The first Annual Croquet Christmas Cake and Carpet Croquet Contest took place on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, December -18/18.
Undeterred by the intermittent showers, an octet of diehards completed 2 games, prior to festivities, including the shorts be-clad and cold-impervious, Gordie March. Only after a serious downpour were the outside games suspended.
A good turnout of 22 enthusiasts showed up to partake of the seasonal offerings which included , among others, the traditIonal cakes of more than four countries, shortbreads, peppermint chocolate bark, mince pies and a delectable cheesecake. The table groaned with sweet treats as did many of the participants after they worked their way through as many samplings as they could manage.
To offset any sugar-induced coma, or a dangerous spike in blood sugar, an indoor carpet croquet target game followed. This was devised by Rolf, built by Gordie and Lorne, with Rolf providing a bottle of wine as a prize. Everyone had one shot but only Becky and Peter Rassenti managed to get in in the “hoop”. This resulted in a spirited shootout with Becky victorious amid loud cheers.
Outdoor games resumed, despite the drizzle, in a (probably futile) effort to burn off the excess calories consumed.
A most enjoyable afternoon with good company. Many thanks to all participants and a big shout out to the cleanup crew.
submitted by Rosemary
Croquet at The Empress Aug 26 2018
click on photo for larger view
Thanks to CTV News Victoria for the photos
CroqCan Competitors
From August 9 to 12, we were pleased to hold, along with the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club, the Canadian Association Croquet championships. Association croquet is similar to playing billiards on the lawn and each game lasts around 2 hours.
Ten entrants played a round robin of nine games each over 4 days. Local players Chris Percival-Smith, Michael Dowling , Pierre Dunn, Lorne Oakes and Peter Rassenti matched up against Brian Wasylyk (Campbell River) Carl Uhlman (Seattle) Bill Rowat (Bayfield, Ontario) and Peter and Brigitte Westaway (Toronto).
After some closely matched games the winners in the finals were: first place, Bill Rowat, second place, Chris Percival-Smith, and third place, Michael Dowling.
Thank you to all the contestants and those who volunteered to help to make this past weekend such a memorable event for croquet in Victoria.