorkshire Federation Clubs Competition twice.
However, circumstances change. With the hiring out of the grass areas to Huddersfield
Town footballers, the standard of the surface during the summer was reduced. When the
ground was sold to Huddersfield Town, play was interrupted by the re-laying of all the
grass.
In 2015 the Recreation Club became the private home of Huddersfield Town and the
Croquet Club found themselves playing on a crown-green bowling green at Greenhead
Park.
Some members found the change too much and left for a Club in a quieter venue.
Courses are run annually for beginners and new members have joined.
The Club still enjoys playing in the Yorkshire Federation Leagues as well as in the continuing Club Competitions.
2021 : Philip Jay and Trevor Billard
2021 : Philip Jay and Marjorie Eldon
2021 : Rena Souten and Philip Jay
2021 : Trevor Billard and Philip Jay
This 30th year is being celebrated by holding 30 croquet events including
the 30 hour Croquetathon where all are invited to play.
17th June, 2022 : Deputy Mayor of Kirklees starts off the Croquetathon at 10.00 pm
Overnight play at Grange Moor
Anne Bailey, Maggie Sowerby, Rena Souten. 18th June, 2022
Medal Presentation at 4.00 pm on 18th June at the end of the 30 hour
Croquetathon