I would imagine that you are all as excited as I am about the start of our 105th season. I think that we can look forward to the new season with some optimism. Last season was memorable as many of our fine crop of juniors – both on the ladies’ side and the men – had ‘breakout’ seasons playing senior hockey. I am certain that this year we will see this great group continue to thrive. During the summer it was great to see some of our juniors excelling via the England Hockey Centres of Excellence. As regards honours, my predecessor as President, Lynne Morgan, has been in the news twice and for entirely different reasons! In the Spring Lynne was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to hockey and subsequently Lynne returned the compliment to hockey – or Welsh Hockey anyway – by starring in the Welsh Masters successful bronze medal winning performance at the Masters European Championship competition in Spain. Lynne’s team won the bronze medal after beating the Dutch in shuttles. Beating the Dutch at hockey at any time, at any age and in any place is not to be sniffed at.
As regards the international front, Neil Smith should be mentioned in dispatches. Neil has umpired at full international level lately, overseeing matches with Scotland, Ireland and Great Britain. We believe he is also the only umpire to be umpiring at Premier League level for both men’s and ladies’ national leagues. Well done to Neil with additional thanks for taking on the role of coaching and mentoring our umpires.
At the time of going to press, the club has just finalised an exciting plan to enhance our coaching capabilities on all fronts with the introductions of some well-qualified new additions to the AHC family. This will benefit and strengthen ladies’, men’s and junior hockey at AHC. This is a re-affirmation by the Club that we are determined to add to our already talented group of coaches to deliver coaching excellence for all of our members.
The Committee has a bold agenda this season and we have work to do! We are now rounding out the completion of our re-accreditation for Club Mark and as well preparing to launch a CASC to maximise our fundraising efforts. The Club have secured some addition sponsorship and you will see some new banners around our cage this year. Please ask other local businesses about how they can sponsor a banner. Can I also ask you to please take a look at the Easy Fundraising app (see elsewhere in the newsletter)? I have added it and the Club get a percentage of what I buy at many businesses. It’s really easy and doesn’t cost you a penny but the Club benefits!
A note of thanks must go to Peter Cottrell, Claire Brant and Daniel Hakl for their sterling work at hockey camps all through the year. These camps deliver a lot of benefit for our juniors and their parents and have been a key generator of income. As regards Peter Cottrell, I should add a line to say ‘well done’ to Pedro for completing two of the Three Peaks challenge during the close season. Snowden and Scafell have been conquered. Ben Nevis awaits. Not bad for a man with three bad knees!
See you at Club Day. Another amazing season awaits.
All the best.
Ian Jenkins (Sherpa)
President
