As usual at this time of the year we look back at last year's activities at the club.
The year 2013 was a very sad one for the club with stalwarts Sheila Black and Steve Lewis both passing away.
In early January Sylvia and Mike Steer celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Francois Garcia won the CA's Steel Memorial Bowl for being the most improved player in the country in 2012.
The first bit of action at the club saw Joan Spilsbury winning the first Winter Wednesday One-Ball of the year. Further winners were to be Barry Keen, Bill Oxley, Bob Hunter, Louise Cheyne, Leo Fletcher, Chris Evans and Patrick Cheyne.
Overall winner for 2012-2013 was Andrew Kenyon with Chris Evans in second place and Barry Keen in third place.
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In February Keith Aiton gave a talk on motivation which was attended by a full house of club members.
In March the new Solomon Grundy competition was introduced giving members challenging 18pt handicap matches on a Monday.
Ken Cooper was awarded a Life-Time Coaching award by the Croquet Association.
Liz and Rupert Webb took their mallets to South Africa and Liz came away having won her class event whilst the Irwins played in USA with Christine also taking
first place in her class and prize money of $800.
The beginning of April saw the start of the Wednesday Competition with Andrew Kenyon winning week 1 and the opening of the John Larmouth Memorial Bench. John's wife and family also donated a cup for the club's Short Croquet competition.
Winners of the Wednesday Comp. in April until end of June were Andrew Kenyon (3), Anne Whalley (2), Barry Keen, Barry McKenzie, Liz Webb, John Leckie, John Wastell, Ros Pimlott, Steve Reynolds, Chris Evans and Kay Martiu.
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The Hot Pot Supper was its usual great success.
Barry Keen went to Heaton Park and won the Bury Golf tournament.
Bowdon had 8 teams in the NW Federation. The Saints and Canons in the Advanced League, Firs and St. Mary's in the Handicap, Griffins and Earl in the Midweek and a team in the Short and Golf League. See the Leagues page for details of how they all fared during the year.
Three Taster days were held and were very successful in introducing potential new members.
David Walters won the Millennium Trophy at Heaton Park for the second year running.
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Kay Martin wins the May Weekend Tournament with Barry McKenzie runner-up.
Sylvia and Mike Steer came back from Budleigh Salterton with the JK Brown Memorial Cup (Mike) and some nice cut glass for winning the Open Handicap singles (Sylvia).
Chris Evans won the Bowdon heat of the Northern One-Ball championship and Colin Irwin won the final
All enjoyed themselves at Alan Mayne's 70th birthday bash.
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The June Advanced Weekend was won by New Zealander Paddy Chapman beating Ian Lines in the final.
The Longman team won their first round match beating Chester 5-2.
The BBQ was, as usual, one of the social highlights of the season.
The Inter-Club team were knocked-out at the first hurdle, losing to Cheltenham 4-3.
The Southport Festival took place with Bowdon finishing joint third with Southport and Bury 1st and 2nd
The second half of the year can be found by clicking here