Okehampton Hockey Club News Articles

New era for Okehampton Hockey Cllub

Jane Jones — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 22:41:15 +0100

Hockey in Okehampton has started a new era. The Okehampton Columbines Ladies Hockey club was one of the first hockey clubs to be established after World War two, and as such they celebrated their centenary in 2019. After many years of successful hockey in the town with players representing the town at local, regional and International level, the club has thrived, and last season fielded four ladies teams and junior teams at under 10, under 12 and u14 level. The Men's club were established much more recently in 1991, and have successfully run two men's sides, with the first team currently playing at their highest ever level in South division 1, tier two of the England Hockey league. With support from West officiating and Devon umpiring officials, the club has successfully promoted Umpiring and now has a number of umpires taking National, Regional and local level appointments.

At the respective AGM's in May, the club memberships voted to merge the clubs to enable them to work more closely together to develop and promote hockey in the Okehampton area. It also makes the club one of the largest sports clubs in the town.

The club has plans to continue to develop hockey for all. Training sessions are underway on Tuesday evenings for the Men, and on Wednesday evenings for the Ladies. There will also be 'Pay and play' sessions for those who want to get back into hockey, or are unable to commit to Saturday hockey. On 16th September junior hockey will restart for 8 to 14 year olds, and there will also be 'Hockey heroes' for the 5 - 8 year olds.

Representative hockey

Richard Jones — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 20:13:10 +0100

Okehampton Hockey Club have had representation at county, regional and national level earlier this year.

Sophie Luxton played for the Devon Under 17 girls winning all their games in the West tournament.

Jane Jones represented the West Over 55s playing in the National Areas Tournament in Manchester finishing in third place.

Andrew Paterson represented not only the West Over 45s playing in the National Areas Tournament in Bristol finishing in third place, but he was also selected for Scotland Over 45s and played in the Great Britain and Ireland Four Nations Tournament in Swansea.

The players worked very hard to enable them to play at this level attending several trial days and training sessions and would like to thank all those who supported them from the Club.

England Hockey Awards 2020

Richard Jones — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 23:00:54 +0100

The England Hockey 2020 Awards ceremony was held on Saturday night and due to the Covid19 situation they were unable to hold their presentation evening as normal, and so the awards were all presented via their social media channels. Okehampton Hockey Club were thrilled to be shortlisted in four categories with their Men’s first team being awarded the prestigious title of the ‘Howden Men’s team of the Season’: an extremely notable achievement for the Okehampton club to be singled out from all the other Men’s teams in the country.

The Men’s First team have enjoyed a very successful season, including promotion from the Southern 1 division in the Verde Recreo Hockey League, meaning that next year they will be playing at a higher level in the Conference South division. The team also progressed well in the Men’s Tier 3 EH Championships, making the third round before being defeated in a hard game at Southampton. They were also unbeaten in this seasons Devon trophy. Overall, the first team have developed and progressed leading to improved match play and confidence whilst maintaining their enjoyment for the game. The improved success has also led to the recognition of the team in the local media and an increase in membership numbers for both the senior and junior teams. Many of the team also assist with coaching the upcoming junior teams, taking them to their events/games when needed. The unity within the team has reaped its reward with a string of fine results taking the club to a new level, growing and sustaining hockey for future.

See the award on the EH facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EnglandHockey/videos/635160737074698/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARDohZ6ABwyPAS7yJJKM8Z56kZDINBLrYVDepzQJd18e0gL34eophysPOodUqN3Vw8GVl3qWwiqCob9J

The Men’s club were also shortlisted for the Club of the year, having grown substantially over the past 12 months, attracting new members and providing quality training for all members whilst maintaining a friendly atmosphere and a sense of fun. The first team have been promoted and have provided a platform for growth and development for junior players and the second team, who narrowly missed out on promotion, have provided a friendly atmosphere for younger players to become experienced in match play, improve their fitness and develop important social connections. The club also provides multiple social events within the community, including quiz and curry nights, which help to bring the club together and maintain the sense of unity within the club and community. The more experienced members of the club are encouraged to mentor the junior members encouraging them to improve their playing skills.

Men’s first team captain, Luke Liversidge was shortlisted for the ‘Spirit of Hockey’ award recognising his contribution to the game. He always aims to make the game as inclusive as he can for everyone, regardless of their background or skill level and will happily work with all the players to improve their overall game. Luke coaches the Men’s, Ladies and junior teams giving up his time to plan and develop training sessions and fitness challenges for all members of the club. Always keen to encourage new talent into the senior teams, Luke has helped many new players develop an interest in hockey and enjoy playing the sport. Luke helps to encourage young players from the local schools to get into the sport, as well as being involved in developing the junior club sides.

In their centenary season, Okehampton Columbines Ladies Hockey Club were shortlisted for the Ladies Club of the year. They have had a momentous year with the Club celebrating its Centenary by securing a £7000 Heritage Lottery grant to research and exhibit the Club’s history. The research highlighted how the Club has progressed, originally only having one team until a second team was formed in 2012; in 2019 four teams are playing every weekend as well as U10, U12 and U14 girl’s teams. This growth has been the result of a hard-working committee alongside dedicated coaches and volunteers. Weekly Back to Hockey sessions, popular Club junior coaching and regular sessions in local primary schools has come to fruition feeding players into all four ladies teams. 2019 has seen new and existing Club coaches attending EH courses developing their coaching skills and inspiring our players. The Club has worked closely with Devon Umpires and recently hosted their first Devon Junior Umpire Academy with 14 young umpires from the Club attending.

The Club are hoping to start playing hockey again soon following England Hockey guidelines, and are looking forward to the start of the new season.

'End of Season awards evening' April 2020

Richard Jones — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 20:53:49 +0100

With the hockey season having come to an abrupt end, Okehampton Hockey club celebrated with a ‘Virtual End of Season awards evening’ on Saturday. Ladies Chairperson Sandy Houston introduced the evening, reflecting on the Club’s successes in their Centenary year, and thanking all those involved with the Club for effort and support in what has been a memorable season. Sandy then passed on to fourth team captain Lorna StLouis. Playing in the P&D league the development side has introduced a number of new players to hockey, some of whom have progressed on to the higher sides. Rachael Luxton, a ‘Back to Hockey’ player won the Player of the season, and junior player Gabby Gee was awarded the most improved player.

Third team captain Alex Collins reported on a successful season, with the side finishing 7th in the league. Ligaya Coatham was named Player of the season and Emma Pike the most improved player. A rousing speech from second team captain Amanda Sim spoke of the spirit within the side that had helped blend youthful and experienced players together and the determination that the team had shown to avoid relegation to secure their position in Sedgemoor division 1 next season. Annie Strawbridge was awarded the Player of the season and the most improved player was awarded to Maddie Davison.

Nicky Pedrick, ladies first team captain, thanked the coaches and umpires who had done so much to help the ladies sides during the season. After a difficult start to their campaign, results had improved as the season progressed, and a run of good results saw them move up from bottom of the table to finish in seventh place. The side will play in South division again next season. Emilia Bazeley, who had moved up from the second team at the start of the season was named their most improved player and Lucy Wiseman the Player of the season for her play making in midfield.

Sandy Houston then presented the Club person of the year award to Jennie Humphry as reward for the enthusiasm, and adaptability she has shown during the season being involved with junior coaching, Back to Hockey and then stepping up to play in goal for the first team after Christmas. The Joan Pauley memorial award for outstanding achievement was deservedly awarded to Nicky Pedrick in recognition for her contribution to the Club in its centenary season.

The club’s Umpiring award was presented to Anna Luxton, a young umpire who had started her umpiring career with the club and has continued to blow her whistle whilst at University, recently passing her Level one assessment.

DHUA were thanked for the support that they had given the Club during the season with Umpiring appointments and also for running a Junior Umpires academy at the club

The Men’s Chairman John Jarvis took over the ceremony and congratulated the Ladies on their successful centenary season, and also thanked Club officers, umpires and coaches for their contributions. John reflected on an enjoyable season and passed over to Jimmy L-Humbert, the second team captain. The second team, consisting of young talent and the experience of older players like Players player of the season Neil Rowlands, have developed during the season and missed out on promotion by the narrowest of margins. Benjamin Rodgers was named as the most improved player and the ever adaptable Ben Yelland the Player of the season. The progress that the team has made this season certainly bodes well for next season.

First team captain Luke Liversidge told the virtual audience how his side had travelled to Southampton in the third round of the EH national cup, were into the semi-final of the Devon Trophy and had finished second in their league Southern division 1. Promotion is yet to be officially confirmed by the league administration. Luke named Ed Howard as the most improved player, vice-captain Luke Miller as the Player of the season, and Nick Luxton was voted the Players player. Luke Liversidge was then awarded the Clubman of the season award as a fitting tribute for leading a side who played exciting attacking hockey and guiding his team to such a high level.

The Christine Marsh award was given to Richard Jones, for his significant contribution to the club in terms of junior development, umpiring and coaching.

The evening ended with the final‘100 club’ draw and Sandy Houston looking forward to the start of the new season, whenever that might be!

Centenary exibition

Lesley Bingham — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 20:59:13 +0000

Following the successful weekend celebrating the ladies clubs centenary, the exibition can now be seen in the Dartmorr museum. but only until the end of the month!

Ladies Training sessions 2019/20

Jane Jones — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 23:24:10 +0100

Hi everyone

It's nearly time to start hockey training sessions for the coming season :)

Throughout August hockey training will be from 8-9pm for everyone. There will be fun fitness from 7-8pm - these sessions are for players in all the teams and are designed for everyone to work at their own pace.

From September the third and fourth team will train from 7-8.30pm. The first and second teams will train from 8-9.30pm warming up at 7.45pm.

Hayden will be coaching the goalkeepers every other week from 7-8pm. The weeks when Hayden isn't coaching the goalkeepers are invited to train with their teams at their coaching sessions.

Okehampton's West of England Players

Jane Jones — Sun, 19 May 2019 21:36:00 +0100

Two Okehampton Ladies Hockey Club members who have recently been selected to represent the West of England in the National Hockey Championships.

Hannah Gibbons travelled to Basingstoke playing for the triumphant over 35's team who came away with the National Trophy. Hannah joined the Club in 2017 having previously played for various West Country clubs. The Club has welcomed Hannah's experience and skill and the way she has blended into the Club inspiring the younger players.

Nicky Pedrick was selected for the West of England Over 40's team and journeyed north to Cannock for her National Competition where the team came third overall. Nicky returned to hockey about six years ago through the Back to Hockey sessions. She has progressed through the Club and is now vice captain of the first team.

2019 is the Club's Centenary year and they are proud to have two of their members representing them at this standard.

End of Season Awards Evening 2019

Jane Jones — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 22:00:03 +0100

The Award winners are:
Ladies 1st team: Player of the season Elly Jenkins. Most improved player Lucy Wiseman
Ladies 2nd team: Player of the season Rachel Adams. Most improved player Annie Strawbridge
Ladies 3rd Team: Player of the season Carol Newman. Most improved player Lois Rowlands
Ladies 4th team: Player of the season Alice Luke. Most improved player Donna Shayler
Club member of the Year: Jane Jones
Joan Pauley Award: Emily Rowlands

Mens 1st team: Players Player Rob Hall. Player of the season Will Cooper. Most improved player George Morgan
Mens 2nd team: Players Player Alfie Morgan. Player of the season Charlie Glanville. Most improved Oscar Hughes
Club Man of the Year: Jimmy Lewis-Humbert
Christine Marsh Award: Hayden Bond

Club Umpire: Lorna St Louis

Okehampton Hockey Club Tour to Weston Super Mare

Jane Jones — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 22:59:37 +0100

Okehampton Ladies Centenary

Jane Jones — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 17:49:54 +0100

Okehampton Columbines Hockey Club has secured National Lottery support for their Centenary celebrations and Club Heritage Exhibition for past and present players and the Community

Okehampton Columbines Ladies Hockey Club has received a National Lottery grant of £7400 for their Centenary Celebrations and Club Heritage Exhibition which takes place in September in Okehampton.

This exciting project for the Club has been made possible by money raised by National Lottery players and awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Centenary Celebrations focus on creating an exhibition depicting the history of the Club and also inviting past and present hockey players, along with the community to a celebratory weekend.

The project will enable the Club to mark this occasion with a Celebratory weekend on the 7th and 8th of September 2019.

A group of volunteers from the Hockey Club will research and investigate the heritage of the Club to produce a physical archive which will be exhibited in The Pavilion in the Park at the Celebratory weekend and afterwards in the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton. This exhibition will include past hockey equipment, committee minutes, Treasurer's records and fixture cards from over the years. Past photos and match reports will be exhibited as well as recordings of memories from past players. The Club will liaise with the England Hockey Museum who they hope will be able to contribute to the exhibition and provide information on how hockey has evolved over the past 100 years. Club history will also be researched in Devon County and West of England archives.

The Club have submitted a request to our Governing Body, England Hockey, for a current international player to attend our celebrations and run coaching sessions for junior players.

Junior hockey coaching and matches are planned for the day of September 7th with young players from local community being invited. This will make the day even more memorable with the involvement of an international player.

There will be the opportunity for any past and present players to join in with a game and skills on the current All-weather pitch and also on grass pitches, followed by an afternoon tea in The Pavilion in the Park.

In the evening there are plans to hold a Centenary dinner and dance for all past and present players and friends.

On Sunday 8th September the Club will hold a hockey tournament inviting teams from throughout Devon to include the Devon Hockey community in the celebrations.

An Okehampton Columbines Ladies Hockey Club Centenary website will be created as a method of recording the information collected and making it available to a wider range of people so that they can engage with hockey heritage.

Commenting on the award, Club Chairman Sandra Houston said: ‘We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players and look forward to researching and investigating the heritage of the Columbines Hockey Club and then sharing it with past and present players as well as the community’

For further details please email okehockey100@btinternet.com