First she headed up the sub-committee responsible for organising the event; then she played the perfect host on the big day; now PAM BRIGGS reports on a memorable social occasion in the history of Caversham Croquet Club…
The party on June 24th to celebrate the club’s 30th anniversary kicked off with people taking part in a croquet skills competition.
We were invited to exercise any aggression we felt on smashing a ball into portrait images of selected committee members. Then we were treated to a slap-up tea party with sandwiches, home-made cakes and strawberries with cream.
Francis Brown wowed us with a presentation of historical highlights on video, on which we saw John Wakeford, in his prime, giving some croquet tips to a newbie player, and heard Terry Wogan broadcasting a few gems on the radio about our club.
There was a baby photo competition where we were invited to match up gorgeous baby images with our current club members. Some were immediately recognisable — but others not so — and a lot of deliberation ensued.
Archival photos of some highlights of the club’s history were also displayed, including the devastating arson attack and the rebuilding of the clubhouse, as well as featuring the men who assembled and erected our current hut and shed.
Finally corks were popped and Cava flowed while we mingled, played sets of golf croquet on the lawn, and simply chilled out. A good time was had by all!
Also, there were up-to-date images sketched of prominent players, who were easily recognised by their stance and posture.
Top picture: Pam Briggs meets the Jamiesons. Above: New members Liz Rhodes and Neil George with the Smalls.