I am sorry to report that Fernando de Ansorena died on the 4th February, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was a regular visitor to Southwick, playing in our AC tournaments, latterly the Seniors’ and in the European Championship. We enjoyed his company last year at one of our themed dinners, together with his wife Pilar and son Fernando. Several of our members have enjoyed his hospitality in Jerez, where he helped to found one of the first croquet clubs in Spain.

He was a great character he never really mastered very much English. He would furnish the bar with sherry, and fly back to Spain with a box of kippers. He generously provided the Harvey’s Trophy

Croquet has lost a colourful character we will miss him.

Fernando de Ansorena