Happy 2015 to everybody involved in playing, supporting or coaching hockey at Jubilee Park (and for those unfamiliar with the term, that’s the official name of the home of Henley Hockey Club).

The first half of the season has seen much to cheer about. On the pitch, both men’s and women’s 1s are at or close to the top of their respective leagues, we have a huge and vibrant Colts’ section, eight teams are playing regular league hockey, and more juniors than ever before are playing in the senior ranks. In the clubhouse, which has played host to two successful social events, we have a lovely new kitchen, reappointed lavs that don’t leak and beautiful new custom made curtains and blinds.

I’m sure our small band of volunteers won’t mind if I don’t mention them individually, but I’d like to thank them all on your behalf for their commitment and hard work. It is tireless, anonymous and often thankless but it makes playing hockey and socialising in the club house possible, safe, comfortable and financially sustainable.

So to my first call to action. I used the word ‘small’ advisedly. Our club membership, if we include playing, social and colts’ members and their parents, is well over 200 and the activity we all enjoy is made possible by a core group of about 15 people. I would very much like to broaden that, so I would urge anybody who has a skill or talent which you think might benefit the club to volunteer. Even if you don’t think you have a skill or talent, but you’d just like to be involved or to have your view heard, step forward!

To this end, anybody who would like to is invited to come along to the club house at 8pm on Monday 2nd February for a general chat about your club: what’s good, what’s not, how can we do things better….if you are interested in coming along, please drop me a line (chair@henleyhockeyclub.co.uk). If you are associated with HHC in any way and want to be involved, we want to hear from you!

The other calls to action are of a social nature.

First, the ever popular quiz night is set for Saturday 31st January at the club house. Get a team together, bring your friends…specialist knowledge of the dietary habits of bonobos or Christmas Top 50s 1965 to 1973 not required.

Second, the annual dinner dance will once again take place at The Great House, Sonning on Saturday 28th March. Tickets are available now at £35 for adults and £30 for junior members. Seats will go to the first 104 people who PAY!

Not everybody has opted in to receive this email, so please talk about it with your team mates, with other parents, in fact with anybody who might like to get involved.

Thank you and see you soon

Julian Herbert, Chairman HHC