A History of Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club Part 2 1971-2000 by Mrs

A HISTORY OF BUDLEIGH SALTERTON CROQUET CLUB PART 2 1971-2000 BY MRS. DIANA PERRY

PREFACE The author of this section of the Club's history is at pains to point out that it is at best a flimsy successor to Dr. Bucknall's "First Hundred Years". Dr. Bucknall was a scholar with a passion for research and his whole account shows a meticulous attention to detail, including, for example, the many appendices showing yearly expenditure, wages, staff, winners of trophies and so on. The writer of the account that follows was in some cases unable (owing to loss of records) but in most cases unwilling to enter into such detail, and presents with apologies a more general account of the next 30 years.

**************** 1971 was an important year in the history of the Club as it was marked by the purchase of the freehold from the Clinton Devon Estates. The offer of the freehold had been open for some time, but the reaction of the General Committee had, for some members at any rate, been lukewarm and indecisive. However, the Chairman, Mr. B.G Perry, pointed out that the longer it was delayed the higher the price would become. A Sub-Committee under Mr. H. Coxe was therefore set up to investigate the possibilities, and a professional valuation was obtained. As a result it was decided that, if suitable terms could be agreed, it would be to the Club's advantage to purchase the freehold and meet the cost by selling some of the land for building development. An option was obtained from Clinton Devon to purchase for £15,000. Outline planning permission was requested for eight units on the site known as "the allotments". It was known that a developer in the town (Carters) was interested in the site and also in a second site to the south of the Club. The price would be about £17,000 or £18,000. All was not to be plain sailing. There was prolonged trouble over the planning permission. The first request for eight units was turned down, as was a revised request for two blocks of four flats. Fortunately Clinton Devon agreed to keep the option open at the same price while an appeal was being submitted and dealt with. At this stage, the potential developer, Mr. R. Carter, stated that he would give the Club an interest free loan of £15,000 to finance the purchase of the freehold and would ultimately pay the Club £17,500 if planning permission was obtained for eight units. He would pay a great deal more if permission was obtained for more units, but that was only a remote possibility. The Committee, after having called a special A.G.M., decided to take a chance and accept the offer without waiting for the result of the appeal, as Mr. Carter had promised that he would also take a chance and still advance the £17,000 even if the appeal failed. There was a risk that courts 9 and 10 might have to be given up as well as the allotments, but it appeared that this risk must be taken. In January 1972, a year after the situation arose, the negotiations were finally completed. Much of the work in this very complicated transaction had been done by Mr. Coxe, whose legal skills had been of the greatest value. Planning permission was not finally agreed until August 1973 for what was termed "The Crescent", later to become Cricket Field Court. It is not surprising that many discussions, not to say arguments, ensued between the Club and the developers over the material, height, extent and maintenance of the hedges and fences between the properties. The massive, beautifully kept Leylandii hedge became a useful windbreak for lawn 8.

Another big issue which arose in 1971 was that of central heating. The Club rooms were heated by a variety of methods - storage heaters, convectors, gas, and an open fire in the main Club room. The open fire was a joy, but in general the heating left much to be desired and the bridge rooms could be both cold and stuffy. Estimates for central heating were obtained, and ranged from £660 for two rooms to £1,200 for three rooms. The Committee did not pursue the matter, and members had to wait for their 1

heating until it was finally installed in the beginning of 1986, mainly due to the Chairman at the time, Mr. R. Stevens. The cost was then about £4,000.

Also in 1971 the question of double-glazing arose for the first time. As with central heating it provoked "heated" discussion. For some months, members became "hot under the collar" arguing the alternate disadvantages of draughts and fugginess. It eventually fizzled out and the Club did not get its double-glazing until 1999.

February saw the introduction of decimal currency. The Bridge stakes were adjusted to 2.5p and 1.5p per one hundred. These obviously awkward sums were altered in May to 2p, or 3p on Fridays and Sundays. Over the years some members have many times advocated raising these stakes, but without success. Cut-in bridge, on non-partnership days was waning through lack of support. Playing-in of new bridge members was introduced, to ensure the maintenance of an adequate standard of play.

This year the future of the fruit machine in the tea room was at stake. It had been quite a valuable source of income for many years, but the present machine was nearing the end of its life and a new one would be costly. However, a "nearly new" one was obtained, and the stake adjusted to 5p. By the following year its profit had doubled (£634). It was particularly popular with some visiting players during croquet tournaments, who would spend a good deal of time (and money) with it between matches, to the great advantage of the Club!

The standard of croquet was still exceptionally high, as proved by the fact that seven members of the Club were in the Devon team which won the County Championship. Tennis on the other hand, was on its last legs. Only two or three courts were marked out for tennis during the summer, and the two hard courts were in a bad state of repair. There were probably only about a dozen members playing fairly regularly. The tennis tournament, once the second biggest in the south of England, was also under threat. Not only was it becoming difficult to obtain sponsors, but also, with an aging membership, to obtain volunteers to do all the many tasks essential to the smooth running of the event. The fact that, this year, out of a total of 313 members of the Club, 138 were non-playing was an indication of things to come. There was also an unhappy incident when seven members resigned due to the non-election of a would-be tennis member who had been proposed by one of those resigning. This was due to circumstances which, some years later, would never have arisen. As for the tournament, W.D. & H.O. Wills had guaranteed sponsorship of £1,000 for 1972, but for one year only.

In April 1972 BBC Wales made a film about croquet at Budleigh Salterton. The result was shown at the Club but perhaps because it was in Welsh does not seem to have been received with much enthusiasm! In July there was a minor panic when it was discovered that the liquor licence had expired. It was possible to procure a special licence to cover the two forthcoming tournament weeks, but in the interim periods until 8 August the Club would have to be dry! It was obvious that, to avoid a repetition of this disaster, the existing rules re. licensing would have to be amended, and a wine committee be formed without delay. The complications of the licensing proved to be quite considerable. As explained to the Committee by Mr. Coxe a further licence was needed for music and dancing (because liquor was served at Club parties), also for games of chance (i.e. Bridge played for money). Excise duty was payable to Customs & Excise for the fruit machine, but, as has already been stated, the fruit machine was quite profitable at this time, and well worth the duty to be paid. All was sorted out, the rules were amended as necessary and a wine committee authorised and elected. 2

In September the two hard courts in front of the Clubhouse, which had been deteriorating for some time, were scrapped. The surface was removed and returfed from the former lawn 7 (behind lawn 1) which had been sold to Carters. This was an immense improvement, it became a high quality lawn and, by virtue of its position, was ideal as a "centre court" lawn in tournaments. There was a suggestion that it should be named the "Clinton Lawn", but this was turned down. The tennis tournament which, with the exception of the war years, had been held annually since 1901 *1, was, thanks to the Wills sponsorship, its usual success, but sadly it was the last. The Committee had decided that a questionnaire should be circulated to all members - should the Tournament be continued? Out of 188 playing members 45 said Yes, 70 said No, and out of 125 non-playing members 37 said Yes and 18 said No. On these grounds the Committee decided that the Tournament should be no more. As has already been mentioned, it was becoming increasingly difficult to find volunteers for all the jobs connected with the event, from the referee downwards. On the other hand many members felt that, for such an important event, sufficient numbers of volunteers would have been found *2. Members of this Club have always been good at rising to the occasion when a real need occurs! We shall never know whether the Tournament could have been saved but it is certain that from then on tennis was on a downward plunge. The number of tennis members dwindled - they developed arthritis or turned to golf- and new members did not materialise. By the summer of 1975 only two tennis courts were maintained in July and August for the use mainly of holiday visitors, and ten years later tennis was finally abandoned. The name, however, remained in the title until 1994, when the Club became officially the Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club. Over the years some Bridge players had protested that "Lawn Tennis" should be dropped and "Bridge" included. This has not happened, though at one time, when the Bridge section was large and flourishing, they could be said to have had a case. Up to 1974, the President of the Club was Lord Clinton and the Vice-President was the elected Chairman of the General Committee. As Lord Clinton was no longer the landlord it was decided that the offices of President and Vice-President should be abolished and a Chairman substituted, who would also be ex-officio Chairman of the General Committee. Thus the then present Vice-President became the first Chairman. The big croquet event of the year was the Test Match between Great Britain and New Zealand which took place here and was a great honour for the Club and a treat for members to enjoy and perhaps marvel at the high standard of play. . A lot of work behind the scenes was, of course, entailed, but all went smoothly and the financial result was satisfactory.

The Treasurer's annual report revealed that all expenses - rates, wages, lawns, etc. - were up and that the subscriptions would have to be increased once more if the Club was to remain solvent. There was however a good deal of argument in the Committee as to whether all classes of subscription should be raised by the same amount. It was finally decided that Bridge members and Tennis members should, for the first time, pay a separate subscription. The subscriptions were fixed for resident members at £17.50 for Bridge, Bowls and Tennis, £14.50 for Bridge only, and £9 for Tennis only, £24 Croquet and £28 all games. For the first time there is a hint that new members were needed in all sections. This in a few years was to become the Club's greatest problem.

*1 See page 20 "The First One Hundred Years". *2 When the House Committee was enlarged in the following year, it seemed there was no difficulty in finding those willing to serve.

he years 1975-77 were comparatively uneventful. Some problems reoccurred with great regularity and were solved with varying degrees of success. A minor one was the temperature and lack of air in the bridge rooms. This, as has already been said, was never satisfactorily solved until the introduction of central heating in 1986. Other more major problems were the deterioration of the fabric, inevitable in old buildings, some of them wooden, and the deterioration of equipment for the upkeep of the lawns. These were dealt with to the extent that the Club's finances would allow, as was the purchase of top dressing etc. for the lawns - never really sufficient.

A happy association was built up with the Imperial College Operatic Society, who visited Budleigh Salterton each summer for about ten days to perform a Gilbert & Sullivan opera. They were made temporary members of the Club and many of them enjoyed coming to play-croquet and tennis when they were not performing. They were entertained by some members, and by the Club on the Sunday morning, when they needed little persuasion to "sing for their supper". This pleasant state of affairs continued for a number of years. The bar in the lower pavilion was extensively refurbished, some floor covering and other equipment being bought with the proceeds of Bring and Buy sales, and the decor was enhanced by some charming, humorous oils presented by the artist, Mrs. Joyce Evans. Many years later the outside wall of the bar was further adorned by a series of cartoons by Mrs. Sheila Legg, depicting literal interpretations of croquet terms. These have been greatly enjoyed by members and visitors alike.

A few oddments from the minutes of the General Committee - 1. On a request that there should be a suggestion book, the Treasurer said there had been one, but it had been withdrawn because of the abusive comments. 2. Members should be discouraged from talking to the groundsman as he had been upset by tactless advice and interference, and new groundsmen were hard to find. 3. Members' attention was drawn to the large number of cigarette ends littering the grounds.

In July 1977 the groundsman mentioned above did finally resign, and there started a search for a satisfactory replacement which lasted until 1984. In all, a total of five groundsman were employed during these years, some only lasting a few days. Also in 1977, Mrs. Fayter, the invaluable stewardess, retired after almost 20 years' service. She had become so much a part of the Club that it was hard to imagine the place without her friendly smile and innocent enjoyment of members' idiosyncracies. She was replaced by a steward and the search for a satisfactory one, though not as difficult as that for a groundsman, was not easily achieved.

In January 1978 there were 136 bridge members and the bridge rooms were at times so crowded that it was suggested that part of the tea room should be partitioned off to provide further accommodation. This was not agreed to, but it was frequently necessary to erect extra tables, sometimes down the middle of the main bridge room and sometimes in the tea room. A special general committee was convened in April to discuss what amounted to a financial crisis. The expected deficit for the year was between £1,200 and £1,300. Mr. H. Coxe put the matter succinctly: a Club could be either virtually open to all comers, large and cheap, or exclusive, small and expensive; if the members wished to maintain the Club's present exclusiveness, they must expect much higher subscriptions, especially as it offered neither facilities for working members nor an ambience 4

which would attract the young. This might seem to be stating the obvious yet many members had been shying away from it for years. There was the case, already mentioned in this account, of a good tennis player being refused membership because her husband was "in trade" in the town. The Cranford Club at Exmouth had had the same problem, had opted for an "open to all" policy and was now large and flourishing. Various proposals were put forward, one that there should be a flat rate subscription. This would have meant a small reduction for croquet members and a large increase for everybody else and was not at all likely to be favoured by members. Other suggestions were that the hours of the steward should be reduced, and the part-time groundsman dismissed. Neither were apparently acceptable, and nothing was decided except that there should be more fund-raising efforts such as a gymkhana, and that members should be encouraged to think up their own schemes. It seems that the Committee was still not ready to commit itself to taking the bull by the horns. Some felt strongly that the time had come to institute self-help - to dismiss the indoor staff, and enlarge the House Committee to run the catering and form a bar committee to run the bar. They pointed out that this was done very successfully at the Games Club. Other members were equally strongly in opposition, stating that it would be a retrograde step, and other ways should be found to raise the receipts of the Club, not to reduce its amenities. It was thought that new members might be attracted if the name of the Club was changed. Mrs. C. Baldwin suggested "the Westfield Country Club". This was later put to the A.G.M. but was not adopted.

In November for the first time the Committee instituted a basic resident playing subscription. The subscriptions were decided as follows: Basic resident playing subscription £20 Croquet (incl. Golf Croquet) supplement £25 Bridge, Bowls, Golf Croquet supplement £5 each Tennis to be paid for as green fees Table money to be increased to 1Op Near-country members to pay 80% of basic subscription and all supplements Far-country and non-playing subscriptions unchanged Consolidated subscription for all games £50 At the same time the drinks prices were increased by 10% but the former prices were later restored as a result of members' complaints. In view of the cash worries described above it is interesting to note that the new carpet (squares) laid in the verandah cost the Club, because of members' contributions, exactly 18p! The Treasurer was of the opinion that the Club had always run on minimum subscriptions and charges to members, and relied on voluntary contributions for major maintenance and expenditure. Nonetheless, the Committee as a whole felt that though, of course, such contributions would always be welcome, Club maintenance under present inflationary conditions should be budgeted for. It will be seen that, over the years, members' generosity continued and increased. The year ended with a debate in Committee about the role of the Trustees. Mr. Perry was of the opinion that their term of office should be limited to six years, with one changing every two years. Mr. Shelton, on the other hand, thought that they should not sit on the General Committee. At most Clubs it was unusual for Trustees to have the right to vote. Mr. Perry's proposal was eventually adopted.

In February 1979 there is the first mention of the dreaded word smoking. The Bridge Committee decided there was no practicable way of segregating the smokers, but that they themselves should set an example by prohibiting smoking at their own meetings. Some years later smoking was restricted to the small bridge room, and later still prohibited in all three rooms.

Also in February a suggestion was made by the Treasurer and seriously considered by the 5

Committee, but which perhaps many will agree with the writer was quite bizarre! As a result of further groundsman troubles it was suggested that a large part of the changing rooms could easily and cheaply be converted into a flat. It was considered an excellent idea to have accommodation for the groundsman (who was all for it!). There was some disquiet expressed about the possibility of children disturbing the peace of court 1. The mind boggles, and harks back to an entry in Volume 1 of this history relating how part of the building was at one time a club room for the use of members' children, who made so much noise with their music that a by-law had to be passed forbidding music to be played when croquet was in progress on lawn 1! One feels that children playing would not have been the only complication - what about hanging out the washing or ejecting an unsuitable tenant? Nevertheless, the Committee was serious enough about the idea to apply for outline planning permission. Not surprisingly this was refused, on the grounds that the whole building would have to be reconstructed. And that apparently was the end of that little flight of fancy, and also of the groundsman who left shortly afterwards. In June the Treasurer reported a 7% increase in VAT which would cost the Club £500 in the current year, and £1,000 in a full year. He therefore put forward the suggestion that the Club should be split into two quite separate Clubs, one bridge and the other croquet and bowls, thus cancelling all VAT. He wondered whether both Clubs might be happier as separate entities. There was no question that the Bridge Club would be viable, possibly with a reduced subscription. The other club would be far less certainly so, but he thought it might be if run simply, with bar and catering done by members themselves. This suggestion was received with great interest and many points were raised. 1. Possibility of the Government raising the exemption limit for such Clubs as ours. 2. The Croquet/Bowls Club would own nearly all the land, what if it proved not to be viable? 3. Those who played bridge and an outdoor game would have to pay much more to join both clubs. It did not take a great deal of consideration to decide that this scheme was speculative and dangerous in view of all the dissension it might arouse. Also it might prove unnecessary if levels of VAT were changed. It was therefore dropped.

A sign of the times: the attractive and welcoming open log fire in the tea room was scrapped as being too expensive and providing too much work for the groundsman. A soulless gas fire took its place and the groundsman and steward got a present of 5cwt of coal remaining in the cellar. The cellar was later cleaned up and used as a storeroom for equipment and for beers and minerals.

Scrabble was introduced at the end of this year, and was quite popular for a year or two. Some time earlier Chess had been quite frequently played, but the playing of both games was short-lived. Because tennis was going the same way, a decision had to be made on the disposal or otherwise of all the tennis cups. Some were handed over to the bridge and croquet sections, but there was a feeling that the two singles cups should be retained as they were part of the Club's history, bearing many illustrious names. Four cups were later sold for £440,

1980 was a year of steadily increasing expenditure. In spite of a healthily increasing membership, subscriptions had to be raised annually in order to keep pace with inflation. Heating and ventilation were ongoing problems. Various new appliances were purchased, none proving completely satisfactory. New meter charges for water were exorbitant, and steps had to be taken to reduce them. The Club had three meters - 0.75", 1.5" and 0.5". The last two were close together, so the half-inch meter was removed altogether and its supply taken from the 1.5" main, which in its turn was reduced to a 1" main and meter. This halved the water bill! Building insurance premiums were raised and an idea to transfer to another firm did not work out. A new "super-traveller" watering device was bought. £150 was spent on repairing 6

the spiking machine. Some repainting of the Clubhouse was done by the Steward at a cost of about £200.

On the retirement of the Secretary in November a new system was instituted entailing a division of the office work. Mr. R. Stevens became Lawns Secretary (a new title) with responsibility for the lawns and all outside work. Miss M. Davis undertook the office work and received instruction in some of the Treasurer's work. She attended Committee meetings, but only to record the minutes. Mr. Stevens received £100 against expenses and a free subscription, Miss Davis £50 and a half subscription. This arrangement proved very successful.

For the first time this year outside caterers were employed to provide lunches for the two croquet tournaments. This had previously been done by the House Committee, which reluctantly could no longer manage it. This meant a small loss of income to the Club. The last entry in the minutes for December 1980 was short and to the point:- "The flagpole fell this morning."

In February 1981 a new flagpole was presented to the Club by Mr. and Mrs. R. Stevens. Anonymous gifts included new folding chairs, much needed for spectators and much appreciated. The annual gymkhana raised £405 (less £46.40 VAT). At the end of September the Treasurer made the following statement:- “The increase in income £2,669 set against the increase in expenditure £1,204 shows a net increase of £1,465. This increase is reflected in the increase in the deposit account of £1,900, the balance being accounted for by the entrance fees and sundry items. In 1980 expenditure exceeded income by £70 and subscriptions were raised by roughly 12.5% which one expected to yield £1,000. It may be taken that if no abnormal expenditure were incurred before the end of the year the Club would be in credit of between £1,000 and £1,400, but the following may absorb this:- Corporation Tax £309 New croquet balls £300 Repairs to bowls hut £150 Repairs to lower pavilion Constor heater (later repaired for £87) Gentlemen's urinals (later repaired for £253) We still have to face inflation at, say, 12% and therefore I would suggest a general increase in subscriptions of about 10% rounded off as advisable." Mention must be made of Mr. Charles Smith, who joined the Club in 1978 and immediately offered his services as a sort of unpaid general handyman. His skilled work over many years saved the Club many hundreds of pounds in maintenance and repair costs. He was also able to advise on the upkeep of the lawns. Originally intending to play croquet, he soon gave it up and established his workshop in the rooms between the two changing rooms. It had been suggested that he should be given a free subscription, this was not considered advisable - instead he was given six bottles of gin for Christmas. Another member who gave great assistance with repairs and renovations was Mr. Bill Sealey. Later, in a different capacity, he helped members with excellent bridge lessons.

In October water charges rose again. The standing charges for the meters increased from £19.80 to £35.70 and from £28 to £59. The water from 97.7p to 105.9p per thousand gallons.

Two past Chairmen died this year, Mr. J.G. Warwick and Mrs. Jones-Bateman. Mr. 7

Warwick left a legacy of £500. Membership state at the end of the year was as follows:- Golf Croquet Bowls Bridge Ass. Croquet Tennis 1981 35 44 117 87 4 compared with 1980 41 43 126 56 4

1982 The path through the lawns was in bad condition and there was much debate as to the best way to repair it - either concrete or slabs laid in mortar. An estimate for a 4ft wide path of concrete 3.5" thick was £917 plus VAT. An estimate for slabs was £847 plus VAT. It was decided that concrete would be the better of the two. Mr. Warwick's legacy could be put towards it. Estimates were also obtained for decorating the tea room. Two estimates were both about £500. Later in view of the high cost of concreting the path it was decided to have it tarmacked, and this was done by an Exeter firm at a cost of £245 with a five year guarantee. Subsequently the area in front of the lower pavilion was done for £400. New curtains were made for the tea room at a cost £645. The old ones were used to replace those on the verandah. A member who had recently altered her membership status from bridge and golf croquet to bridge only wrote enquiring how many times she could play golf croquet as a visitor. She received an unequivocal answer that residents could not expect to play as visitors.

The House Committee were once more providing tournament lunches. Their profit on the May tournament was £80. The Treasurer considered this low, and regretted the Croquet Committee's decision that prices should be lower. It was suggested that a moderately priced ploughman's lunch as an alternative to the main course would be the answer.

Mr. Smith estimated a cost of about £450 to put the plant store into a reasonable state of repair. This was agreed. A 30" Atco motor mower was bought for £760 plus VAT, £275 being obtained for the old machine. On August 18/19 there was a break-in. Approximately £30 in cash was stolen, and three screwdrivers value £5. Damage was done to the main pavilion - three panes of glass and the fruit machine. The Committee agreed £25 should be written off as a loss. The cost of repairing the fruit machine was about £50, which was the amount claimed. The machine was still considered a sufficient money maker to be worth repairing.

Mrs. Rita Sandercock, who had looked after the bridge room efficiently and devotedly for a great number of years, left Budleigh in September. A letter of appreciation and flowers were sent.

At this time duplicate bridge was flourishing in the Club, and the D.C.C.B.A. expressed a wish to use our excellent bridge rooms, quite the best in any Devon club, for some of their events. The following charges were agreed: Evening session - large and small bridge rooms £16 or £20 with verandah. Afternoon and evening -14 tables in two rooms (no verandah) £30. There was some moaning from a few rubber bridge players who complained that they were being denied access to their own Club, although of course none of these events interfered with partnership bridge. What these members apparently did not realise was that, quite apart from the financial profit, the duplicate events, involving a large number of players 8

from all the surrounding area, were an excellent advertisement for the Club.

At the end of September the Treasurer stated that income had increased by about £1,600, and expenditure by £2,546, a deficit of £946. In addition £558 had been spent from capital for a new mower, so that the consolidated account was decreased by £1,504, set against the increase in 1981 of £1,837. He considered wages would presumably increase by 5%, i.e. £270, and that therefore it would be prudent to increase playing subscriptions by 5% which would raise £560. Our bar tariff compared very favourably in price with other clubs.

In November a special meeting was held to consider the Bridge Committee's proposal that the same of the Club should be changed to include the word "Bridge". Their point was that bridge players outside were unaware that club bridge was played in Budleigh Salterton. It became clear that their proposal was not due to a desire to increase the Club's bridge membership, which at that time was very high. There was no financial advantage which would compensate for all the work involved in changing the title. Things were therefore left as they were, but the Bridge Committee were not pleased and stated their intention of putting forward a motion at the next A.G.M. that the name should be changed to "The Budleigh Salterton Croquet and Bridge Club". All of the General Committee were opposed.

The Treasurer was informed by Customs and Excise that the licence for the fruit machine had been raised from £120 to £300. There was unanimous agreement that the machine should be disposed of. A sad ending - it had been an institution for many years and caused much pleasure, as well as frustration!

Membership state at the end of 1982 Golf Croquet Bowls Bridge Ass. Croquet Tennis 1982 44 42 132 97 8 compared with 1981 35 44 117 87 4

In 1983 membership increases in both Golf Croquet and duplicate bridge resulted in the formation of a sub-committee for each game, with its own Chairman and containing at least one member of its main committee. In July it was rather surprisingly agreed that "as jackets and ties often cause unnecessary discomfort in warm weather, shirts and cravats or safari suits would be acceptable in the bridge rooms". Whatever next? The bridge rooms were redecorated and it appears that, the Committee having accepted the cheaper of two tenders, the work was not very satisfactory, particularly in time taken to complete. A legacy of £200 from Mrs. K. Hibberd was put towards the cost. An extension of the car park which included excavation and formation of a drainage trench was to cost £937. Takings of £400 from the Gymkhana would be put towards it.

Treasurer's statement at end of September: expenditure was likely to exceed income in 1983 by some £2,000. Increase of 5% in subscriptions would raise £600. Excess expenditure could be set against excess income in 1981 /82. He recommended a closer scrutiny on expenditure on new plant and maintenance of lawns. The increase in

subscriptions was as follows:- 1983 1984 £ £

Entrance fee 11.50 no change Resident members Basic subscription 29.50 31.00 Supplements Association croquet 36.00 38.00 Bridge, bowls, tennis - each 7.50 8.00 Golf croquet 13.00 13.50 All games, consolidated 45.00 47.00 Near Country members Basic subscription 23.50 25.00 Supplements Association croquet 29.50 31.00 Bridge, bowls, tennis, each 6.00 6.50 Golf croquet 10.00 10.50 All games consolidated 35.50 37.00 Far Country members 17.00 18.00 All games 6.50 6.50 Non -playing members Non playing members with a right to play 14.50 15.00 tennis when courts available Junior members half adult fee half adult fee All games

In February 1984 the Club suffered a great loss by the death of Colonel W.R. Healing. Bill Healing had been Treasurer for 32 years. A man of impeccably high standards, he had every aspect of the Club at heart. He was an excellent croquet and bridge player. He became an "elder statesman", attending all sub-committees as adviser, and worked almost to the end of his life. It could truly be said that the Club was his life, and his constant care was that the standards which he set for it should be maintained.

In 1984 there was a great drought, lasting approximately eight weeks. A hosepipe ban was enforced, and the lawns suffered accordingly. On the credit side, at last a good and conscientious groundsman was found after years of constant changes - Chris Root started a long and happy association with the Club. He was assisted with guidance from Mr. Charles Smith and from the agronomist Mr. Jim Arthur. His first big challenge was the croquet Test Match versus Australia which took place in 1986 and was extremely successful, both financially and as a boost to the Club's reputation. The Test Match sub-committee worked efficiently to ensure that all went smoothly, and the skilful play in many exciting matches was much enjoyed by our croquet players.

At the beginning of 1986, as has already been mentioned earlier, it was decided that the Club rooms should be centrally heated. A special general meeting was called, and after much discussion centered on ventilation, insulation and, of course, expense, it was almost unanimously decided to go ahead. It was possible to finance the work out of available cash resources of £5,000. However, extra funds would be needed for lagging the roof and draught-proofing, and it was hoped to realise £1,000 by various fund-raising events. The installation was completed within a reasonable time at a cost of about £4,000, and the new overall warmth was much appreciated by members. However - inevitably - by the end of the year there came a complaint that the bridge room was too warm!

In April 1987, there was a request from the Probus Club to use the Club as a venue for its meetings from September to the following June, this to include the serving of coffee and possible opening of the bar. The General Committee discussed this proposal at length and eventually turned it down. In view of the Club's ongoing financial difficulties, coupled with the possibility of attracting new members with different interests, it is questionable whether this was a wise decision. At the end of 1987 a member asked whether his two teen-age sons could be admitted as Junior members to play Association Croquet. The Croquet Committee were in favour of this suggestion, as they felt it was important whenever possible to encourage younger people to join the Club, and it was put to the General Committee who decided to adopt for an experimental period that a Junior category of croquet membership should be introduced, with a fee of £ 15 per annum.

Unfortunately some golf croquet members vehemently opposed this decision on the grounds that children, paying a smaller subscription than they were, would be allowed to play at all times on lawns which were not available to golf croquet members, and this amounted to "preferential treatment". As a result of the letters of complaint it was decided to hold a Special General Meeting. This took place on 1 August 1988, but no minutes of it exist. One can safely say that it was "stormy". Sadly, the General Committee cancelled the experimental Junior category, and decided that Juniors could be made temporary members only.

During 1989 and 1990 various bridge matters occupied the attention of the Committee, including murmurings in the bridge room over the offensive behaviour of a member, "no action was taken". Because of falling membership it was decided to waive the "playing-in" procedure, but to introduce a temporary membership period of one month at the end of which the Bridge Committee would make an assessment. This was later extended to croquet and bowls. There was the recurring argument over bridge stakes and table money, and at a special bridge meeting in June 1990 it was ruled that stakes should be 2p every day. However, by the following year, this was raised to 3p.

By early 1991 the financial situation was once more serious, and a special general meeting was called to discuss the falling membership and the advisability of abolishing or reducing entrance fees. Entrance fees had been introduced in 1977 when many wished to join the Club but this was no longer the case. In 1989 there were 330 members, in 1990 316, and 1991 277. Could the general recession in the country be blamed? There were certainly fewer retired people arriving and buying property in Budleigh Salterton. Opinion at the meeting was divided and it was decided to defer any decision on entrance fees for six months. As a result of the meeting, various suggestions were put forward in a lengthy paper by a member or members (unknown?). It was felt that the allotment area, the Clubhouse

and the lawns in the evenings were all underutilised. The allotment area might be used for a further sports section to expand membership, i.e. archery or tennis! The Clubhouse had possibilities for meetings, lunches and wedding receptions. As for the lawns, an evenings only subscription should be considered for those who work in the day. Secondly, the Club should find ways of improving its public relations - "it should be seen to be putting some things that are appreciated into the life of the local community" - suggesting it should involve itself in, for example, the Gala Week, the local school, Hospicecare, the Day Centre. Open Days should be organised to include attractive lunches and teas, and demonstration croquet and bowls matches with commentaries. Croquet players from abroad might be attracted by a holiday exchange scheme, which would not only put Budleigh Salterton and East Devon on the map, but might enable our members to "travel inexpensively to some very attractive far-flung places, e.g. the Rockies"! Thirdly, with regard to the future of the Club, it stated that there were too few croquet members in the vigorous age group, and less than 1% of membership was of the highest standard. The Club should therefore "make itself the apex of a programme for stimulating the formation of croquet clubs for 15 to 25 year-olds throughout our potential catchment area". This would include training school staff in croquet instruction, organising inter-school and inter-college contests and donating trophies. Many of these ambitious suggestions could be termed "pie in the sky", but as a result of the special meeting various decisions were made as follow, with the results, if known, in brackets.

1. To open the bar on Sundays at mid-day (successful due mainly to the enthusiasm of a small nucleus of members). 2. To hold Sunday lunches once a month (did not succeed). 3. To encourage coffee mornings for bridge players, with talks by "experts" (bridge classes were started by Mr. Sealey but an effort to recruit members from Cranford Club failed). 4. To consider changing the name of the Club to include "Bridge" (the name was changed in 1994 but "Bridge" was not included in the title). 5. To issue periodical newsletters (no result) and to improve publicity (yes, low grade). 6. To improve lawns 8, 9 and 10 (to a certain extent). 7. To purchase a TV and VCR for the Club (never happened).

The general conclusion was reached that we were "living beyond our means". There were the continuing problems associated with aging buildings as well as all the on-going and steadily increasing expenses - general maintenance of the lawns and surrounding walls, hedges and trees, rates and insurance, all the utility bills, especially water, and, of course, wages.

In December 1991 it was decided to form a "Finances and Activities Sub-Committee" to address the problem. It seemed that what was chiefly lacking was motivation - there was a state of inertia - resulting in inaction. To combat this the chief recommendation of the Sub-Committee was that every member should aim to introduce one new member in the course of the year. It was particularly important to increase the playing membership, and to do this it was advised that first year charges should be reduced, which hopefully would encourage people to opt for an "all games" subscription. Also the entrance fee should be reduced to at least one half of its present rate (£50). The idea of a corporate membership category was suggested, with the objective of attracting younger members, and it was hoped that the production of a Club brochure would be given high priority. It can be concluded that while the Sub-Committee had some valuable suggestions, there were also some which showed a lack of comprehension. It was certainly true that the prime object of increasing membership would not be easy to realise ake for example the immediate outcry in 1988 when a junior membership was suggested. Also the wariness of the Club about providing accommodation for outside events. The Probus meetings, 12

turned down in 1987, might well have been a source of new members. Corporate membership was lengthily discussed, but never put into practice. The idea of a new individual membership for working members was looked upon favourably. Such members would be entitled to play in the evenings and weekends only, and the subscription would be reduced accordingly. At the end of 1991 the death occurred of by Mr. B.G. (Bill) Perry, who had been twice Chairman of the Club and one of its most outstanding croquet players.

In 1992 a new game was launched - Petanque (or Boules). A "court" was laid out between the car park and lawn 9 at a cost of £361, which included materials, labour, VAT and four sets of boules. The subscription supplement was agreed at £ 10. There was initial enthusiam but it was not to be long lasting. Legacies of £500 (Colonel Birkmyre), £400 (Mrs. Molyneux), and £1,000 (Mrs. Pursey) were received, also a ship's clock (Mr.Parsons). Mrs. Feacham provided 17 new bridge cloths, which were badly needed and gratefully received. Mrs. Mapstone gave a planted decorative urn. There were further discussions during 1992 about the need for more publicity. Publication of a brochure was still only at the exploration stage. There should be a road sign at the end of Westfield Close, preferably including the word "Bridge". Notices should be put in the Tourist Office, the Public Hall and the Library. It was suggested that the bar should be improved and possibly a social Probus established. Some members of the committee, however, expressed reservations about changing the emphasis from a games club to a social club. This had never seemed likely, and still did not. In July, a no smoking rule was finally established in the bridge rooms.

1993 saw a further fall in membership, particularly in the bridge section. There was also great disappointment that hopes of hosting the World Croquet Championships had to be abandoned owing to an inability to find sponsors. This event would have brought great prestige to the Club, as well as financial advantage. There was an outline proposal for a Bond Issue to raise funds for use within the Club, but the idea, though it seemed promising, was not pursued. Nor was the idea of a corporate membership as there had been little or no response from local firms.

There was however an increase in publicity. A brochure, with photographs, was in production. Club badges and brooches were available; also sweaters, in navy blue or white, with the Club badge, proved popular.

At the 1994 A.G.M. the name of the Club was at last changed to "The Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club". An amendment that the words "and Bridge" should be included in the title was defeated. Also at this A.G.M. Mr. Charles Smith, who had finally retired, was presented with a cut glass decanter with inscribed silver label. He had been responsible, with the greatest efficiency, for Grounds and Buildings over many years, and his contribution to the Club was immeasurable. The gift was a token of gratitude and affection from all members. In his own sphere his total dedication to the maintenance of the Club's high standards matched that of Colonel Healing. In October a special members' meeting was convened to consider the financial position of the Club and to make suggestions for improvement About 20 suggestions were put forward. Some of them were for things which had already been tried out in the past and failed, such as establishing a luncheon club; others were completely impractical, such as building a swimming pool and a squash court. The only feasible suggestions to emerge, and which were discussed in detail by the General Committee were as follows:- 1. That the social base of the Club should be widened, though this was already happening.

2. That bridge lessons, already started, should be continued. 3. That a "100 Club" should be restarted. 4. That the £40 restricted membership should be made more widely known. 5. That tentative talks with the Games Club on the subject of amalgamation should be held. 6. That the minutes of the General Committee should be displayed. It was decided that a sub- committee should be appointed, under the Chairmanship of Mr. E. Ramm, to prepare a marketing strategy for the Club.

At the end of the year there was a windfall for the Club in the shape of £16,000 returned VAT, nevertheless it was still expected that there would be a deficit of £1,000 in the running costs of the Club up to December 1994.

In February 1995 it was agreed that £5,000 should be spent on maintenance of buildings and that thereafter £4,000 per annum should be allocated. It was decided to have a Club crest, and Mr. Eric Ramm volunteered to construct and paint one which would be hung in the main clubroom. In March came the first mention of a borehole. An anonymous member had expressed willingness to finance it. It was likely to cost between £6,000 and £6,500, whereas the offer was thought to be limited to £4,000, but it was thought that a grant from the C.A. and also from the National Lottery might be forthcoming. Meanwhile, a payment of £700 was authorised for preliminary work. In the same month legacies of £3,000 (Mrs. C. Birkmyre) and £1,000 (Mr. R. Sims) were received.

Publicity for the Club was provided by the Golf Croquet section who put on a successful demonstration of the game at Castle Drogo by invitation of the National Trust. At the May Tournament an Australian player, Mr. Colin Picketing, performed a sextuple peel. It was decided that a plaque should be placed near lawn 7 to commemorate this extraordinary feat, this has never been done.

In July, in connection with the Club's future, the outline marketing presentation by the sub- committee was considered, also a paper by the Chairman, Mr. Brian Redford, "Whither Now?" and a letter submitted by Mr. Ray Stevens. The following comments were made:- 1. Increased membership was needed, although past efforts in this respect had not been particularly effective. 2. Increased income was needed, with diversification desirable. 3. The bar and catering facilities should be improved to provide a more attractive ambience for hire by outside organisations. 4. Social membership should be encouraged, with more activities aimed at erasing the Club's reputation for being exclusive. 5. Members of different sections should mix more - this was always an ongoing problem which some thought was the result of the subscription structure. 6. On the other hand, should the Club reduce its activities in the interests of economy, providing only minimum facilities for its games, and was it necessary to employ a steward, even part-time?

It was thought that even £100,000 would not be sufficient to restore the Club's amenities to a high standard. Finally there was the question of selling more land for building development, either lawns 1 and 2 or 9 and 10. It was decided to seek professional advice on the likelihood of obtaining planning permission. This was duly obtained from David Rhys, the estate agent, who thought that lawns 1 and 2 would be the only possibility and that piece of land could be worth up to £120,000. A few months later 14

the planning application was refused by the Budleigh Salterton Town Council on the grounds of poor access. The Otter Valley Association also opposed the application.

August saw the start of what was to become known as the Raleigh Club. The bridge rooms were hired on Monday evenings from 6.30 to 10.30 at a cost of £15 (later raised to £25) for duplicate bridge. Duplicate bridge in the Club, which had been flourishing at one time, had lapsed completely despite several efforts to keep it going. While it was good to see it taking place again on a regular basis it seemed sad that it was no longer run by the Club's own members, nearly all of whom were only interested in rubber bridge.

Permission for the borehole was received from the National Rivers Authority. It would be located in the vicinity of the car park and the estimated cost was about £8,800. However, it was estimated that the annual saving on water bills would be about £1,100.

In the last months of the year the Club suffered the sad loss of its Chairman, Brian Redford, who died suddenly of a heart attack, and also of an ex-Chairman, Ray Stevens. Both had been keen and active croquet players. Ray Stevens had a long history of good service to the Club, having been the prime mover in installing central heating, and Lawns Manager and Tournament Secretary for many years. He left a legacy of £2,000 to the Club. Charles Smith also died at this time, whose great work for the Club has already been noted. At the beginning of 1996 Vodafone applied to build an aerial on the Club's premises. Although it would bring in a rent of £1,000 a year it was opposed by many members as being unsightly (15 metres high) and too close to neighbouring properties. However, at the A.G.M. there was a substantial vote for accepting Vodafone's proposal, but later planning application was refused. This year it became absolutely necessary to purchase a new mower. The old equipment was not only needing constant repair but was no longer doing an efficient job. A triple mower was demonstrated, the cost of which would be about £ 17,000. Members were aghast. Nevertheless an appeal was made to members for donations or interest free loans. It was eventually decided to buy a demonstration model at £ 13,512 (including VAT), and this sum was duly raised. A tractor and top soil spreader was also purchased for £6,600. These sums would all be covered by the donations and loans, and also by another £4,000 expected from the Lottery grant. As a result of further generous donations the main Clubroom was greatly improved by a new carpet and curtains and an extended and refurbished bar.

In February the Club was informed that East Devon District Council had granted £2,100 towards construction of the borehole, and it was agreed that the work should proceed without waiting for a reply from the National Lottery. Over the next two years there were so many setbacks and complications connected with the work that it will be easier to set them all down in one paragraph rather than chronologically in bits and pieces. The borehole was in operation by April, but the output was too sandy to be of any use for the sprinklers. No meter had been installed so it could not be tested. By May the water was running clear but there was still no meter. The National Lottery had confirmed that a grant of £4,437 would be made. In July the Environment Agency ordered no abstraction of water from the borehole until a meter had been installed, a test had been carried out and a licence granted. So, the Club was still having to use South West Water! In August advice was received that it would be necessary to extract water at a lower pressure, to reduce the sand content, and to install a storage tank from which to pump water to the lawns. This would cost about £4,700. By April 1997 the licence was still awaited. The National Lottery was applied to for a grant to cover 65% of the additional expenses of the tank. In July the

borehole was inspected by the Environment Agency as a result of which it was hoped a licence would soon be granted, but there would be nothing from the National Lottery until this had materialised. In August the licence was granted, but a meter still had to be installed. The pump was found to be too powerful for the amount of permitted water and had to be replaced. Easier said than done! The pump had jammed. If this was due to faulty workmanship by the installers, Waterwise Engineering, a claim might be made against them. It was eventually discovered that a screwdriver had been dropped and was causing the jamming! It was never discovered whose it was or how it came to be there. By October the borehole was at last in working order. An insurance claim was made to cover the additional expense of retrieving and replacing the original pump, but was not accepted. However, in May 1998 the National Lottery made an additional grant of £2,552. In the same month there was more trouble. It was found that it would be necessary to install holding tanks from which water could be pumped into the irrigation system. So - mains water was still being used. A tank holding about 2200 gallons was installed in September. This capacity is sufficient for the sprinklers to cover two lawns at a time and the sprinkler irrigation system for this was generously provided by an anonymous donor at substantial cost. The borehole, which can be said to be the most ambitious project ever undertaken by the Club is now working satisfactorily. Long may it be so. One further suggestion that the borehole water should be used domestically in the Clubhouse was turned down, the extensive replumbing which would have been necessary was thought to be not worth the expense.

Reverting to April 1996 many old members were sad to hear of the death of Mrs. Fayter, who had been a faithful servant of the Club for many years as stewardess. Gifts to the Club during the year included £100 from two appreciative visitors to a C.A. tournament, £100 bequest from Dr. C. Marshall, a clock and bench from the family of the late Clare and Joyce Hope-Sutton, very long-standing members. At the beginning of the year there had been a suggestion that it would be possible to build on a piece of land north of the car park, if planning permission could be obtained. In September this permission was given, but subject to the condition that "the dwelling requested should be occupied by a person employed by the Club or its successor". This was obviously not practicable, and the Committee were upset that this condition had not been notified earlier, failure to do so had involved the Club in architect's fees of £500. It was thought unlikely that an appeal, perhaps to include a claim for reimbursement, would succeed, and it was, in fact, refused in July 1997. Thereafter the idea was shelved.

At the beginning of 1997 a member's anonymous donation helped towards the cost of new lighting in the bridge rooms. Special silvered bulbs were a great improvement. In May the table money was increased to 30p. In July another anonymous contribution was made for resurfacing the entrance from Westfield Close and patching worn areas at a cost of £972. Also, loans of £8,500 were converted into gifts.

The lawns manager, Mr. R. Selmes, put forward a 5-year plan for improvements at an estimated cost of £7,000 per annum. His comments were as follows:- 1. The need was recognised, but the estimated cost was beyond the means of the Club with its present membership. 2. Even if improved lawns attracted more players to C.A. tournaments increased revenue would not be sufficient. 3. Present facilities much unused - number of courts could be reduced. 4. Existing membership might be satisfied with lawns of a lower standard, BUT the Club had a long history of high standard lawns, it would be regrettable if the standard declined. 5. Therefore, the decision must be made: garden croquet standard or C.A. standard. If the 16

latter, finance would have to be made available. As a result, once more a special meeting of the Committee took place to consider, as it had done so frequently in the past, the future of the Club. It took place in October and the following facts emerged:- 1. There had been a deficit in income over the last ten years and the Club had survived due to members' generous contributions. 2. Formerly, the bridge section had subsidised Club funds. Now, membership was considerably reduced. 3. Top dressing alone for the lawns would cost £4,500 per annum. 4. More thorough treatment in the current year had shown a noticable improvement. 5. There was no chance of selling any of the lawns for building development, and no point in closing them as they would still have to be tended. The first comment on these facts was predictable: more members must be attracted. But sub- committees appointed to find the answer had come and gone over the years with negligible results. What about diversification? Tennis had been unfortunately abandoned in the '70s. The Club's facilities were not sufficiently up-to-date for it to be attractive for social functions. Was the public image still not of the best? But the Club was more welcoming that in the past and members were prepared to change. There was however tension between the different sections which it was most important to eradicate. Finally, although generous contributions continued to come in they should not be regarded as certainties. It had all been said before. The conclusions were that it was unlikely that the Cub could transform itself into a different type of Club and thus increase membership. There was insufficient custom to justify the expense of improving the kitchen facilities. The question of a single subscription for all members should be reconsidered. Also the restricted membership for those in full employment or students.

At the end of the year, as if on cue, an anonymous donation of £10,000 was received from a member. This was to be used for specific projects in consultation with the donor.

In June 1998 the death occurred of Dr. Ralph Bucknall, long-time member and keen croquet and bridge player, who with meticulous research had written the Club history up to 1970. A new shelter for lawn 7 was donated in his memory by a member at a cost of £ 1,000. Also in 1998 the Club lost its oldest member, Major Freddie Stone, one of Great Britain's illustrious croquet players and also a bridge player of renown. He had been identified as the longest standing member of the C.A. having been playing A- class croquet since he was a schoolboy before the first World War.

In October it was noted that bridge table money had shown a satisfactory increase. This was partly due to the new social bridge on Saturday afternoons at £1 a head, with tea provided and served by Bridge Committee volunteers. The ladies' cloakroom was refurbished with a new carpet. Curtains, chair covers and light fittings were donated. Another member donated new curtains for the verandah bridge room. During the late summer laser surveying apparatus was used by members on the lawns. The work was arduous but would continue. It was recognised that laser surveying gave only an indication of the areas needing attention. Financial restraints affected the amount of levelling which could be achieved. At the end of the year an influx of new members, mainly for croquet, was contributing to a good atmosphere in the Club.

In January 1999 a project only second to that of the borehole was completed. All the windows of the main Clubhouse were replaced by Durawhite double-glazing. This huge improvement was at a cost of £14,000 which was partially covered by donations of £2,900. In connection with this the policy regarding

lottery grants was discussed - applications should not be just for maintenance - improvements which could further the Club's amenities would be more likely to attract a grant.

February saw the retirement from active work on behalf of the Club of Mrs. Myrtle Stevens, who had been a member for over 50 years, and had performed her duties on the House Committee with untiring energy.

In April it was confirmed that information about the Club could be placed on the Devon County Council's internet service. The laser surveying was nearly completed by teams of croquet members, and computer print-outs would be produced of the results, so it could be said that our Club had at last entered the Computer Age.

CROQUET 1970-1999

Coaching An excellent programme was instituted by Peter Danks and carried on by David Purdon with help from other members. This has resulted in many new members taking up the game. C.A. Events The Club has hosted the Home Internationals several times, and the Chairman's Salver and the Spencer Ell. Also two test matches as part of the McRobertson Shield. As well as the two main tournaments there are now three weekend tournaments. South-West Federation The Club has teams playing in all four Leagues, with increasing success. Other activities Club evenings held regularly during the season are always popular. During the winter two or three meetings involve talks on croquet matters, quizzes, etc. Also laws courses have been held resulting in several members qualifying as referees. An annual gymkhana involving all sorts of games played with a mallet and ball, and stalls and tombola, is always enjoyed by all ages, and has raised a substantial sum for the Club. Golf Croquet What had originally been a fun game for C.A. players was officially instituted in 1973 as an activity with its own subscription. It has had its ups and downs but has remained very popular. Television The Club has figured on local TV on several occasions. Problems 1. Full bisque games engendered massive correspondence and discussion, as did Wharrad turns. 2. Double-banking. Members were antagonistic when it was first found necessary to use it, but it 18

has now been reluctantly accepted. Conclusion In 1970, the Club was full of "stars", in fact the Devon team consisted almost entirely of Budleigh Salterton players. This happy state of affairs gradually deteriorated. Although membership numbers never fell very low, the general standard certainly did. At the present time the Club has only two "stars", neither of whom are able to play here very often, but on the other hand there are several "good players", and other new younger members who are improving rapidly, which indicates a promising future for the Club.

BRIDGE - 1970 -1999 At the start of this period the membership was at a maximum, there was an abundance of good players, and the general standard was more than adequate. Duplicate bridge was started and for many years was very popular. Matches were played against other Clubs in the area. The Club had several teams of four playing in the Exeter League, and on one occasion one of our teams won the championship. Many of our players played in events all over the South West and even further afield. But over the years, bridge membership dropped dramatically and so did the standard of play. This in spite of very good lessons being given by Richard Watts and Bill Sealey, and just latterly Olive Richey. Duplicate struggled on for a time but died through lack of support - in general, rubber bridge has much more appeal to players of a lower standard. Cut-in bridge, formerly played on alternate afternoons with partnership bridge, also died. Set tables are still played once a month in the winter, but whereas they used to comprise anything up to 21 or 22 tables, 14 or so would now be considered respectable, and on partnership days there will very seldom be as many as ten tables. This is a sad state of affairs and is likely to continue as younger players are mainly interested in duplicate, and younger bridge players are not joining the Club. If they cannot be attracted there is very little hope of restarting duplicate bridge, and also little hope of bringing back the standard of play which once was enjoyed.

GENERAL CONCLUSIONS Looking back to Dr. Bucknall's final remarks in Part 1, it seems that in some respects little has changed. He referred to "the difficulties in coping with the varying temperaments of the members" and we have seen how this is still an ongoing problem. For example, the arguments which arose over the name of the Club, over the scrapping of the tennis tournament, over the "rights" of the Golf Croquet players, even over the ventilation of the bridge rooms (but that is one which will never be resolved!). Dr, Bucknall also mentioned false economy and there were still some examples of this, mainly in connection with the care of the lawns. However, latterly there has been a tremendous outlay on maintenance and the purchase of new equipment. It has to be stated that this has largely been made possible by enormously generous donations from many of the members, amounting to many tens of thousands of pounds. Although it has often been stated as a matter of policy that the Club should be a viable concern, not having to rely on members' generosity, it cannot be denied that when the Club has been "in a hole" there have always been members to rally round and dig it out.

Finally, a great problem in our Club has always been that so many people consider themselves as members just of their own particular section - croquet, golf croquet, bridge or bowls - and take no interest in the activities of the other sections, even in some cases resent them. As we enter a new millennium a worthwhile objective to strive for would be unity -the welding of all sections into one, so that we could truly think of ourselves as all members of the same Club, rather than players of one particular game within it. 19