No! This is not about cricket! This is the story of Christine Hallsworth, who has been a stalwart member of Belper Hockey Club for fifty years – and has absolutely no intention of hanging up her stick.
Back in the 1966/7 season, Chris joined the club as a junior, where there were two ladies hockey teams, playing on Belper Meadows sports ground. The players used the wooden tennis pavilion for changing rooms and serving after-match refreshments.
Later on, they progressed to an old wooden pavilion at the top of the bank (now the equipment shed) alongside the men’s hockey changing room – having to go through the men’s shower area to access the kitchen to do the teas!
A new clubhouse and changing rooms were built in 1990 and the grass pitches (on the outfield of the cricket ground) were swapped for an Astroturf surface.
So, as evolution has taken place, Chris has been there to see and influence it, being a team captain for a couple of decades (bringing countless junior players into the adult game) and Secretary to the Sports Club for a similar period.
To celebrate this unique milestone, friends and former players of all ages enjoyed and supported a celebration match in her honour. Her team was victorious, winning 4-3 – with captain Chris scoring two penalty stroke goals. This was the performance of a true captain, leading by example.
Chris said “As most of you know, the Club has been my second home for the last 50 years. This is where I have enjoyed the sport I love the most, where I met husband Geoff, and where I have made many friends.”
She was presented with an engraved trophy and large floral arrangement by Jess Carter, Poppy Williams and Jenny Irish.
Well done Chris !
See the photos in the gallery HERE
