A note form Vic;

I just wanted to send you all a great big THANK YOU for all your efforts leading up to and during our presentation of a German Christmas Night. I have yet to get an update from Ruth with regard to how much she took behind the bar but I feel fairly confident that it was a substantial amount based on the number of bottles etc that we had to clear up. (Bob Ward must have downed about £3000.00 worth alone) ok perhaps not quite that amount but he did need a lot of chips and frankfurters to soak it up!!! (you had to be there to appreciate the point)
 
I want to highlight some of the great work put in by individuals and if I happen to miss you out then please accept my apologies from the outset. There were many behind the scene helpers but rest assured, whether mentioned in dispatches or not your assistance is greatly appreciated.
 
Where do I start? Don Wilson and Alastair for all the music preparation, the fabulous bunting and of course that quiz Incidentally, I will try and get the answers put on our website to put those still pondering out of their misery. Mat Waldie for his shopping and cooking skills; but then what else would you expect from a 'German Waiter'. Will Hodges for sourcing and negotiating the Pom Frittes and the two Harries (don't mess with the two Harries) Waldie and Granville for their excellent extortion racket where few escaped their persistent ticket and raffle  money payment demands. Have you two ever thought about setting up a 'protection racket?' Then there was the young Von Trapp Kristian Baker who with a wink of an eye and a broad grin ensured that customers were plied with copious amounts of medication......YOU VILL DRINKUM SCHNAPPS NOW! As for Tim Elton John Dean Martin Jim Reeves Frank Sinatra Pickop and the very lovely Husna, the German Heiderburg (or similar) biscuits and Vanilla whatevertheywerecalled cakey thingamies, were superb as evidenced by the number left ( 0 ) The Ginger bread houses made by Tim and did I mention the lovely Husna? were out of this world. It is just a pity we ran out of time in terms of an auction or game to sell them off. We would have made a fortune. The raffle was organised by the lovely Husna and had some excellent prizes. THANK YOU all for the donated prizes. Kev Himmler Avery won a lovely ladies Rolex watch for his Gestapo wife Frau Nancy Fishnets mmmmm. Thanks Kev for all your help setting up the decorations etc and indeed thanks to all those who helped set up the hall and to Don, Matt and especially Nicky Mann who gave up their Sunday morning cleaning the place up.
Finally my thanks to all those crazy people who decided that Deutsche Weihnacten was on the 6th March instead of 25th December and turned out to support the 4ths and Witham Hockey Club. Especially those who dressed for the occasion...another mmmmmmm moment springs to mind (did I mention the lovely Husna?) and were brave enough to sing on stage in English AND German. Christmas Carols in March? You are all nuts. Finally (honest) thanks to Paul Russ Conway Bellehewe for playing with his organ. Great job Paul thank you.
 
MONEY ! MONEY ! MONEY !
 
After all deductions and despite several last minute cancellations and some  'No Shows' We turned a PROFIT of £187.00 which will be given to the Treasurer Stumpy for the benefit of the club. Add that to whatever the bar takings were and all in all it was a great and enjoyable night.
 
Well done one and all - brilliant job
 

Hi All,

May I wish you all a very happy, prosperous and successful New Year.

With the current cold weather we will be circulating you via email if training is off - usually decision made on weds/Sunday mornings so please check emails before setting out. Check Saturdays fixtures with your captain again on morning of games.

When the current cold snap recedes we can all get on with the serious stuff of enjoying our hockey and our planned social events.

So with that in mind a few comments from me and some dates for your diary:

1. Firstly - with the loss of 'Tricky' Marshall and Geoff Medniuk with new jobs abroad, the Mens 1st team will be re-adjusting and this will inevitably mean some changes around. We have all to play for with the Mens' teams this season and  we should aim to keep every team in their respective divisions, with possibly the 4th team being promoted, but with no relegations. That would be a tremendous result and may not be realistic but it is our first target.This can however only be achieved if all players become more flexible and play for whomever you are asked to. Dinky will be discussing plans with the Mens captains in the next couple of weeks to see if we can come up with a playing strategy to meet our target. More importantly though  - can we please aim to enjoy our hockey. So if you are one of those who has been bickering and moaning at others (you know who you are), can I ask you to set yourself a new years resolution to cut it out and try and encourage others more. It will make a big difference and may in fact lead to better performance all round. Enough said.

2. Secondly - If you still haven't paid the second part of your subs can you please do so straight away - preferably to Gavin direct. I know the weather and cancelled games and events has been a contributory factor but this matter does need resolution as we do have bills to pay.As usual anyone in financial difficulty speak to Gavin personally - arrangements can be made.

3. Social events -  Right -  the Ladies 2nds have arranged another super Casino Night at the Club on Saturday 30th January - doors open at 7pm and entrance fee will be £10 which includes your 'chips' for the evening. The format will be the same as last year but this years theme is the Wild West so lets start thinking about outfits!!! I think there may be some stunning attires on parade chaps so book a place now. This is an expensive night for the club so we need a good turnout to make it successful - last year was first class, well organised and supported and thoroughly enjoyable.There will be a prize again for the winner of the most chips for the evening. See Kelly Thompson to book your tickets and mosey along for a look-see.

The remaining events are now booked - for your diary:

Saturday 20th February 2010  - Mens 2nd Team Curry Race Night - Mr and Mrs Osahan will be turning out another delicious curry so come along enjoy the meal and have a flutter on the horses - book with Metin.

Saturday 6th March 2010 - the Mens 4ths are running a re-scheduled German Christmas event or something similar - will undoubtedly be another hoot - Vic will be circulating details nearer the day.

Saturday 20th March 2010 - Dinner Dance - this year run by the Mens 3rds - book your tickets with Sarah Smith as usual but Harvi and the boys will be organising the rest. This year, unable to book the Public Hall, we are back at the Masonic Hall in Maldon Road - - as you know a lot smaller (but more intimate) so numbers will be restricted to 90 maximum - so book early - same price as last year.

Saturday 27th March 2010 - The Village Tournament in the afternoon at the Club and a Toga Night in the evening, both run by the Mens 1st team so do get along - both events were great last year - Billy Belsham will be advertising nearer the time.

4. Club matters - We need to spend a Sunday soon, clearing away all the leaves and filling in a few potholes at the club - obviously once the weather improves, but when I ask can I please have a good turn out - if we get enough we can sort it in a couple of hours, but if its left to the usual few suspects we spend a good half a day at it. So as you are all club  members please do your bit.

Juniors;

With the tournaments coming up we do need to know who is available so we only enter teams we have full sides for, so please let Jo Maleary know early.If any parents can give a hand on our home dates -  helping organise kids, being a scorer, selling refreshments, putting up tentage etc please again let Jo Maleary know - the more help the merrier!! Our first home tournament (hopefully weather permitting) is Sunday17th January and the second is Sunday 11th April. 

Right I think that's it - stay safe and warm in the next few weeks and looking forward to seeing you all again soon - Up the Yellow Peril.

Chairman Wardy

A note from our esteemed club chairman;

Hi Everyone,

If the bad weather forecast for today/tonight actually does arrive then we may well have to cancel Saturday's social event at the club. I will be discussing with Vic tonight and checking the weather forecast again and visiting the club, so if you were planning to come please check your email and/or telephone me or Vic if you haven't heard from us before setting out. I know this will disappoint some of you keen performers and a certain birthday boy, but we do not see the point in putting people at unnecessary risk travelling to and from the club.

Regards,

Wardy

Witham Hockey Club Saturday 19th December 2009 Only £5.00 per head INCLUDES a German supper, Christmas Cake and Special Treats.
 
Fancy Dress is not compulsory, but a  lot of us (most hopefully) will be dressing up with a German Theme in mind. Leder Hosen or military uniform or....use your imagination. Join in the fun!
 
Every team will be performing 2 Christmas Carols one in English and yes...one in German! Words etc all being dished out to Captains later today. Other fun includes an 'interesting' quiz and a few party games - can't say too much but it is all very family friendly.
 
So put it in your diaries and lets get the whole club into the festive season. Decorations, balloons, party poppers etc it will all be there. The club will be transformed.
 
Reply to me with numbers asap please (so we can arrange food etc) remember it is a family affair so kids and relatives/friends are welcome. If you want more info contact me by 'e' mail or phone 07593 611666 or any of the 4th team for tickets.
 
DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

 In light of new proof regarding the genetic relationship between Potter and Taylor, we can be sure, after years of denial, that Potter is Taylor's love child for sure!.  100% truth - the pictures do not lie!

Just a last minute reminder everyone we have the Ladies 1sts 'Mexican' themed Race Night this coming Saturday 21st November at the clubhouse. Its a 7pm start - first race 7.30pm and Sam and Paul will be your Race Organisers for the evening with Jo Young and Clare Bellehewe running the Tote. Race Programmes will be on sale for £1 and the Ladies are providing two super chilli dishes (not too hot) one meat and one veggie - those wanting a meal its £5 a head. We hope some of you will dress up for the event making it a bit colourful. Please book meals with Laura Smith at laura.smith@gfk.com

Just a quick note to apologise i've only had time to update the scores this week.  Thanks to the guys and girls who write the match reports, I'll get these up soon, and also update the scorers.

Good luck at the weekend everyone!

Tom

One of our Ladies 2's will be setting sail from Gran Canaria and sailing to St Lucia in just a few days.  You can follow their blog when the race starts on www.girlsforsail.com and follow the race progress, plus find information on the event at www.worldcruising.com/arc/ - their boat is called 'Diamonds are Forever' (GBR1007).

Good luck Lisa. WHC wishes you all the best on your escapade!!!!!

Saturday 7th November 2009 - Firework Night Quiz Nite

Our first Quiz night will be held at the club this coming Saturday - it coincides with the Round Table Firework Display which is held at the Recreation Ground next to the Club so get the whole family along. You can do the quiz before, during or after the fireworks. It takes the form of Ditloid questions and you can purchase a pack of 4 sheets from the Bar on your arrival for £5 if you wish to take part. Each team can have upto 4 adult members and as many children as you like.There will be a prize for the winning team. Make sure you put your team names on the top sheet so we know who has won!! And don't tell any other teams the answers as they might just beat you!!
Please be at the Club from around 6pm as we do shut the Park gates to our ground from 7pm and driving into the ground can be difficult with the number of pedestrians entering the Recreation ground between 6pm and 7pm and there will likely be a road closure in Maldon Road at the mini roundabout for the duration of the Firework event. For those of you watching the fireworks we do have a collection for the Round table charity. So do come along and enjoy yourselves. Ruth will be doing some extra sausages for the evening!! and the Bar will of course be open.

Saturday 21st November 2009 - Mexican Race Night.

The Ladies 1st team are hosting this event which is one of our usual Race Night's with a Mexican theme. A couple of chili dishes - one hot and one mild and dips etc will be available. Horses are on sale now for £2 from the Ladies 1sts and if anyone wishes to sponsor a Race please contact Chairman Bob (£20 per race). We are hoping race and horse names will be Mexican themed but that is up to the purchasers!!. But we do hope you ladies all dress up with those lovely colourful dresses you must have hiding in the wardrobe or the loft, and chaps Sombreros and moustaches and perhaps a poncho would be lovely.However, even if you don't wish to dress up just come along and have some fun.Entry fees will be advertised shortly so book your tickets from the Ladies 1sts and don't miss a good night out.
And just remember successful and well attended social events probably means your Subs and Match fees might just stay the same next year!!!!

Dates/Places
I attach the spreadsheet and for ease of use I have highlighted where the games are being played and the host club in yellow, and the Witham team playing in red. If you want to print it off you will have to go to page set up - landscape it and adjust to fit one page and print it off in one easy to read piece (you probably all know that, but I am not good at these things and it took me 3 goes!!!!- but I am old!!)

Help required
You will see we host twice this season January and April so we will need some help on those days from parents in setting up and clearing up - selling refreshments etc - any volunteers speak with me or Jo please.

First Matches
Our first matches are on 1st November at Brentwood. I know this is half term weekend but other teams will probably be missing players too. Can parents let Jo Maleary know who is or isn't available as soon as possible so we can start organising the teams. Everyone will get a game who wants to play.

Coaches/Club members.
Coaches/Club members - can you also let us have your availability so we have a coach with each team and a club rep to oversee all.

Calling new Goalies!!
We will also have to find some more goalkeepers for all of the teams, so I will bring the kits we have along this Sunday for anyone who would like a try out. I will then know if we need more kit and what size.

Shirts
We will also issue shirts out on 25th October to those of you who are playing on the 1st November so you can come along kitted out the following week which will save time. can parents please take home and wash and return the following week.

Call to arms!!!
So kids lets get stuck into training with loads of effort and see if we can do well in our first games - you have all shown commendable improvement now its time to really listen to your coaches and start playing as a team. Up and at em Witham.!

Hi all!!

Kelly Thompson has put me on to a great fundraising idea that costs you and me nothing extra but raises the club funds.

I have set up a club shop site at www.buy.at/withamhockeyclub There are about 150 retailers available via the site and if you do your online shopping or other purchases via our site they will pay the club commission. You pay no more than you would by visiting their own site direct and in some cases get special offers for using our site.

So if you are intending to buy something online please go via our new site to your selected retailer and you will raise money for the club.

It really is that simple and you can all help us raise money for the club at no extra expense to yourselves - so have a look and give it a try between now and Christmas.

Kind regards

Chairman Bob

If you are aged between 6 and 16 and want to try your hand at hockey then why not come along to the Bramston All Weather (Astro) pitch, Spinks Lane, Witham (opposite Maltings Academy) on Tuesday 28th July and Tuesday 4th August. All equipment is provided (unless you already have your own hockey stick), just wear a pair of trainers and comfortable sportswear, bring along some water if its hot or a shower proof top if the weather is inclement. Witham Eagles Junior Hockey Club coaches and accredited volunteers will be putting on the sessions and introducing you to hockey and taking you through some training sessions. The "Upstarts Project" funded by Mid Essex NHS, designed and managed by Healthy Living Solutions CIC, are paying for the hire of the pitch so it won't cost you anything to take part. The sessions run from 10.30am till 12 mid day. Registration starts from 10am, and parents must download this registration form to bring with you.

Parents of children under 14 must sign a registration form for them to take part.

So come along and give hockey a go - you might find you like it - details will also be available on joining the club which starts training again in September.

Many Thanks

Bob Ward
Chairman WHC
bob.ward@witham-hc.org

We shall be discussing what training we shall be providing this coming season and also hope to have some sort of presentation on the new rules. Its an important date for the club so please make the effort to come along. Any items for the Agenda, nominations for committee posts or team captains must be with the Secretary, Sarah Balchin by 5th July please. All positions are up for grabs so if you feel there is a need for a change or would like to offer up to take on a role - please let Sarah know. Its your Club so come along and have your say.

You all should have received the documents from Bob regarding the new rules for the 09/10 season. Please make sure you read these so you are ready to put them into practice in the pre-season training sessions.

Here is the document regarding the new rules for free hits. If you have far too much time on your hands or are an insomniac and have exhausted all other possible ideas for getting to sleep you can download the full hockey rules for the 09/10 season here.

The Junior Club ended another enjoyable year with a tournament at Chelmsford H C hosted by Alliance Sports. Although the weather was pretty miserable our spirits were not dampened and although not as successful in terms of results as last year, some of the players have clearly improved their skill levels, the Under 12 boys being the most successful and not losing a match in their group.

The end of the season was marked by a morning spent playing on grass at our clubhouse when each junior team played each other and a parents team. For the second year running the parents emerged successful and won the cup. The Mayor of Witham Councillor Mrs Janet Money was again on hand to present awards to the most improved players of the year in each age group and the two youngsters deemed to have performed at the most consistent level in the league games (details here). The morning was wrapped up with a super spread laid on by Auntie Ruth which the juniors soon cleared away!!

Congratulations must also go to Cameron Brown, Michael Roberts and Sophie Summers who have all been selected in their age groups to represent Essex.

Jo Maleary is working in two Witham schools this summer as part of our input into the Upstarts Project and this will culminate with two ‘Hockey taster‘ days which will be held at the Astro in Spinks Lane from 10.30 am to 12 mid day on Tuesday 28th July and Tuesday 4th August. Registration on both days will start at 10.00 am. All children between the ages of 6 and 16 are welcome to come along and have a couple of free coaching sessions. The pitch is being paid for by the Project and we are providing the coaching – all our Junior members are very welcome.

Training will start again in September – watch this section for details.

To help keep me sane whilst revision for exams and provide WHC with a new website, I spent some of my spare time recently re-designing and developing this site! I hope you will all find it useful to keep track of the clubs progress in leagues and keep up to date with news and social events. The site is also full of information for current and potential members and there will be more information soon to come, specifically in the Junior section.

I would welcome any (useful!) feedback and let me know if you experience any problems using the site.

Thanks - Tom Wilsher