AT AN informal gathering on the lawns at Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club, member Brian Wilson was presented with a framed and illuminated text acknowledging his major contributions to the game. Brian was awarded the Croquet England Diploma after a submission was made to the Croquet England committee.

In a surprise ‘This is your Life’ style moment the citation was read out and Brian, possibly for the first time in his life, was left speechless.

Brian’s contribution to the world of croquet started in 2001 when he joined Lansdown in Bath. In 2012 some members of the Lansdown club relocated to a virgin site, close to Peasedown St John Cricket Club, where four new full sized croquet lawns could be laid; Brian was instrumental in organising and raising funds for the move. At this point he served on the newly formed CPCC committee as Minutes Secretary and Liaison Officer.

He became a Golf Croquet Club coach and subsequently, in 2015, a Golf Croquet, Grade 1, coach. Since then he has continued to coach, generously, to both CPCC members and players in many local clubs.

In 2022 Camerton and Peasedown needed to raise substantial amounts of money for a new clubhouse and Brian used his energy, contacts and skills to successfully raise the funds. The new clubhouse was opened in 2023.

Not satisfied with just coaching Brian became a Golf Croquet referee in 2023 and has offered his services on numerous occasions both at CPCC and at many other clubs.

Brian has served the South West Federation of Croquet Clubs in various roles, including chairman, and has represented the South West at Croquet England. At the time of his referral for the Croquet England Diploma Brian was a Trustee of Croquet England; a position he held until recently. He is currently a Croquet England Development Representative for the South West.