Four intrepid members of Chelmsford Croquet Club travelled to Hunstanton last week to represent Essex in the Ken Wheeler Shield event. Namely Judith Hand (Capt) John Skuse, John Mariner and Karen Jones accompanied by Trevor Hand who acted as catering officer and photographer. Saturday morning’s weather forecast threatened thunder and lightning throughout most of the day and by 9am the heavens had opened with heavy and persistent rain. Oh the joy of playing croquet in sunny Hunstanton! Fortunately the rain stopped before mid-day and the thunderstorms by-passed this delightful corner of north Norfolk so play continued throughout the day save for a short breaks for lunch and afternoon tea. Play started with 3 rounds of doubles followed by 3 rounds of singles versus the other counties taking part. Eventually Essex took part in a final Gold Medal doubles competition with Cambridgeshire and Norfolk to establish final placings. With all the team giving their utmost it is pleasing to report that Essex finished as runners-up, our highest ever position in this friendly competition.