Mendip Hockey Club has just finished its fortieth season in style. The club started back in 1975, as Timsbury Ladies Hockey Club, and now prides itself on being known as Mendip Hockey Club, the largest hockey club for the Norton Radstock area.

During the Saturday Awards evening, over sixty members of the club celebrated the many prestigious awards presented to its well-deserved winners from the three Ladies’ teams and two Men’s teams.

The awards for the 2015/2016 season were presented to: Outstanding Contribution Award for Mendip Hockey Club, The Alan Hall Trophy – Andy Flint. Richard Shaw Umpire Award – Hayley Young, Ladies 1st Team Awards, Players’ Player of the Year – April Callow, Top goal scorer – Hayley Bullock, Captain’s Award – Jess Smith, Ladies 2nd Team Awards, Players’ Player – Cosima Burgess, Top Goal Scorer – Carol Holmes, Most Improved Player – Jasmine Scott. Ladies Third Team Awards, Top Goal Scorers – Sarah Pearce and Maddy Collins, Players’ Player – Katie Riches, Captain’s Award – Maddy Collins. Men’s First Team Awards, Players’ Player of the Year – Leigh Taylor, Top Goal Scorer – Steve Smith, Captain’s Award – Oli Beechener. Men’s Second Team Awards, Players’ Player – Chris Hampshire, Top Goal Scorer – Chris Hampshire, Captain’s Player – James England.

Last year, the club organised ‘Back to Hockey’ training sessions for anybody who would like to give hockey a go or returning to hockey after a break. Sarah Pearce was one of those recruited to the club and now plays for the Ladies’ Third team. After a twenty-year break from hockey, she has now been awarded Top Goal Scorer for 2015/2016 season in her first year of playing for the Third team! The next Back to Hockey training session will start on Wednesday, 15th June, 6.30 p.m. until 7.30 p.m. for six weeks at Norton Hill School astro turf. We welcome all abilities, so if you would like to try hockey again, or even never played it before and would like to give it a go, then please come along.

The club also has an expanding junior section, which offers young people the chance to gain hockey skills and build team spirit within a safe and friendly environment.

Weekly training is run by qualified coaches and caters for all levels of skill and ability. Within the club, opportunities exist for serious and recreational play, umpiring and coaching. Junior coaching takes place on Sunday mornings, 9.30 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Norton Hill School, every Sunday, September to March.

Sunday morning sessions are led by qualified coaches and senior players who are assisted by young leaders.

Training takes place on the Astroturf pitch at Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton on Wednesday nights for Senior men, on Thursday nights for Senior ladies and on Sunday mornings for Juniors.

New members are very welcome. For more information about joining the club or to enquire about the Back to Hockey sessions, please email: [email protected]

Further details can also be found on our website: www.mendiphockey.org.uk

Brenda Scott