Anyone watch GB men's hockey last night? I was watching with families Wheelhouse, Storm, Bryce and Southgate after an afternoon working on the pitch and clubhouse. It's coming together nicely and there are a few 'timeless' pictures and curios that have made their way onto the walls; still lots to do in and outside the clubhouse but we're getting there for season start. I'm particularly looking forward to the "East Anglian Roadtrips Pub Pictures" wall filling up. As for the hockey, everytime I watch the Olympics it does strike me how much the game changes in a 4 year cycle - some facets of it are unrecognisable - although our men losing to the Germans regularly since 1988 does feel familiar. It is of course great to see Hannah Martin representing GB.

Before I get onto the roles, I’ll start with a junior update as some of our boys excelled themselves this week at U15/16 level representing East and taking a gold medal for 4 wins from 4 at the England Hockey Talent Academy Festival in Nottingham. Freddie, Ben, Austin, George well done! Additionally, and this has been driven by the mighty Dave Cooper, we also recently had Sam Barstow, Aiden and Jake Shelley L1 umpire assessed - thank you to our juniors for all the efforts they put into their club, they are a super bunch of young men and women.

Back to the administration, I’m delighted to share with you more about your team for the coming season in terms of coaches and your committee:

Firstly your committee for this coming season is as follows:

Chairman – James Ward
Junior Chairman – Dave Cooper
Treasurer – Sam Edwards
Club Secretary – Allison Glading
Vice Chair – James Southgate
Vice Chair – Emma Rix
Fixtures Secretary – Claire Miller
Men's Captain – Greg Bott
Women's Captain – Sarah Logan
Facilities – Richard Rutterford (Foxy)

Additional non committee roles:
PR & Media – Charlotte Rodd
Kit Manger – Donna Mills
Social Secretary – Vacancy
Disciplinary Officer – Richard Rutterford (Foxy)
Welfare Officer – Ali Livingstone at ISC

You’ll notice that a vacancy has appeared in the social secretary category; regrettably we are losing the amazing talents of Sue Stenson this season due to family commitments. Sue has done a fabulous job for us in the past season, raised thousands and has thrown some exceptional socials – thank you Sue from all of us. Should anyone wish to put their hat in the ring please do let us know.

As far as your coaching team is concerned, here is the latest (look out for the official, spruced social media posts about this):

Women’s 1s: Mariette Rix
Women’s 1s: Pete Wright (Assistant Coach)
Women’s 2s: Alex Fletton
Women’s 3s: Sarah Daley
Women’s 4s: Sarah Logan
Women’s 5s: Felix Fitch
Men’s 1s / 2s: Richard Rutterford
Men’s 2s: Vacancy for Assistant Coach
Men’s 3/4s: James Naylor
Men’s 5s/6s: Vacancy

As you can see we do have a couple of vacancies on the Men’s side so please do raise your hand if you are interested or know someone who may be.

Best, Wardy