As players are expected to arrive no later than 08:45 on the day, an overnight stay could be considered. Here are a few suggestions.
The club has offered to host three YCF events, the D level (10+) level play tournament, a GC Advantage team event and the GC level play open singles.
D level (10+) level play tournament Monday 8th June 2026
Details for entering the tournament including the link to the Federation website
GC level play open singles tournament Monday 13th July 2026
Details for entering the tournament including the link to the Federation website
GC D level (10+) on 8th June 2026
Competing with peers
This level of tournament was introduced last year by Croquet England to encourage more people, playing more croquet and is seen as a natural progression from club play, through friendly matches and Federation matches to an introduction to tournament play.
The tournament attracted 7 players; 2 from Pendle and Craven; 4 from Ripon Spa and one from Sheffield Parkhead. The handicaps ranged from 10 to 14.
After a series of downpours, play got under way by 9:30. The weather improved during the day to finish in bright sunshine. It was an all-play-all arrangement. The games were not timed to begin with so that there would be no extra pressure on players who might be in their first tournament. However, one match took 90 minutes, so some later matches were put on the clock and play finished rather later than planned an 16:50. A long day for all.
At the end of round 5, there was a 3 way tie at 4 games each between Anne Marie from Sheffield Parkhead, returning from last year, Gill Uglow from Pendle and Katy Hill from Ripon Spa. Anne Marie won against Gill and, in the final round, beat Katy, to finish undefeated to win the tournament.
GC level play open singles tournament Monday 13th July 2026
On 13th July, a sunny day with some welcome breeze, 7 players gathered at Ripon Spa croquet club to play for the Ted Flexman trophy, instituted this year in recognition of all that Ted had done for the Federation over many years
2 players came from Sheffield, 2 from Sheffield Parkhead and 3 from the home club, with handicaps ranging from 2 to 11. Play got under way at 9:30 and proceeded steadily through the day on courts which presented their challenges, not least of which was the speed.
The final game started just before 5pm, so tea and cakes were a little later than had been hoped.
Ki Hulme was the winner with 5 wins and 17 net hoops; Robert Mumford was the runner up with 4 wins and 8 net hoops.
Arlene Flexman presented the cup to Ki, but had to leave before giving the runner up trophy, the Ted Flexman claret jug, to Robert as he was still battling with Colin White.
mcf 14Jul26
