PRE-SEASON PREPARATION

1.  MAGPIES HOCKEY CLUB DAY – Saturday 1st September Eddie Thorne (who is organising this event in conjunction with club captains Kristina Smyth and Tristan Baynes) has asked me to draw your attention to the following which he has kindly drafted.

The Club will be running its Club Day from 11:00 – 3:00.  In a change from previous years both men’s and ladies’ teams will play concurrently.  The day will culminate in an ‘exhibition’ match between the men’s 1st and 2nd teams, which will commence at 2:00. All Club members are encouraged to attend to blow out a few cobwebs and help captains sort out their teams for the coming season, which this year starts earlier than usual on 15 September.

Outline programme:
Before 11:00.  Arrive!
11:00 – 11:30.  Introduction.  Briefing and demonstration on new rules and umpires guidance.
11:30 – 14:00.  5 x 20 minute (one-way) games with 10 minute breaks in between.  Mens and ladies alternate between water and sand.
14:00 – 15:15.  Men’s 1s vs 2s.  Bar serving cold drinks.  Hot dogs.

Additional points:
–  Match fee – £2.  Includes hot dog and opportunity to catch up with old / new friends, compare sun tans, gossip and lack of fitness.
–  Bring a white and coloured shirt.
–  Please let your captain know if you are planning to attend, ideally by Wednesday 29 August, to aid getting numbers for food.  If unsure which team you are with get in touch with Eddie Thorne ([email protected], 07876 453422).
–  Umpires.  Volunteers are requested to make themselves known to Eddie.

2.  TRAINING PROGRAMME 2012-13
Please see the Home Page of the website if you are unaware of the above.

3.  CLUBHOUSE AND GROUNDS

In preparation for the new season a lot of work has taken place recently in connection with the above and thanks are due to the following members for all their hard work – George Hunter (grass cutting), Andy Palmer (strimming of banks etc.), Philip Cobbald (pitch maintenance), Doug Sitch (repair of goals on water-based pitch), Jeremy Podd (weed spraying), Nick Tibbenham (hedges) and the clubhouse (mainly ground floor) etc. redecoration party of  Tony Williams, Sue Williams, Rosemary Mason, Louisa Greenacre, John Pestell, Quentin Baynes, Richard Larkin and yours truly – over two days earlier this week we had a lot of fun! NB. Three light bulbs on the water-based pitch will be replaced in the next few days.

4.  RICHARD GILL TESTIMONIAL

Everyone is welcome to attend this event on Sunday (26 August) at 2.00pm. The clubhouse bar will be open from 12.30pm with the match starting at 2.00pm. Please see the club’s website for more details.

5. CLUB HANDBOOK 2012-13

A pdf version is now accessible from the bottom of the Home Page of the club’s website.

6.  NORWICH SCHOOL & LIVING HOCKEY SUMMER CAMP – Tues/Wed 28/29 August

The above is being held at Norwich Dragons HC on Tuesday 28 August and at Magpies on Wednesday 29 August from 10.0am each day. I understand that GB and England international Richard Alexander will be coaching on both days with Dutch international (and Olympic penalty corner specialist with eight goals) Mink Van Der Weerden at Magpies on Wednesday together with his silver medal. The camp is open to all ages and abilities from U12 to U18. I understand places are still available and at this late stage if you are interested I suggest you call Living Hockey on 07515 881178 for full details.

With kind regards

Mike Denham

[email protected]

24/8/12