After three years of dedicated service, Duke-Cox announces her retirement effective October 2025 and endorses Jonathan Isaacs as her proposed successor. Croquet England opens nominations ahead of the fall AGM.
Croquet England has confirmed that Patricia Duke-Cox will retire from her role as President following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in October 2025. Duke-Cox, who assumed the position in October 2022 after the retirement of Quiller Barrett, has guided the organization through three years of ceremonial leadership, including overseeing multiple AGMs and engaging with the croquet community across all levels of the sport.
Reflecting on her time in office, Duke-Cox said, “I’ve had the pleasure of representing Croquet England at major events and grassroots gatherings alike, with a special focus on youth involvement at events such as the Cuppers at Cambridge, the Students Championship at Oxford, and the Schools and Juniors at Nottingham. It’s also been an honor to celebrate club anniversaries and engage with Board and Executive meetings to stay connected to Croquet England’s strategic direction.”
In announcing her retirement, Duke-Cox has formally proposed Jonathan Isaacs as her preferred successor. Isaacs, a respected figure in the croquet community, is expected to be among the nominees considered for the ceremonial role.
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Samir Patel, praised Duke-Cox’s contributions: “It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Patricia during my term. Her insights and steady presence have been invaluable as we’ve navigated important decisions. I wish her a long and happy retirement.”
Nominations Now Open for Next President
Following Duke-Cox’s announcement, Croquet England has opened nominations for the next President. While the role carries no executive authority, the President serves as the organization’s public representative at key events, including prize ceremonies, and chairs the Annual General Meeting. The President may also attend Board of Trustees and Executive meetings at their discretion.
Any registered voting member of Croquet England is eligible to nominate or second a candidate. The Board of Trustees will also put forward an endorsed nominee. If more than one candidate is nominated, members will vote using a Single Transferable Vote system.
Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Monday, September 16, 2025. The submission should include the candidate’s name, proposer, seconder, and an optional personal statement.
For more information about Croquet England, visit www.croquetengland.org.uk.