A Ramsgate croquet player is now a Guinness World Record holder for being the oldest female competitive player in the sport.
June Jury, 94, was presented with her official certificate, along with a cake and flowers, at a celebration held at the Racing Greyhound pub this morning {February 18}.
The mum-of-four, nan-of-15 and great-nan -of-nine has been a member of Ramsgate Croquet Club for some 36 years.
She joined the croquet club after her husband at that time died. She said: “I had nursed him for a long time and when he died I thought ‘what am I going to do with myself now?’
“I had some friends who played croquet and that’s how I joined.
“I like the friendship and I like the competition, playing against other people and other clubs.”
The world record was applied for in 2023, when June was 93 years and 107 days old, and in that year she reached the finals of two major competitions in consecutive months.
However, it turned out to be a complicated process that took some 18 months to complete.
Organised by club member Jane Young, the application was submitted in August 2023.
During the presentation today, Jane said: “June has been a valued member of the club for 36 years, attending and winning many competitions during that time.”
Outlining her two consecutive finals, Jane said: “To do it twice in 2023, aged 93 years old, is fantastic. At that time someone mentioned June should be in the Guinness World Records, we did not know how complicated it would be.”
The Guinness World Records investigated thoroughly, needing proof of identity and age. This involved sending off a birth certificate, driving licence and marriage certificates because June’s surname changed when she married and remarried.
Finally it was confirmed and a new record was created.
Jane said: “This is a completely new record, no-one else has held it before.”
June said to receive her world record listing was ‘mind-boggling’ and ‘absolutely marvellous.’
She said of her time with the club: “I have enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you for such a great celebration and for looking after me for all these years.”
She added that the croquet club had been ‘life-saving.’
The celebration included a cake made by club member Sue Payne and an introduction from club President Pam Stead.
It was attended by a good crowd, including many of June’s family.
Ramsgate Croquet Club is based on the Royal Esplanade at the Westcliff. It has four lawns and a pavilion. Find out more at: https://croquetramsgate.co.uk/
What a delightful news item!
Well done June