Lew,
There are many references to croquet in the literature as the tennis courts at Chartwell were converted to a croquet lawn. But Clementine was the croquet player, not Winston. Herewith from Jack Fishman's book, My Darling Clementine: "Clementine is an enthusiastic croquet player, with a keen eye and a steady hand. Winston does not share her enthusiasm, but summer-time guests at Chartwell usually find themselves playing a game before lunch and another after dinner. Asked to become an Associate of the Croquet Association, Clementine accepted with delight; but it was then discovered that the new Associate's croquet did not conform to the recognized rules. For years, it seemed, she had been playing on a lawn of the wrong dimensions. On learning this, she immediately ordered the addition of a further five yards of turfing to the Chartwell lawn in readiness for the next croquet season. Field-Marshal Montgomery, a frequent and welcome visitor to Chartwell, had as fellow-guests one week-end Mr. and Mrs. Clement Attlee. All three were keen croquet players, but none could equal the skill of Clementine, who had achieved near-championship standard. Though Winston is also good at the game, he does not approach his wife's class. At that time Winston was Prime Minister and Attlee (now Lord Attlee) leader of the Opposition. Montgomery had still to attain his Viscountcy. Clementine had frequently opposed Monty at croquet and beaten him soundly; but this time he was her ally against Winston and Attlee, and the two statesmen suffered a total political defeat. Throughout the match Winston and Monty tried to undermine each other with the methods of psychological warfare. There were constant volleys of banter, Winston's thrusts being largely aimed at Monty's abstinence from tobacco and alcohol. They availed nothing. Monty and Clementine completely out-generalled their foes." Best, Dan -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lew Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 3:33 PM To: ChurchillChat Subject: [ChurchillChat] Churchill & Croquet Does anyone have any stories, insights or references on Churchill and the game of croquet? The Denver Croquet Club has invited our Churchill Centre Affiliate, The Rocky Mountain Churchillians, to participate in a gathering & game on September 21st. I have been asked to say a few words about Churchill and croquet at Chartwell. I have seen the beautiful croquet lawn at Chartwell in my visits there and I know Churchill loved games. However, I have not been able to come up with any definitive information on the subject of Churchill and croquet, such as, did he in fact enjoy playing the game; who of note might he have played with him at Chartwell, besides, I assume, his family, children and grandchildren? I would greatly appreciate any stories or references. Best regards to all, Lew House --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ChurchillChat" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/ChurchillChat?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
