Dear Club Members
An update for you all on a few important things happening at Holcombe Hockey Club at the moment.
Firstly, with some sadness but complete understanding I have accepted Keith Martin’s resignation as Chairperson of the Sports Club. Keith has been a huge help to me and us all with the time, work and effort he has put into organising the Sports Club both from an operational and accounting standpoint over the past number of years. Other time commitments and some health issues have meant that Keith doesn’t feel he can continue in this role. As you would expect, Keith is keen that there is an orderly handover of his duties. The Committee will be meeting shortly to hopefully appoint a new Chairperson of the Sports Club and hopefully a Deputy Chair as well to spread the load. We are aware there are some current hiccups with the kitchen and hockey teas and we will be addressing these at the same time. Luckily on the accounting side of the Sports Club we are covered in two ways; firstly, we have two very able replacements appointed to cover both Sports Club and Hockey Club accounts with Matthew Porter and Robert Brunt stepping up to the plate and, secondly, the bar remains in very safe hands with Emma Allchorne. Keith, and I would personally thank him very much for this, has agreed to still be involved with the Club accounts to ensure an orderly handover by the end of the season. Keith will still be continuing in his role as Men’s 1s Manager.
Secondly, I am sure you are all aware now that Holcombe Hockey Club has achieved the two highest accreditations from England Hockey as a Talent Academy and a Talent Centre. Again, my personal thanks and I am sure you are happy for me to pass on the thanks of the Club to Brian Field, Marcus Davies, Jon Rye and the Holcombe Development Sub-Committee for the hours of hard work they have put in achieving these accreditation’s and most recently to the TA Management Committee of Brian, Marcus, Craig Snell, Joan Manel Pujol, Rob Brunt and the newest (and independent member) Julia Moen in turning the vision into reality. If supported properly, they will be another building block in the continued success of the Club.
To finish, I am very pleased to let you all know that I have agreed a new three/year contract with “the legend that is hockey” Barry Middleton to continue in his current role as overall Club Director of Hockey, Men’s 1s Coach and Men’s 1s player.
Hope to catch up with you all soon at the Club. A pretty good start to the season all-round on the pitch!
Best wishes,
David South MBE
President