Hockey club plans for centenary season

The annual meeting of Gorleston Hockey Club heard chairman Hugh Wiltshire congratulate captain Kevin MacDonald and the team for a successful first season in Division Three North East of the NE14 East Men's League.

GHC finished comfortably fifth. Thanks went to Kevin, Martyn Vaudin and Monty Raymond in particular for getting a full side out virtually every week.

Mr Wiltshire advised he will step down to be a secondary umpire next season with Malcolm Berry taking over the primary umpiring role for the club.

The coming season is a special year for the vlub, as it reaches 100 years in May 2010.

Captain Kev MacDonald extended his thanks to Hugh and Russ Crawford for their work behind the scenes. The best result was the 5-0 demolition of Bury, also a narrow loss to Harleston. Target next season is to push for promotion.

Player of the season was Andrew Lilly.

Officers elected: President John Dawson, chairman Hugh Wiltshire, treasurer Tim Thomas, secretary Russ Crawford, captain Kevin Macdonald, vice-captain Martyn Vaudin and Monty Raymond, club coach to be agreed from the players available (primarily Tim Mobbs, Jamie Clarkson, Adam Stone and Mark Vaudin), fixture secretary Hugh Wiltshire, NHA representative Russ Crawford, child welfare officer Mark Vaudin, NCHUA rep Malcolm Berry.

Adult membership fees rise from �15 to �20 (remaining unchanged for juniors and affiliates). Match fees are to remain unchanged at �8 for adults and �7 for juniors. Petrol allowances are to drop to 10p per mile.

The meeting agreed the formation of a centenary committee. A dinner dance and an end of season hockey festival are to be considered.

Jason Austin advised that indoor hockey sessions have been booked at GY College in Southtown, for 10 weeks from July 9. All welcome for the fitness benefit this will bring pre season.

The meeting welcomed new player Lester Osborn.