In the run up to Christmas in Tier Four it would be easy to be down at the mouth, but I believe that it would not be in the Ashford tradition! All of us have seen a stop-start season but I believe we have much to feel good about.
I have decided rather than thinking about things that have been cancelled or deferred perhaps we should take quiet satisfaction in what we have achieved so far this year and also saver those things like our Centenary Dinner that we know will come around. I am thinking that the Centenary Dinner will be a double celebration of our 100 years as well as a celebration that we are through the ‘plague’. During the long winter Saturdays without hockey, I have been thinking how good it will be to be when we can all be together again and celebrate our Centenary in some style and with the usual Ashford elan!
Before Tier Four, the ladies’ section was doing well with the Ladies’ First Team turning in one stellar performance after another. It says something that smashing in nine goals has become the standard. Nadia Parsons became the first Ashford player to be invited to England under 18 trials, certainly in my lifetime. This in my opinion has been richly deserved as in some games I have umpired this year Nadia has been unplayable. The Ladies’ 2s and 3s have played some good stuff and it is great to see that we are getting out the 4s as well.
The Men’s Section have fielded an extra team this year in the form of a Men’s Fifth Team. The 4s and 5s have seen a giddy mix of grizzled, old veterans and very talented youngsters turning out and winning. I had an early Christmas present on the final matchday before Christmas when this mix of youth and experience saw our 5s beat a very strong Staines team away 3-2; two juniors scored their first senior goals. The Men’s 1s have been particularly hard hit by COVID cancellations but remain unbeaten. The Men’s 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s are all enjoying strong seasons. Throughout the ladies’ and men’s sections it is very rewarding to see our younger members excel and improve week on week. The junior training, hockey camps and Sunday tournaments are paying off and I know AHC are the envy of many local clubs in this regard.
This edition of Chairman’s Chatter would not be complete without a lot of expressions of ‘thank you’. Firstly, to Short Lane for their extraordinary efforts to offer a secure and welcoming environment between lockdowns as well as their dedication to keeping hockey going in general. Thanks also to those who have taken on the COVID mantle and those who have locked up and opened up. Thank you for the Committee that is bigger and more enthusiastic that I can ever remember. The Committee via Zoom have met regularly and have kept things running smoothly. Last but not least, a collective thanks should be offered to you all for your exemplary behaviour as regards your co-operation in the clubhouse and out with all aspects COVID-related discipline. However stressful it has been for all of us, the burden has been made lighter by everybody chipping in and being so co-operative. Hardly a nag needed at all.
The Club’s great attitude towards hockey and life in general matched by our unabashed positivity has never been so evident as during COVID. Although we cannot be certain what trials and tribulations are ahead, I know that we can face them with good humour and that indomitable Ashford HC spirit.
As regards being focused on the good things to come, I look forward to buying you a pint or a Prosecco in the Clubhouse once we are through this and playing that brand of hockey for which we are rightly famous in front of our adoring fans!
Be safe and be well.
All the best,
Chairman Sherpa
