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New Blackmore Vale, 16 September 2022
blackmorevale.net
Sport
Queen was patron of Croquet Association by David Morley Everyone’s focus throughout much of September has been on the sad news about the Queen. Sad because, inevitable as it was some day, it was somehow surprising, and almost ‘shocking’ in its enormity, when it happened. This great lady was suddenly no longer there to guide our affairs of state, so soon after her pivotal role in formalising the appointment of her 15th Prime Minister. That said, mourning gave a wonderful opportunity for peaceful reflection of all the ways her presence affected our everyday lives. It also allowed time for the carefully structured mechanism of succession of the monarchy to happen, and for ‘her people’ to become comfortable with life as subjects of King Charles III. Queen Elizabeth II had been the patron of the Croquet Association, a role that perhaps
Golfers in the winning frame
Wincanton Golf Club results. Category championships – 4 September: Division 1 winner – John Atkins, nett 74; Division 2 winner – Mike Taylor, nett 70; Division 3 winner – Trevor Mills, nett 66; Division 4 winner – Ray Hirst, nett 73. 2022 Pairs knockout final – 11 September: winners – Pete Williams/Ian Chandler; runners-up – John Burns / Geoff Lye. GRASS TENNIS COURT EQUIPMENT. Tel: 01935 863397
took her back to when, 80 years ago at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, she first met – and played croquet with – the man she would one day marry. Bowls players will typically gravitate to ‘indoor bowls’ at this time of year. By contrast, croquet will continue to be played throughout much of the winter, subject only to the conditions of the green, which in turn will be most affected by the weather. Tisbury Bowls and Croquet Club (TBCC) officially opened in June, since when membership has increased to more than 40, with three-quarters of members being interested in playing croquet – and many of these have a genuine interest to give bowls a try. The aim for 2023 is to grow that number by 20-30 new members. Among the current members are a number of experienced croquet players, several of whom enjoy the prospect of
Princess Elizabeth plays croquet with the future Duke of Edinburgh when he was a student at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.
teaching those new to the sport or who want to improve their standard of play. The next few months are the ideal time to see what the growing interest in croquet is about. An introductory game, with good quality instruction available, will soon show just how interesting the sport is while at the same time bringing people together, often in mixed groups drawn from a variety of age groups.
TBCC’s WhatsApp facility helps to keep members in touch with what games are going on and who is looking for partners – or opponents. If players like what they have experienced, the membership list for the 2023 season will soon be open and a year’s subscription to the club, as a Christmas present, could make a brilliant start for many to the New Year. Contact us at info@ tisburybowlsandcroquet.com and get the ball rolling.
Athletics coach, and four friendly volunteers, the runners are taught how to build up their weekly running slowly and safely ready for the final 5k challenge. Over the weeks they are shown techniques to improve running technique, improving form and efficiency. The Doddlers hold their C25K programme twice a year
and it is proving popular with some great feedback from participants. One of the runners who completed the course at Henstridge said: “I am so pleased I did it – I wouldn’t have done it without your help!”. Another said: “You guys are so positive and kept us all going each week – even when we thought we couldn’t.” The next C25K is scheduled for January 2023 and places are already reserved. For information on the Dorset Doddlers C25K programme, including how to register for the next free course, see www.dorsetdoddlers.co.uk
Novices up and running by Paul Russell The Couch to 5K (C25K) programme organised by the Dorset Doddlers running club ended successfully once again. The runners completed their 5K run at Henstridge park run, supported along the route by many members of the Doddlers. All participants crossed the finish line and received their finisher’s medals, and best of all, they all had a smile on their face. In the space of ten weeks, the runners went from zero to hero. The course is designed for those completely new to, or returning, to running. Supported each week by an England