Derek Watts – Tyneside Croquet Club

The above tournament took place with only 4 entries again this year and was won, again, by Mark Simmerson of Sheffield CC who won all his 5 games. The players agreed to use the Clock Lawn and found it to be a little tricky for controlled play, as no watering had been able to happen due to a fractured water pipe underground and the surface was fast so no peg out games on Saturday but by Sunday, the players got a little more used to the conditiions and Mark was able to peg out both his games.

Derek Watts (Manager) presents trophy to Mark Simmerson. Robert Essler (Bowdon) to right of Mark with Julian Gibson (Middlesbrough) and Dennis Scarr (Middlesbrough). Photo by Nora Burbridge.

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Ex member Colin McDonald saddly passed away on Saturday 1st August after suffering a stroke. Colin played GC and was a canny player for the teams, he and Derek Old often played each other to sharpen their respective skills. He moved to Norwich so Eileen and he could be closer to their respective families.

The final match in the CN(L) was against Middlesbrough at Albert Park on Sunday 19th July and ended with a win for the home team 4-0. Derek Watts, Don Wright and Nora Burbridge had a “bad day at the office”

It is sad to hear of the passing of another Middlesbrough member, Roger Staples. Roger was always present at Tynesides CA/CE CA Tournaments and was a popular character. His funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, Long Newton TS21 1 DD on Tuedsday 14th July. Our commiserations to his family and Middlesbrough CC.

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Due to the CE AC Midweek Handicap tournament being cancelled (Tuesday 19th – Thursday 21st May), due to lack of entries, the lawns are therefore free to use as normal.

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The first match of the Croquet North AC League took place on Sunday 17th May resulting in a 4 – 0 win for York. The match played at Tyneside was an “enjoyable” occasion with dry sunny conditions – we played on the Pavilion Lawn due to no white lines being present so we laid out strings for the boundaries which worked well.

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It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of our Treasurer Mac Smith. He had been unwell for a while and died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Maggie and his daughters. Macs funeral will be a private ceremony.

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The club AGM took place on Sunday 1st March 2026 at 10.30 am and the following are changes to the Committee:

Chair: Derek Johnson

Treasurer: Judith McLane

Secretary: Mike Solomon

Committee: Pat Memery, Peter Cartman and Peter Lowe

Disputes Officer: Alan Thwaite

Safeguarding Officer: Wendy Snell

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Andrew Killick

It was very sad to hear of the passing of Andrew Killick of Middlesbrough CC. Andrew was always a popular visitor to Tyneside and with his sharp wit and friendly manner it was always a pleasure to be in his company, he will be sorely missed. Our commiserations go out to his family, friends and members of Middlesbrough CC.

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The annual Dinner and Presentations were held at the Northumberland Golf Club, Gosforth Park on Wednesday 22nd October. 30 guests enjoyed a good meal with a quiz to get everyone in a happy mood. The photo shows winners of various trophies: L-R: Derek Johnson (One Ball Shield), Gail Peters (Progressive Doubles GC {no trophy yet}), Pat Memery (AC Handicap Doubles), Peter Cartman (GC Ivy Court Plaque), Don Wright (AC Advanced, AC Handicap, AC Handicap Doubles, GC Roger Russell and the GC Progressive Doubles), May Hall (GC Doubles), Dave Okell (GC Doubles and Bamburgh GC B Level) and Alison Okell (Bamburgh GC B Level). The Tyneside Quaich sits proudly at the front of the table.

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CN AC League: Tyneside v York , Monday15th September 2025

Result: Tyneside 2 – York 2

Morning Handicap Doubles: David Millener (7) & Dave Okell (18) beat Fiona Crompton (7) & Debbie James (10) +13

Morning Handicap Singles: Nora Burbridge (16) beat John Crompton (12) +13

Afternoon Handicap Doubles: David & Nora lost to Fiona & John -21

Afternoon Handicap Singles: Dave lost to Debbie -10

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East Pennine League: Sunday 14th September 2025, York v Tyneside.

York 4 – Tyneside 3

Morning Advanced Doubles: Andy Davies (0) & Fiona Crompton (7) beat Don Wright (9) & Eric Nixon (9) + 22

Morning Handicap Singles: John Crompton (12) lost to Derek Johnson (16) -2 Malcolm Tingle (16) beat Dave Okell (18) +2

Afternoon Advanced Singles: Andy beat Don +25, Fiona beat Eric +12

Afternoon Handicap Singles: John lost to Dave -9 , Malcolm lost to Derek -8

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East Pennine League: Tyneside v Middlesbrough, played Friday 5th September (re-arranged from July/August) – result: Tyneside 3 – Middlesbrough 4

Morning Advanced Doubles – Derek Watts (2) and Eric Nixon (9) lost to Dennis Scarr (-.5) and Anthony Miller (1.5) 5-26.

Morning Handicap Singles: Derek Johnson (16) lost to Nigel Roberts (9) 20-26, Nora Burbridge (16) lost to Julian Gibson (7) 17-26.

Afternoon Advanced Singles: Derek W lost to Dennis 4-26, Eric beat Anthony 26-12 {Eric received 7.5 bisques – game played as Advanced Handicap}, Afternoon Singles: Derek J beat Julian 26-1 and Nora beat Nigel 26-9.

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Congratulations to Alison and Dave Okell on winning the Bamburgh GC Doubles B Tournament (combined handicap of 8 and above). They tied with Arnie Clegg and David Millener but scored one more hoop. Close behind with one point less were Mike Solomon and Peter Cartman, good result for both Belsay and Tyneside players!

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The victorious Tyneside team being presented with the TCC Quaich, which they retained, by Chairman Derek Johnson. Derek Watts receiving the Quaich on behalf of Mike Solomon, Dave Okell and Nora Burbridge. Nora and Dave won both their games, Mike and Derek won 1 and lost 1 by 1 point, so it was almost a clean sweep!

The TCC Quaich teams from Belsay Hall (BH), Middlesbrough (M) and Tyneside (T) from L-R: Nigel Roberts(M), Derek Watts (T), Mike Solomon (T), Barbara Walton (M), Nora Burbridge (T), Dave Okell (T) behind Nora, Phil Errington (BH) Manager, David Millener (BH), Robert Nixon (BH), Andrew Killick (M), Eric Nixon (BH) and Julian Gibson (M).

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The Tyneside One Ball tournament was played on Saturday 9th August. Eight members took part and was deemed to be a successful event by all. Well managed by Derek Johnson who then “Managed” to win the trophy with Dave Okell runner up and Gail Peters in a close third place. Photo shows (L-R): Derek Watts, Mike Solomon, Gail Peters, Peter Cartman, David Millener, May Hall, Dave Okell and Derek Johnson.

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The Tyneside CE AC Advanced Weekend (August 2nd & August 3rd) was won by Mark Simmerson of Sheffield CC. With an entry of only four this year, the players played each other twice over the weekend. Mark and Dennis Scarr (Middlesbrough CC) both beat Phil Errington (Belsay Hall CC) and Stephen Pratt (Alnmouth CC). Mark lost to Dennis -1 but beat him+10 in his second game thus winning the trophy.

L-R: Phil Errington, Dennis Scarr, Mark Simmerson with trophy and Stephen Pratt.

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Tyneside Hawthorns were not so lucky at Durham but enjoyed their day away! Pictured are Judith McLane, Linda Smith, Sheila Walker and Harry Avery.

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Congratulations to Tyneside Hunters who ended the season undefeated, winning their final match 11 – 7 against Backworth. Amongst both teams TCC were Derek Johnson, Peter Cartman, Mike Solomon and Julian Gibson.

TCC Swans beat Belsay Hall at Belsay 10.5 – 7.5 in the CN GC League. Our team was (L-R): Don Wright, Ruth Carey, Dave Okell and May Hall.

L – R: Maggie Smith, Linda Smith, May Hall, Gail Peters, Judith McLane, Pat Memery, Ruth Carey, Don Wright, Julie Scott, Elspeth Pyman, Stephen Peters and Dave Okell.

This GC Progressive Doubles was the first tournament of its kind played at Exhibition Park on Saturday 14th June and was won by Don Wright and Gail Peters. Derek Johnson managed the event very successfully and the weather remained good for the day.

Tyneside Hawthorns lost to Jarrow 7.5 – 10.5 on Sunday 1st June. The team Harry Avery, Pat Memery, Judith McLane and Maggie Smith.

Tyneside Hunters defeated Alnmouth Greens 10-8 on Saturday 24th May.

The opening CN GC Division 2 fixture between Tyneside Hunters and Swans was a 9-9 draw, with several of the singles games going to the Golden Hoop. Pictured L-R: Derek Johnson, Pat Memery, Dave Okell, Ruth Carey, Elspeth Pyman, May Hall, Peter Cartman and Mike Solomon – on May 10th.

Judith McLane, Ruth Carey, Don Wright and Dave Okell enjoying a windswept Bamburgh resulting in a 9-9 draw on Friday 23rd May.

CN GC Division 3: Tyneside Hawthorns (previously Siemens) first game against Alnmouth Purples at Exhibition Park resulted in a close match result 8.5 – 9.5

The Tyneside team is Pat Memery, Linda Smith, Gail Peters and Harry Averley.

TCC are holding an Open Day on Sunday 11th May from 11am until 3pm.

Come along to give it a try – you’ll be surprised how good it is!

The opening CN GC Division 2 fixture between Tyneside Hunters and Tyneside Swans was a 9-9 draw with several of the singles going to the Golden Hoop.

L-R: Derek Johnson, Pat Memery, Dave Okell, Ruth Carey, Elspeth Pyman, May Hall, Peter Cartman and Mike Solomon.

The lawns were prepared on Tuesday 1st April with Don Wright, Dave Okell, David Millener and Derek Watts ensuring both lawns had full courts and half courts on the Pavilion lawn in readiness for the opening day Saturday 5th April.

The AGM on Sunday 2nd March 2025 was preceded by a SGM for members to consider a change to the Constitution, this was agreed by the meeting. The AGM then followed with the current Executive Officers willing to stand again for election which was accepted by the meeting. The Committee also were willing to stand again, with the exception of Nora Burbridge who was replaced by Judith McLane.