Despite Election and Brexit gloom, every now and again something happens which reminds me that we are very lucky to have our Club and our Hockey. On Sunday the Mens 1s had a rearranged match away at Barton, a couple of players were unavailable from the Boots win on Saturday so Ali asked George Wells (aged 14) if he would like to play. Of course he would was the expected response. George came on at first rotation into the midfield, and did well considering that Barton were quick and physical. It didn't take long for him to realise that you cannot wait for a pass to arrive, unless you want, man, stick, ball and ambulance to arrive at the same time, He rapidly adapted to the speed of the game, and later in the second half had a stint up front with Zack. A slick move up the left initiated by Natt and Dave E found Zack wide on the left wing just outside the D. A great cross to the far post was turned in by George, diving full lenght to register his first first team goal in his first first team match. MAGIC.

It is with a very sad heart that I have to announce the passing of our past member and very dear friend Gary Hunt. Gary was a much loved member of the Club in the 70's through to the mid 90's having joined the Club as a schoolboy and returning to us after University in Sheffield. He played for the 2's and 3's as well as becoming a key member of the ubiquitous Coops Sunday XI through the golden years of the 80's. Gary has of course remained very close to the Club through the wonderful friendships forged in that team, and his illness has hit all of us who loved him very hard.

Gary was an honest, reliable and steadfast man both in his sport and his life, a better friend you could not wish for. Cancer took him rapidly, taking as it tends to a fine person with so much more to give, and damaging the lives of his loved ones. He leaves a beautiful wife and daughter Chris and Lizzie, who have been brilliant in their support for him over the last 3 months, and of course he leaves all of us who loved him with a massive void in our hearts. He will be sorely missed. (Jonno and Geoff). 
The funeral will be at Catfoot Lane on the 4th October at 1:30 and afterwards at the 4 Bells in Woodborough.

Thankyou

We restart on Wednesday, Sept 11th, 7.00 to 8.00 at West Bridgford School.  Do come along and encourage your friends to come too.  It's good fun and aches and pains are guaranteed!

Sunday coaching will now start this coming Sunday, Sept 8th.  Midweek boys (U14 and U16) start on Monday, Sept 9, 6.30 to 7.45 and girls (Y7+) Wednesday, Sept 11, 6.30 to 7.30.

The Summer Hockey Camp was another great success. Thanks to the hard work of all concerned, and special mention to Paul and Faye Sibley for the determination to organise it all, and the expertise to carry it through. (Geoff)
As well as making a decent profit, you have helped us show how good we are to our own youngsters and also to those who haven't yet joined. (Bob)

Looking for a new hockey club? Just click on link to right to join, or contact geoff@wbhockey.co.uk or Martin 07768 526594 or Caz 07966 714567. We run 10 mens sides and 5 ladies sides plus numerous Vets, Juniors and mixed sides. Our Mens 1s are in the Midlands Premier and our Ladies 1s are in Notts Premier. We have a good social side, and well known for the real ale served at our Clubhouse. If you have not played for years, or want to give it a try, look out for our 'Back to Hockey' family sessions running in June and July (details below). Formal Club training starts from August (see diary section to right) - new players, just turn up at West Bridgford School, and the Juniors start from September 1st at Becket School at 9.00, (see junior page for details).

On a glorious sunny day we travelled to a beautiful part of Cheshire for the conclusion of our England Hockey competition. We played three very competitive games, starting with a draw against Lichfield, quickly followed by a match versus a very strong Telford side who had already beaten Chester 3-0. We went behind in the first half, but put the dogged Jack to mark their play-maker in the second half, Ollie and George duly took advantage to both score and we held on to a 2-1 victory.

Two hours enjoying the sunshine and cakes before our final match was perhaps not the best preparation for a game we needed to win against the hosts, who we’d lost to narrowly earlier on in the season. But the boys played brilliantly and went one up through Ollie, then Sam saved a flick before George scored again. Five very nervous minutes later Chester scored, but fortunately with only a minute to play, and we held on to win and become the area champions.

Every member of the squad played their part: resolute defending by Oscar, Reuben, Edward and Daniel; great midfield battles fought and won by George, Ollie, Rohan, Eddie and Jack; and Sam and Alex working well together up front to worry defences. Sam had a great day in goal and deservedly was voted man of the matches by his peers.

Thank you to Jonno for giving up his Sunday to umpire, and thank you to all the parents who supported the boys.

The Club is saddened to announce the death of Mark Gray on Monday 4 March. Mark, formally of Grantham HC, came across to Bridgford in his rather unreliable porshe, with goalkeeper Will, and played for the 5ths  and Vets for the last few seasons finishing at the end of April 2018. A strong defender, who gave everything in his tackling, and sometimes a little too much, and it always amazed the rest of the team that he never seemed to know what a green card meant or where he had to go, despite collecting them on a regular basis. Very much part of the banter, he will be sorely missed. Some of the 5ths players attended his wedding in July 2017, and our thoughts, love and prayers are with his wife Monika. Funeral is on 29 March in Grantham. Speak to Geoff Bail if you wish to attend.

Read the report here. 

Ladies Back to Hockey is now taking a summer break but will be back in September.  Look out for our Family Hockey Nights in July, details on here soon.

 West Bridgford A and B finish second and third in the Lady bay summer sixes. 

Many thanks to  Kate at Bee Clear Ltd - the new sponsors of the Ladies 2nd Team Kit. Congratulations to Robyn, Sophie and Laura and the other team members in getting their lovely new kit sponsored. Kate and Jason from Bee Clear were invited to a brief "thankyou" ceremony and to watch the victory over Boots Ladies. Cakes were also supplied for the Chairman, so the morning was a win win win for everyone (except Boots). Details of all our sponsors can be found on the FRIENDS page. Click here for slideshow.

Last night Helen Richardson Walsh was awarded the Nottinghamshire Sports Person of the Year. Bob and I were asked by Helen to collect it for her, which we did with great pride. Helen is a remarkable person and a great hockey player. She returned from serious injury in 2014 - 15 to win Gold in Rio, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few numbers - in case you aren't convinced - Youngest GB player to play in the Olympics (2000 in Sydney aged 18). 293 International caps, 45 International goals, shortlisted in 2010 for International Player of the Year, representing GB in 4 Olympic games, British Olympic Association Athlete of the Year 2009. And some colours - 2010 World Cup Bronze, 2011 EuroHockey Championship Bronze, 2012 Champions Trophy Silver, 2012 Olympic Games Bronze, 2013 World League Bronze, 2013  EuroHockey Championship Silver, 2015 EuroHockey Championship Gold, 2015 World League Gold, 2016 Olympic Games Gold. In my mind one of the greatest British athletes of all time.

"You will need some insulation tape on that"

Thank you to everyone who came to take part and to help out today.  The weather was nothing like as bad as forecast and everyone (I think) had a great time.  

Special thanks to Helen who patiently signed autographs and posed for photos all the time that she was with us.  No doubt Geoff will be putting up some of these photos on the website.  For me, I will be making special trips to Bridgford just so that I can travel on Helen's No 8 bus!

Bob Douglas

Pictures from Notts City Transport of the bus naming are here:

Pictures from the pitch and clubhouse with Helen are here:

Many thanks to Andy & Zak Pendlebury for the brilliant images.