Ben Mills runs Edinburgh marathon for charity
Hi Everyone - First of all I hope you are all well and apologies to those of you who I have not spoken to in a while. As you may or may not know I am running the Edinburgh Marathon this Sunday 23 May. Having been training since early December for this I am still nervous but hopefully all will go well and I'll get round the course with no problems. I am running for a The Tom McGonigal Trust Fund which is a charity very close to my heart. You may have known Tom who was a friend and a fellow member of my cricket club, unfortunately he died aged 21 and since his death his family have set up a charity to try and raise money for under-privileged children and amongst other things get them involved in sport or Tom's other great love, music. If you are able to I would really appreciate it if you could donate to the charity by following this link to a secure online payment site www.charitychoice.co.uk/donation.asp?ref=159375
Thanks for your support. Cheers Ben.

No algae problems then!
Belper Meadows hockey pitch looked stunning as the sun set over the Chevin on Saturday 9th January. No possible chance of hockey at the moment but also no possible chance for the algae to flourish either - at least that is one good thing to come from the cold spell!

Nick Morris wins National League honour
Nick Morris, Belper's oldest EHL player at the time, has been voted Conference North Division Player of the Season 2008/09 by all the other teams. Unlike Louisa, who scooped the ladies award, Nick is still at Belper at the ripe old age of 39 and will not be continuing his studies at University. Having been selected for the England Masters to compete in Hong Kong, Nick is proof that you can still play top level hockey at nearly 40! Congratulations from everyone at the club.

Allan Sutton selected for Midland Veterans over 65's
Just a word to remind the older members of the club that there is still good hockey to be played as the years progress.
Having played for the Midlands over 55s and over 60s, I have now graduated to the over 65s. In the annual regional tournament at Cannock in June this year the Midlands over 65s finished a very close second (silver medal) to the South. The team photo is attached. I now have a gold and two silver medals from these tournaments.
As well as participating in the annual regional tournaments, I have played for the Midlands against England, Scotland and Wales teams at various times over the past few years. It follows that the standard is quite high and competitive. If there are club members who fall into any of the above age ranges who are interested in playing for the midlands then I will be pleased to pass their names on to the organiser/manager.
Allan Sutton

Runners:- Tom Sherratt, Richard Kitchen, Dan Mills, Jack Wells, Luke Davis, Chris Hall, Tom Leatherland, Adam Innocent, James Stedman, Guy Draper, James Hewitt.
Belper HC supports Tom’s Trust Fund – 10k Race 2009
Well done to the runners from Belper Hockey Club who came to participate, support and enjoy splendid running conditions to finish this years Tom McGonigal 10k trust fund run in Belper.
Club members were out in force to race and benefit pre-season fitness levels as part of the special event to raise money for Tom’s Trust Fund. With a selection of different terrain (road and off-road) the race began and Tom Sherratt, Dan Mills, Richard Kitchen and Jack Wells were the early pace setters. As predicted things became more challenging once runners got to Chevin Road!! With a long drawn-out climb to the top the front runners were directed down towards Chevin golf course and despite getting slightly lost and a small detour proceed towards the A6. Only minutes behind Tom Leatherland and Adam Innocent were next onto the course, also getting lost and accidentally running across the fairway. The final stint saw runners down the A6 back towards Belper Meadows and the finish line. A final push from all saw some great individual times and an achievement we can all be proud of.
Finally, we would like to say a big thanks to Paul and Sue McGonigal for organising the event and we hope to see you guys next year.

James Stedman confirmed as 2XI player / coach
After lengthy talks over the summer, 1st XI Coach Ben Lamb is pleased to confirm James Stedman as the new 2nd XI Player/Coach for season 2009/10. James returns to the club, for the first time in 3 years, after a successful spell gaining experience as a coach at local club Derwent. Having been involved as a player since an early age with Belper, his heart has always been with the club. James started as a junior before progressing onto the 1st XI where in 2001 he helped the club achieve its National League status under old coach Craig Keegan.
Now back for a second spell and in the role of 2nd XI player/coach Lamb is looking to Stedman to provide fresh ideas and much needed stability at 2nd XI level after a disappointing couple of seasons. "James brings fresh ideas to the table and his experience around the club will be a big asset to the younger players coming through the 2nd XI" commented Lamb. "I feel James has a lot to offer". Stedman conducts training for the first time this week with his new players as a new slot has opened up between 9pm and 10pm on a Tuesday night. The 2nd XI have a few weeks preparation before they start their league campaign on Saturday 3rd October 2009 against Harborne at home on the Meadows.

Ben Lamb previews Men 1XI National League season
After the disappointment of missing out on the EHL North Conference title and the opportunity to perhaps return to the Premier Division after heartbreak at Brooklands MU, the first part of the summer was spent reflecting on what could have been….
However all things happen for a reason and I’m now convinced that in the long run missing out was not a bad thing this time around. With a small squad and relative inexperience last time, we now have the chance to mount another challenge, but this time better equipped and with more all important experience. Since returning to training on 4th July 2009, things have been moving at a fast pace.
This season we welcome the arrival of nearly a dozen new faces, some familiar to me, others not so. Olly Logan joins the club from Telford & Wrekin on the recommendations of 1st XI keeper, Neill Slane. Ollie played Irish U21 hockey with Neill several years ago and it was this connection that proved key to bringing Olly to the club. Olly’s a tough tackling midfielder/defender, good on the ball and a strong communicator. I believe he’ll certainly be pushing for a starting place and he will provide much needed competition at the back. Another signing is, Adam Innocent. Adam comes from South Notts. Although a big step to make, Adam has really impressed me with his attitude and commitment so far. He is learning fast and will certainly be in the mix by the time the league fixtures come round. Jason Ward, a young keeper from Mansfield, also comes in along with fellow stopper, Jamie Carlin from Derwent. With Craig Simms returning to Oxford, both Jason and Jamie will fight it out for the number 2 spot and provide much needed support and competition to Neill Slane. Both have big futures with the club. Luke Davies also returns to the club after a brief spell back in 2007. On top of these new players, I have 3 other players all signed up although they have not been finalised so I’m unable to include them here.
Not only has it been important for me to strengthen the 1st XI, the 2nd XI have also been in my thoughts. After a very difficult season last time out, the 2nd XI was desperate for an injection of new players and some stability with players playing regular hockey for them. Guy Draper and Adam Blenkinsopp, join the club from neighbouring Derwent, with ex-Belper player, James Stedman, also making the short journey to return to his old club. These guys will certainly provide stability for the 2nd XI and look to push for places in the 1st XI squad.
Apart from Sammy Mac, who has returned to Australia, I have managed to retain the rest of last seasons squad. I am again confident, that along with the new signings we’ll have an opportunity to push hard for the title. The next few weeks see us take to the pitch as we start our pre-season programme on Saturday 29th August 2009 when we entertain, Telford & Wrekin (12pm) and Melton (3pm). A short trip to West Bridgford follows on Saturday 5th September 2009 to officially open their new pitch with us then back at the meadows on Sunday 6th September 2009 to entertain Olton and Bournville. Pre-season is then rounded off with another home fixture against Northampton Saints on Saturday 12th September 2009.
On Sunday 13th September 2009, Belpers 1st XI squad are running the 10k race at Belper as part of the Tom McGonigal Trust Fund Weekend. This is a great cause and it would be great to see some support at the club for the guys. If you wish to support, the race starts at 10am.

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New signings for Men 1XI
After appointing new Assistant Coach, Tom Sherratt, last week, Head Coach, Ben Lamb, has been quick to confirm further new signings. After coming so close to the EHL North Conference title last time out, Lamb has strengthened his squad in the hope of going one better. "Last season was a great achievement with such a small squad and it was a clear indication of how far we have progressed in the past couple of seasons" claimed Lamb. With some players leaving for university and for pastures new, that squad had become even smaller over the summer, so the new players are a welcome relief for Lamb. "We've been working really hard behind the scenes trying to bring in new players and I'm delighted we've been able to strengthen the squad". Belper's new additions are Olly Logan, Adam Innocent and goalkeeper Jason Ward. "Olly has National League experience with Telford and has looked very strong in training". "Adam comes from South Notts and has really impressed me so far, although it's a big step up, I am more than confident Adam will be successful". Belper's other signing, young goalkeeper Jason Ward, comes over from Mansfield. "Jason has been working hard in training so far and looks like he's going to be an excellent keeper" added Lamb.
The signing of new players does not look to have stopped here either with Lamb predicting further signings in the next week. "We have 5 other players that are training with us at the moment and I'm confident we can sign them up too". So with the season only 4 weeks away Belper certainly look to be heading in the right direction with a stronger squad than in previous seasons. Belper start pre-season action against Telford & Wrekin and Melton on Saturday 29th August 2009 at home on the Meadows.

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Men 1XI appoint Tom Sherratt as Assistant Coach
Belper Men 1XI are pleased to confirm the appointment of Tom Sherratt to the position of Assistant Coach/Player for the 2009/2010 season. Sherratt fills the vacancy, which has remained empty since January 2009, when Graham Joyce returned to Scotland.
The signing of Sherratt shows Belper's commitment to stabilise the club and bring continuity to the 1st XI structure since Ben Lamb, Head Coach, took over back in the summer of 2006. "I'm really pleased to confirm that Tom has accepted the opportunity to join me on the coaching front on a permanent basis". "His experience proved vital last season on the playing front and I believe he also has something to offer as a coach, I have plenty of respect for him" stated Lamb. Sherratt will assist Lamb during training sessions in the week and prior to matches at the weekend. He'll also provide assistance from on the pitch during games. "Tom still has plenty to offer as a player and on matchdays playing will be his main responsibility". With the appointment of an Assistant Coach now sorted, Lamb will turn his attentions to bringing in new faces to bolster his squad. "We've had interest from a number of players, all who will add strength to the squad". "With the season a little over 5 weeks away, I am hopeful of confirming the signing of some new players by the end of the week" added Lamb.

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Men's Club training starts Monday 31st August
Training is open to all playing members and is paid for within match fees and starts w/c Monday 31st August, 2009.
Monday – Club Training Night 8-10:00pm.
Tuesday – U14s - 6:30 to 7:45 half pitch, U16s - 6:30 to 7:45 half pitch, U18s - 7.45 to 9:00 half pitch
Tuesday – 1XI & 2XI Team Training 8-10:00pm
Thursday – 1XI Squad Training 8-10:00pm
Sunday - Mini Hockey starts 6th September, there will be 2 session times: School Years 1 to 4: 9:30 til 10:30am, School Years 5, 6 & 7: (DOB after 1.1.98) 10:30 til 11:30am

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