Cardiff Croquet Club
2026 AGM Minutes of Meeting
Date: Friday 13 March 2026
Location: Clubhouse, Cardiff
Meeting opened: 5:30 pm
Chair: Pete (Stand-in Chair)
Minutes: Recorded using AI transcription (trial), edited for clarity.
1. Welcome
Pete welcomed members to the meeting and explained that an AI application had been trialled to record proceedings and generate draft minutes. Members were asked to state their names before speaking to improve recording accuracy.
Minutes and actions will be published on the club website after review.
Committee Present
• Pete – Stand-in Chair and Secretary
• Dave – Treasurer and Club Captain
• Hazel – Grounds
• Rosemary – Marketing, Membership and Public Relations
• Sue – Social Secretary
Members Present
Jenny, Geoff, Mary, Pat, Diane, Lucinda, Cam, Bob, Alan, John, Trevor, Howell, Angela, John Jessop
Apologies
Angela, David Powell, Avril Hammond, Anne Sowsby, Roger Cardeen (in hospital), Lynn Lewis (in hospital), Father Sebastian, Kathy Seddon
2. Minutes of the Previous AGM
The minutes of the previous AGM were reviewed.
Matters Arising
Online Booking System
A request had previously been made by Gareth to extend the booking system to allow bookings more than five days in advance.
After discussion, members agreed that extending the booking period could allow some members to repeatedly reserve popular slots (for example booking the same time every week well in advance), which could disadvantage other members.
Decision:
The booking period will remain at five days in advance.
Development Grant Application
Last year’s minutes noted the possibility of applying for a development grant.
Although the national croquet body had indicated funds were available during the previous year, the club did not submit an application.
It was noted that other Welsh clubs had received grants.
Action:
The club will now aim to submit a development grant application each year where appropriate.
Bring-a-Buddy / Taster Days
Bring-a-Buddy Days took place during the year following Rosemary’s suggestion.
These events helped introduce several new visitors to the club and were considered successful.
Club Signage
The club previously delayed installing signage while the club name transition from Llandaff Croquet Club to Cardiff Croquet Club was being finalised.
Dave has arranged for two new signs to be produced free of charge through a personal contact.
• A large sign to be mounted on the clubhouse
• A smaller sign for the entrance gate
Delivery had been expected before the AGM but has been slightly delayed due to personal circumstances affecting the supplier.
Members discussed whether contact details should appear on the sign. It was suggested that visitors would instead be able to locate information through the club website.
Members noted that the new club name has already helped people locate the club online and that several visitors have recently arrived after searching for Cardiff Croquet Club.
Coaching and Training
The possibility of arranging additional coaching sessions was discussed previously.
An external qualified coach delivered a session in an earlier year at a cost of approximately £200. He was unavailable during the past year due to other commitments.
Members discussed various options:
• Inviting the previous professional coach to return
• Exploring sessions from other qualified coaches
• Informal coaching from experienced club members
Suggestions had previously been discussed regarding Gareth and Ryan providing coaching in return for reduced membership fees. However, this proposal did not proceed.
Members agreed that informal coaching between members remains valuable, but there was also support for arranging occasional professional coaching sessions where feasible.
Action:
Pete and Dave will explore the availability and costs of external coaching.
After discussion, the minutes of the previous AGM were accepted.
3. Review of the Year
Membership remained steady at approximately 35 members.
Key developments during the year included:
• Rebranding and registration of the club as Cardiff Croquet Club
• Launch of a new website and Facebook page
• Creation of a new club logo designed by Rosemary
• Imminent installation of new signage promoting the club
• Continued improvements to lawn maintenance and facilities
The club name change and signage have already attracted several visitors to the club.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Dave presented the financial report.
Income
• Total income: £3,105
• Subscriptions: £2,950
• Guest fees: £145
Expenditure
• Total expenditure: £1,103
Major expenses included:
• Croquet England affiliation fees – £262
• Trolleys – £170
• Lawn equipment – £129
• Lawn sundries – £218
Financial Position
• Net surplus for the year: £2,002
• Bank balance previously: £5,365
• Current balance: approximately £7,367
Detailed financial records remain available to members on request.
5. Club Captain’s Report
Dave reported on playing activities and inter-club competitions.
The club has entered Welsh inter-club competitions again for the coming season. Players will be invited to volunteer via WhatsApp when matches are arranged.
The club continues to encourage wider participation in matches and friendly fixtures.
6. Grounds Report
Hazel reported on lawn maintenance.
Key Issues
• Periods of heat and drought reduced opportunities for mowing and rolling.
• Limited support from the council grounds team due to staffing and budget pressures.
Volunteers who assisted with removing weeds were thanked by the committee.
Clover and moss require chemical treatment which must be approved through council procedures.
Lawn Improvements
• The lawn has been repositioned closer to the car park.
• Approximately 11 meters of additional playing area has been reclaimed from a former wildflower section.
• The change improves sunlight and playing conditions.
Some disturbance to the reclaimed area has been caused by squirrels.
Contractors
The possibility of using a professional grounds contractor was discussed.
A comparable club pays approximately £550 per month for maintenance, which is currently considered too expensive.
7. Marketing and Membership Report
Rosemary reported on publicity and membership promotion.
Actions completed during the year included:
• Creation of a club logo
• Launch of a new website and Facebook page
• Updated signage displaying Cardiff Croquet Club with new logo
Recent signage has already attracted three visitors in two weeks.
8. Social Activities and Events Report
Sue was thanked by the committee and members for her continued hard work organizing refreshments and hosting fun days and matches.
The AGM was followed by cheese, wine, soft drinks and social time, continuing the club tradition of combining the AGM with a social gathering.
9. Election of Committee
No additional nominations were received.
The existing committee agreed to continue.
Following the departure of Geoff from the Chair position:
• Dave agreed to take on the role of Chair.
Dave will also continue as Treasurer, with committee members assisting where required.
10. Membership Subscription
Membership subs remain unchanged at £100 for the coming year
Guest visitors may play up to three sessions before being expected to join the club.
11. Motions
11.1 Club Constitution
A draft club constitution had been circulated to members prior to the AGM.
No comments or objections were received.
Executive Officers
• Chair
• Secretary
• Treasurer
Co-opted Roles
• Grounds and Facilities
• Marketing and Public Relations
• Social Secretary
Membership Categories
• Full Membership
• Honorary Membership
The club agreed to award the first Honorary Memberships to:
• Geoff – for his service as long-standing Chair and founding member
• John Jessop – as a founding member of the club
11.2 Data Protection
It was confirmed that the Club is fully compliant with GDPR as stated in the Club Constitution.
11.3 Most Improved Player Award
The Most Improved Player Award for the year was presented to Ryan, whose handicap improved from 10 to 5 during the season.
Ryan had also been nominated for a national recognition award, although he was not selected.
His name will be added to the club’s Most Improved Player trophy.
12. Any Other Business
12.1 Coaching and Training
Several coaching ideas were discussed.
Options included:
• Inviting external qualified coaches
• Members attending referee or rules training courses
• Informal coaching sessions among members
Professional coach Mr Custard Baker is currently unavailable due to personal circumstances.
Previous coaching sessions have cost approximately £200 per visit, while a potential local coach may charge £25–£30 per participant.
Members were encouraged to continue informal coaching and skills development.
12.2 Club Promotion and Taster Sessions
Rosemary reported that the club will organize another Taster Day / Bring-a-Buddy Day in April. (Date To be Confirmed)
Members are encouraged to invite friends and promote the event.
Previous taster sessions have successfully resulted in new members joining.
Quotations have also been obtained for club polo shirts with the new logo to raise the club’s profile at match games home and away.
Members were also informed that there is an opportunity to train as a referee. Currently Dave is the club’s only referee, and additional referees would assist during fun days and matches.
Members interested should consult the Croquet England website or speak with Rosemary.
12.3 Booking System and Club Playing Sessions
The club discussed how best to ensure regular opportunities for members and visitors to play.
The following regular sessions were agreed:
Tuesday 10am – 2.00pm - Association Croquet Mix-in Session
Tuesday 2.00pm onwards –GC Mix-in Session
Wednesday 10.00am – 2.00pm – GC Team Match practice Session
Wednesday 2.00pm onwards – GC Mix-in Session
Friday 10am – 2pm – GC Mix-in Session (Main Club Session)
Saturday 10.00am – 2pm – GC Mix-in Session
Members may still arrange games at other times using the booking system.
The aim is to ensure that at least one regular session each week allows players or visitors to turn up without prior booking.
12.4 Internal Competitions
Members discussed introducing additional internal competitions.
Gareth had proposed establishing a ladder competition allowing members to challenge others and move up the rankings. This could also assist the Club Captain in assessing playing levels for match selection.
12.5 Pay-and-Play Proposal
A suggestion to introduce a pay-and-play scheme was discussed.
Members agreed that such a scheme could be unfair to full members who pay the annual subscription.
The club will therefore continue with its current membership structure and guest policy.
12.6 Community Payback Grounds Work
Hazel reported that a community payback team supervised by a probation officer has begun assisting with grounds work.
Possible tasks include:
• Clearing undergrowth
• Strimming
• Cleaning paving areas
• Repairing bins
• Refurbishing benches
• Possible repainting of the clubhouse
Members were advised to ensure personal belongings are secured when the group is working on site.
12.7 Congratulations
Members noted that Gareth’s wedding would take place the following day.
Cam will attend and present a card on behalf of the club.
The meeting expressed its best wishes to Gareth and his partner.
13.0 Close of Meeting
Being no further business, the Chair thanked members for attending.
The meeting closed at approximately 7:00 pm.
Members then remained for cheese, wine, soft drinks and social time.
Minutes prepared: March 2026
To be approved at the next AGM
2026 AGM Minutes of Meeting
Date: Friday 13 March 2026
Location: Clubhouse, Cardiff
Meeting opened: 5:30 pm
Chair: Pete (Stand-in Chair)
Minutes: Recorded using AI transcription (trial), edited for clarity.
1. Welcome
Pete welcomed members to the meeting and explained that an AI application had been trialled to record proceedings and generate draft minutes. Members were asked to state their names before speaking to improve recording accuracy.
Minutes and actions will be published on the club website after review.
Committee Present
• Pete – Stand-in Chair and Secretary
• Dave – Treasurer and Club Captain
• Hazel – Grounds
• Rosemary – Marketing, Membership and Public Relations
• Sue – Social Secretary
Members Present
Jenny, Geoff, Mary, Pat, Diane, Lucinda, Cam, Bob, Alan, John, Trevor, Howell, Angela, John Jessop
Apologies
Angela, David Powell, Avril Hammond, Anne Sowsby, Roger Cardeen (in hospital), Lynn Lewis (in hospital), Father Sebastian, Kathy Seddon
2. Minutes of the Previous AGM
The minutes of the previous AGM were reviewed.
Matters Arising
Online Booking System
A request had previously been made by Gareth to extend the booking system to allow bookings more than five days in advance.
After discussion, members agreed that extending the booking period could allow some members to repeatedly reserve popular slots (for example booking the same time every week well in advance), which could disadvantage other members.
Decision:
The booking period will remain at five days in advance.
Development Grant Application
Last year’s minutes noted the possibility of applying for a development grant.
Although the national croquet body had indicated funds were available during the previous year, the club did not submit an application.
It was noted that other Welsh clubs had received grants.
Action:
The club will now aim to submit a development grant application each year where appropriate.
Bring-a-Buddy / Taster Days
Bring-a-Buddy Days took place during the year following Rosemary’s suggestion.
These events helped introduce several new visitors to the club and were considered successful.
Club Signage
The club previously delayed installing signage while the club name transition from Llandaff Croquet Club to Cardiff Croquet Club was being finalised.
Dave has arranged for two new signs to be produced free of charge through a personal contact.
• A large sign to be mounted on the clubhouse
• A smaller sign for the entrance gate
Delivery had been expected before the AGM but has been slightly delayed due to personal circumstances affecting the supplier.
Members discussed whether contact details should appear on the sign. It was suggested that visitors would instead be able to locate information through the club website.
Members noted that the new club name has already helped people locate the club online and that several visitors have recently arrived after searching for Cardiff Croquet Club.
Coaching and Training
The possibility of arranging additional coaching sessions was discussed previously.
An external qualified coach delivered a session in an earlier year at a cost of approximately £200. He was unavailable during the past year due to other commitments.
Members discussed various options:
• Inviting the previous professional coach to return
• Exploring sessions from other qualified coaches
• Informal coaching from experienced club members
Suggestions had previously been discussed regarding Gareth and Ryan providing coaching in return for reduced membership fees. However, this proposal did not proceed.
Members agreed that informal coaching between members remains valuable, but there was also support for arranging occasional professional coaching sessions where feasible.
Action:
Pete and Dave will explore the availability and costs of external coaching.
After discussion, the minutes of the previous AGM were accepted.
3. Review of the Year
Membership remained steady at approximately 35 members.
Key developments during the year included:
• Rebranding and registration of the club as Cardiff Croquet Club
• Launch of a new website and Facebook page
• Creation of a new club logo designed by Rosemary
• Imminent installation of new signage promoting the club
• Continued improvements to lawn maintenance and facilities
The club name change and signage have already attracted several visitors to the club.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Dave presented the financial report.
Income
• Total income: £3,105
• Subscriptions: £2,950
• Guest fees: £145
Expenditure
• Total expenditure: £1,103
Major expenses included:
• Croquet England affiliation fees – £262
• Trolleys – £170
• Lawn equipment – £129
• Lawn sundries – £218
Financial Position
• Net surplus for the year: £2,002
• Bank balance previously: £5,365
• Current balance: approximately £7,367
Detailed financial records remain available to members on request.
5. Club Captain’s Report
Dave reported on playing activities and inter-club competitions.
The club has entered Welsh inter-club competitions again for the coming season. Players will be invited to volunteer via WhatsApp when matches are arranged.
The club continues to encourage wider participation in matches and friendly fixtures.
6. Grounds Report
Hazel reported on lawn maintenance.
Key Issues
• Periods of heat and drought reduced opportunities for mowing and rolling.
• Limited support from the council grounds team due to staffing and budget pressures.
Volunteers who assisted with removing weeds were thanked by the committee.
Clover and moss require chemical treatment which must be approved through council procedures.
Lawn Improvements
• The lawn has been repositioned closer to the car park.
• Approximately 11 meters of additional playing area has been reclaimed from a former wildflower section.
• The change improves sunlight and playing conditions.
Some disturbance to the reclaimed area has been caused by squirrels.
Contractors
The possibility of using a professional grounds contractor was discussed.
A comparable club pays approximately £550 per month for maintenance, which is currently considered too expensive.
7. Marketing and Membership Report
Rosemary reported on publicity and membership promotion.
Actions completed during the year included:
• Creation of a club logo
• Launch of a new website and Facebook page
• Updated signage displaying Cardiff Croquet Club with new logo
Recent signage has already attracted three visitors in two weeks.
8. Social Activities and Events Report
Sue was thanked by the committee and members for her continued hard work organizing refreshments and hosting fun days and matches.
The AGM was followed by cheese, wine, soft drinks and social time, continuing the club tradition of combining the AGM with a social gathering.
9. Election of Committee
No additional nominations were received.
The existing committee agreed to continue.
Following the departure of Geoff from the Chair position:
• Dave agreed to take on the role of Chair.
Dave will also continue as Treasurer, with committee members assisting where required.
10. Membership Subscription
Membership subs remain unchanged at £100 for the coming year
Guest visitors may play up to three sessions before being expected to join the club.
11. Motions
11.1 Club Constitution
A draft club constitution had been circulated to members prior to the AGM.
No comments or objections were received.
Executive Officers
• Chair
• Secretary
• Treasurer
Co-opted Roles
• Grounds and Facilities
• Marketing and Public Relations
• Social Secretary
Membership Categories
• Full Membership
• Honorary Membership
The club agreed to award the first Honorary Memberships to:
• Geoff – for his service as long-standing Chair and founding member
• John Jessop – as a founding member of the club
11.2 Data Protection
It was confirmed that the Club is fully compliant with GDPR as stated in the Club Constitution.
11.3 Most Improved Player Award
The Most Improved Player Award for the year was presented to Ryan, whose handicap improved from 10 to 5 during the season.
Ryan had also been nominated for a national recognition award, although he was not selected.
His name will be added to the club’s Most Improved Player trophy.
12. Any Other Business
12.1 Coaching and Training
Several coaching ideas were discussed.
Options included:
• Inviting external qualified coaches
• Members attending referee or rules training courses
• Informal coaching sessions among members
Professional coach Mr Custard Baker is currently unavailable due to personal circumstances.
Previous coaching sessions have cost approximately £200 per visit, while a potential local coach may charge £25–£30 per participant.
Members were encouraged to continue informal coaching and skills development.
12.2 Club Promotion and Taster Sessions
Rosemary reported that the club will organize another Taster Day / Bring-a-Buddy Day in April. (Date To be Confirmed)
Members are encouraged to invite friends and promote the event.
Previous taster sessions have successfully resulted in new members joining.
Quotations have also been obtained for club polo shirts with the new logo to raise the club’s profile at match games home and away.
Members were also informed that there is an opportunity to train as a referee. Currently Dave is the club’s only referee, and additional referees would assist during fun days and matches.
Members interested should consult the Croquet England website or speak with Rosemary.
12.3 Booking System and Club Playing Sessions
The club discussed how best to ensure regular opportunities for members and visitors to play.
The following regular sessions were agreed:
Tuesday 10am – 2.00pm - Association Croquet Mix-in Session
Tuesday 2.00pm onwards –GC Mix-in Session
Wednesday 10.00am – 2.00pm – GC Team Match practice Session
Wednesday 2.00pm onwards – GC Mix-in Session
Friday 10am – 2pm – GC Mix-in Session (Main Club Session)
Saturday 10.00am – 2pm – GC Mix-in Session
Members may still arrange games at other times using the booking system.
The aim is to ensure that at least one regular session each week allows players or visitors to turn up without prior booking.
12.4 Internal Competitions
Members discussed introducing additional internal competitions.
Gareth had proposed establishing a ladder competition allowing members to challenge others and move up the rankings. This could also assist the Club Captain in assessing playing levels for match selection.
12.5 Pay-and-Play Proposal
A suggestion to introduce a pay-and-play scheme was discussed.
Members agreed that such a scheme could be unfair to full members who pay the annual subscription.
The club will therefore continue with its current membership structure and guest policy.
12.6 Community Payback Grounds Work
Hazel reported that a community payback team supervised by a probation officer has begun assisting with grounds work.
Possible tasks include:
• Clearing undergrowth
• Strimming
• Cleaning paving areas
• Repairing bins
• Refurbishing benches
• Possible repainting of the clubhouse
Members were advised to ensure personal belongings are secured when the group is working on site.
12.7 Congratulations
Members noted that Gareth’s wedding would take place the following day.
Cam will attend and present a card on behalf of the club.
The meeting expressed its best wishes to Gareth and his partner.
13.0 Close of Meeting
Being no further business, the Chair thanked members for attending.
The meeting closed at approximately 7:00 pm.
Members then remained for cheese, wine, soft drinks and social time.
Minutes prepared: March 2026
To be approved at the next AGM
