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Harleston Magpies Hockey Club

Shotford Heath,

Weybread, Diss,

Norfolk IP21 5UF

Tel: 01379 853706

email@magpies-hockey.co.uk

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MIKE'S MUSINGS - 31 August 2011

31.8.11 | Edit Post

CHANGES AT THE TOP

This Saturday's Club Day (with BBQ from 12 noon) marks the official start of the new season and with it some significant changes in the management of the club and of the teams. 

Tony Williams has taken over as president from Irene Bicker; Philippa Taylor has replaced Tony as deputy president; Louisa Greenacre has been succeeded as captain of the Ladies' 1sts by Frances Sumner and Charlie Harrison (who are acting in a joint capacity); in the Men's 1sts Mark Wheelhouse has succeeded David Ling as captain; Tiger Young is now the captain of the Men's 6ths in succession to Kevin Ridley and Jose Tibbenham, who in addition to continuing as treasurer, has taken on the role of bookings officer from Nick McAllen. I will include the rest of the important changes next week together with some sponsorship news.

All the retiring officers are to be thanked for their vital services to the club, in some cases going back many years, and it is 'best wishes' to their successors.

The bronze medals must have been the minimum objective of the England men's and women's teams when they set out a couple of weeks ago for the EuroNations Championships in Monchengladbach, Germany and while this was achieved they will know they have a lot of work ahead to do as well or better in London 2012. The men played well enough to see off Ireland (a much improved side) and France while losing narrowly to Holland before losing 3-0 to the eventual champions Germany in the rain affected semi-final which did not finish until 11.35pm! England did not deserve this margin of defeat and they will be cheered by the successful return of Ashley Jackson after a long injury. Meantime the Ladies played extremely well to beat Germany for the eighth consecutive time before being outplayed by Holland in the semis. The gulf between the two teams in this match, while being only two goals on the scoreboard, was huge and very worrying. Holland who beat Germany in the final must have a great chance of Olympic success.

Among other things to be learned from these generally very well run and well attended championships are that the pitch at the national stadium in Monchengladbach needs replacing to cope with heavy rain (and when it rained it really rained!); the security was OTT; the Belgium supporters know how to boo the undeserving umpires; the teams are becoming increasingly efficient at avoiding giving away penalty corners (England Men won a total of one shortie in their matches against Holland and Belgium) and the  video umpire decisions must be speeded up. But before the latter can be achieved language and technical problems must be resolved. And talking of umpires it is sad that Andy Mair (Scotland) and one of the world's top umpires has now retired from international hockey on reaching the age limit of 47. He was again on top form in the final.

On a personal note I would like to thank the two young German supporters, Fabian and Patrick, who I sat near during the nine days of the championships, for their friendship. They now know about the club's website etc!  

Meanwhile in Krefeld, a few miles from Monchengladbach, those Magpies' stalwarts Phil Cobbald and Jon Aldridge were playing for England Over 50s in the inaugural European Masters Cup. In their pool they had an easy 14-0 win over Italy before going on to beat Poland 11-0. In these two games Phil scored a total of seven goals while Jon, clearly benefitting from the coaching he has received at Weybread (!), banged in a total of five. The other group consisted of Germany, Wales and Scotland with Germany going on to meet England in the final. England, who came into the event as Home Nations champions after their win in Swansea in July, triumphed 4-1 with Phil on target with another three goals. England also won the Over 45s and Over 55s events.  

I was told this joke by an Irishman while watching the hockey. He said Monchengladbach football supporters must be the unluckiest in the world – give me an M, give me an O, giving me an N, give me ……….!

With best wishes 

Mike Denham                                                                    
MDenham975@aol.com 31/8/11

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MIKE'S MUSINGS - 16 August 2011

16.8.11 | Edit Post

BEHIND THE SCENES

Another season is fast approaching which begs the question as to where the past five months have gone. Whatever the answer we will never get them back! So looking to the future this column has returned (and hopefully on a weekly basis from early September) despite what the author said at the end of last season.  Some retirements turn out to be a mirage!  

I would like to start with something I heard on the radio and which made me smile in sharp contrast to the tragic local and national events of recent weeks. Question. What is one of the most important roles of a football manager? Answer. To keep the six players that hate him away from the five that haven't made up their minds!

A club such as ours never closes down completely in the summer as there are so many things to do behind the scenes in preparation for the forthcoming season and this summer has been no exception. I have in mind the new rabbit fencing, the repainting of the ladies' toilets, the repainting of most of the outside wooden doors and windows of the clubhouse, the repainting of the circles on both pitches and other essential pitch maintenance, the replacement of several panels of the pitchside shelters, the cutting of the acres of natural grass and the strimming of the verges. Other jobs include the finances, the purchase of new kit, the filling of the positions left blank at the AGM, bar and other clubhouse preparations, fixtures and social events for the new season and the preparation of the 2011-12 handbook which has now gone to print. These are just some of the jobs which have been kindly carried out or managed by club members.

In addition there have been two very enjoyable and successful fund raising and social events, namely the Strawberry Luncheon (with thanks to our hosts Julian and Philippa Taylor) which raised £870 for club funds and the Golf Day at Bungay GC which made a record profit of £1760.  As with all the other jobs listed in the previous paragraph we are indebted to all the members involved.

Men's 4ths: This team is still without a captain despite a huge effort over many weeks by club captain Tristan Baynes to find a replacement for James Smith who did the job so well for many years. This team, quite simply, must not be allowed to fold due to this vacancy. A member or parent willing to take on this role if only in an administrative capacity (and if only for a few weeks) just has to come forward in the very near future. If you are willing to help would you please give Tristan a call on 07799 790445. 

Congratulations to the following  –
David and Jane Brook who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last week. 
Joe Walker and Helen Woodger on their recent marriage.

The EuroHockey Nations Championships, for both men and women, start in Monchengladbach on Saturday and end on Sunday week. England men, the defending champions, are boosted by the very welcome return of Ashley Jackson, the former World Young Player of the Year, following his long term injury. England - who play Ireland (9:00 BST Sunday), Netherlands (18:00 BST Monday) and France (12:00 BST Wednesday) - in their pool beat Germany 5-3 in the 2009 final helped by two goals from Jackson. Also in the squad is former Magpie Richard Alexander, son of club member and 7th team defender Keith, who has now played 123 times for England and 46 times for Great Britain!

Meantime England women, who are coached by former Pelicans HC member Danny Kerry and who won bronze in 2009, play Belgium (17:00 BST Saturday), Germany (15:00 BST Sunday) and Ireland (12:00 BST Tuesday) in their pool.

All of England's pool matches (men and women) will be shown live on the BBC red button and BBC Sport website. Good luck to both teams.

With best wishes

Mike Denham                                                                      
MDenham975@aol.com 16/8/11
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MIKE'S MUSINGS - 9 August 2011

9.8.11 | Edit Post

CRAIG WHIPPS

The tragic death of Craig will have shocked and saddened all members of the club and I am grateful to Matt Brand, Craig's 3rd team captain, for the following personal tribute to a popular and enthusiastic Magpie. 

If I could take you back to early February. It's a dark, cold (very cold) Monday night. The Harleston Magpies 3rd team are meeting to embark on their weekly training session. As usual numbers aren't great; work commitments, family commitments, carrying an injury from the weekend. All reasons not to train.

About five minutes after the session starts Craig arrives from work, a whistle stop at home with the family, then straight to Weybread.

For an hour he pushes himself through the session. As usual he is upbeat. He chats to all fellow trainers – if he doesn't know who you are he will take the time to find out. Striking the ball harder than anyone else in the club he destroys a couple of frozen and tired practice balls. At the end of the hour (before the game) he leaves – to return to work. 

That was Craig.  He took the responsibility for being part of a team seriously.  

As a friend and a member of my team he will be missed.     Matt Brand 

NB. Details of Craig's funeral will appear on the club's website when known.    
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Congratulations to the following –

Rob Goodson and Louise Forshaw on their recent marriage.
Dickon Taylor and Emily Brown on their recent marriage.
David and Sophie Ling on the birth of Alistair.
Elliot Smith on his selection for England U16s during the summer.
Mark Pearn (my favourite England outfield player) on his recall to the team after a gap of six years and on his selection for the England squad to compete in the EuroHockey Nations Championship in Monchengladbach, Germany later in the month.

Other news –

* The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced a complete re-launch and overhaul of its website, www.fih.ch
* Teams failing to qualify for the London Olympics through their Continental Championships will have another chance when  they are allocated a place in one of next year's qualifying events being held in India (February), Belgium (March) and Japan (April/May). Great Britain as hosts have automatically qualified – the best reason in my view for holding the Olympics in London!

Social events for your diary please  –
Saturday 3 September – Club Weekend BBQ
Saturday 8 October – Chillioke
Friday 4 November – Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday 3 December – Ferret Racing and Bangers & Mash Night
Friday 15 June – Olympic Ball

More details of these and other events to follow in due course.

With best wishes to all readers   

Mike Denham                                                                            
MDenham975@aol.com   
9/8/11
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