magpiesChairman’s Chat

East meets South

I’m sure there is no need for me to remind members and supporters of the main event this weekend – but I’m going to do so all the same! On Sunday (20 April) at 2.15pm the Men’s 1sts – East League winners by 15 points from St Albans – entertain Fareham (who won the South League by 11 points from Chichester) in the first round of matches in the EHL Qualifying Tournament.

I quote from manager Robert Stimpson’s programme notes as follows. “Apart from the national league side Kingston Upon Hull, who we visit next Sunday, all the sides in the play-offs have – as regional winners – impressive records and today’s visitors have achieved excellent results in arguably the strongest region. I am sure the game today will be keenly contested and I am really pleased that a game of this importance and quality can be played in front of our home crowd. Fareham will have brought a number of supporters and this makes for a game charged with atmosphere”. If you want to read the rest of what Robert has written you may do so on production of £1 on Sunday!

I’m sure there will be a big crowd to support the squad who under the management of Robert and coach Les Howlett and the leadership of captain Leigh Sitch and vice-captain Richard Gill have worked so hard this season to become East Champions. Promotion back to the national league would put the icing on an already very attractive cake.

To get your vocal cords in good working order why not come along at 12 noon on Sunday to support the Mixed team as they take on Banbury in the National Trophy. In view of the Fareham game our team will show a few changes from that normally fielded and we will need to be on top form if we are to turn the tables on Banbury who rather spoiled our party by beating us when we hosted the national semis and final in June 2005.

While the excellent run of our team in the national veterans’ cup came to a halt last Sunday at East Grinstead everyone involved under the leadership of Jerry Blackmore can take great credit for once again doing the club proud. Well done also to our Under 9 team on winning the 8-team tournament at King’s Lynn last Sunday.

I’m sorry to say I missed the Silent Auction & Party last Saturday after I was sent home by Kirstin and Philippa! It wasn’t for anything I said! I was feeling ill. I thank Kirstin, Philippa, Jose and everyone else who helped with and attended the event which made the really excellent profit of £2100. In addition my thanks to everyone who supported the Spring Prize Raffle which made the very useful profit of £800.

More dates for your diary please!

Sat/Sun/Mon 3/4/5 May
Magpies Tournament

Saturday 17 May
End of Season Bash

(open to all ages)

7.30pm at the Club
by ticket only £10 (U13s £5) (including food)
(obtainable from Mary Wright 0774 779 5481, Mike Denham 01603 506925 or at the bar)
Dancing to ginger tom & the GO cats

Mondays 12 May, 2 & 16 & 30 June and 14 July –
5 evenings of summer hockey


Sunday 22 June
Strawberry Luncheon

(by kind permission of Jill and Roy Whipps)

Sunday 13 July
In The Mood
(a trip down Memory Lane)

bring your picnic and relax
to the live music of TIMESCAPE
Bone Hill, Rouse’s Lane off Low Road, Starston
Gates open 3.30pm Music starts 4.30pm
Tickets £10 Adults, £5 U16s, U5s Free –
obtainable from Mike Denham 01603 506925
(event organised jointly by Harleston Lions, Scouts and Magpies HC)


With kind regards and best wishes to all members, supporters and friends of the Club.



Mike Denham (Chairman)
Tel: 01603 506925
E-mail: [email protected]
17/4/08