C L A I M T O F A M E
NLHC have our very own celebrity. Sue Slocombe OBE, was a member of Nailsea Ladies Hockey Club, before she went onto bigger and better things in International Hockey. Click here to read more.
A B R I E F H I S T O R Y
Club founded in 1924. Founder members mostly unknown but Mary Shepstone who is one of them, is still living in the local area today.
Play actually started on Sat. Dec 6th 1924 at 2.30 p.m. Initially on a Croquet pitch on Station Road - not then a croquet pitch.
First captain and practically every other job was Miss K Rich, the treasurer was Miss Shepstone. In those days all players referred to by Miss... None of them seemed to be married.
From outset, any new member had to be voted in - a change from now when we are practically dragging them in kicking and screaming.
Started playing in green and white tops.
First sub was 5/-(25p), 2/6(12.5p) for holiday members?
In 1925 the club dance which seems to have become an annual fundraiser - the orchestra which cost £3-3s(£3.15p) was that well known beat combo Haydon Mintern Dance Orchestra. One cost incurred was 1s 3d (6p) for boracic (?).
Committee was composed of some well known names: Rich, Shepstone, Wyatt, Brake, Brake and Brake, Alvis and others.
They hired an unnamed man to cut the pitch - 2/6d for the season (12.5p), by 1927 this had risen to 6/-(30p).
In 1926 it was proposed that Thistles should be cut from the pitch with the scythe (THE scythe?) and then the pitch to be marked.
Training - 'for those who required it' - was to take the form of a run across the Scotch Horn to the end of Golden Valley and back. Nothing is said about what made someone 'require' training, when it took place, and whether those who did not 'require' it stood and cheered on the poor unfortunate who did.
They paid 11s 3d(57p) for a hockey ball (just one!).
In 1927 they changed to all green blouses, but not all the same as in 1933 they budgeted £3-9s-9d to buy material so that everyone could make their own blouse the same. The cost of the blouses was 5/- each (25p).
Transport to away games was provided by Cutler's buses - Adge Cutler's father - fees were £1 - 7s(£1.35p).
1929 they decided to buy a hut but not spend more than £15, this proved impossible so they rented the cricket hut for £5 instead
In 1930 Miss Rich retired as chairman and strangely the subs were lowered to 4/- (20p). Miss Griffin became captain and they moved -free-to Wyatt's field.
Lowering the subs was clearly a mistake because the next year they increased by 250% to 10/- (50p), and they also had to spend 1/- motor fare.
In 1932 they had coaching - three sessions a year.
By 1933 the coach/car hire had gone up to £27 for the season.
In 1934 they paid 8/6 for lemons (42.5p) which they apparently used at half-time instead of oranges. By 1937 they were using oranges and lemons !
A real innovation in the final pre-war year - secretary's expenses 5s (25p).
One final little point in pre-political correct Nailsea - in 1938 we played a team called Mental Hospital - the worst thing is we lost 5-0
TODAY'S NLHC
We field several teams and hold many social and fund raising events. The club has also been on several tours arranged throughout Europe.
We have 2 teams, 1st Team is captained by Tessa Hughes, 2nd Team captained by Eve Hodges.
Both teams are doing extremely well, even though many players have stepped back because of pregnancy or injuries.
The Mini's are also doing well under the supreme coaching of Paul Westgate. Paul is invaluable to the club and is our secret weapon. Gently in his mild manner way he coaches mini terrors to a high standard and teaches them the principals of the game, preparing them for the next level. They meet every Sunday 10-11 a.m. at the Scotch Horn Centre and already there are a few contenders for the second X1.
We also run a Veteran Team under the Captaincy of Sue Ivens who can be contacted on 01275 852876... She is always keen to hear from any players who would like to join in on a Sunday afternoon.
The spirit throughout the club is one of strength and friendliness. We meet regularly for fund raising and social events. We have formed a strong bond of friendship with the Nailsea & Backwell Rugby club and meet there on Saturdays prior to games and are welcome to use their bar after games for drinks and socialising. The first team games usually end with after match teas which sometimes, if they are lucky, consist of sausage and chips!
Many of our social and fund raising events also take place at their bar. We look forward to seeing you at the various planned events throughout the coming season.