Over 50’s – 2018-2019

14/03/19 – Hi Col. And an added thanks to you for doing all the work to get us together throughout the season. It is very much appreciated. See you all in October. Towno
14/03/19 – Gents, Now that a little of the dust has settled, I just wanted to take the opportunity of thanking everyone for their support and involvement over the course of this years campaign. We didn’t get out of it what we hoped for, and although we didn’t play very well last Sunday, in other games we did. By a unanimous decision we have been awarded the best after match hospitality trophy for the season. Even a slice of Heather’s birthday cake couldn’t make up for the two curly sandwiches and 7 chips that I gorged myself upon in that empty bowling club bar. Anyway … one final thanks, on behalf of us all, to Nick for umpiring and also to Jamie who gave up his time, without actually playing, for shouting and screaming at us throughout. So we’ll let this season fade out, have a think about next season and I’ll email everyone again sometime late April. Thanks. Col
09/03/19 – Guys, Given your travel arranging abilities I have no doubt that you’ll arrive (eventually) ready for battle tomorrow. Just don’t forget to win! Richard (not Dick)
08/03/19 – Hi Stu, I’ve spoken with Mike thanks for the offer but to keep things a bit easier when we get back we’ll go straight from Stockport. Hodge
08/03/19 – Mike / Hodge. If you boys want to come over to club myself and Tim could fit you in easily. Seems little point in taking an extra car on a 150/160 miles trip. Just let us know. Planning on leaving 11.45. Stu
08/03/19 – Hodge and I are travelling together leaving from the Stockport based branch. If anyone needs a lift, we have some spare capacity. Col, will look out for you on the Pennines. Cheers. Michael
08/03/19 – I’ve got Stokesey and fat boy Allott with me. Please keep an eye out for us on the hard shoulder cos with his added weight I’m not sure if we’ll make it over the Pennines ! Col
07/03/19 – Will / Tim. I’ll take Dunc and Andy as we can’t get 5 fatboys in a car. Andy will pick you up about 11.40 and Dunc 11.45. Stu
07/03/19 – I’m meeting Tim at THC at 1145 – anyone else going from Timperley? Will
07/03/19 – Hi Stu, Andy. I’m meeting Will at Timperley club at 11.45, have room for 2 more. Cheers. Tim
07/03/19 – Andy I am waiting for Dunc to get back to me. Once I know what he/Tol are doing let’s hook up. There’s Tim as well so at least 5. Stu
07/03/19 – I’m happy to drive or grab a lift. How many have we got going from Timp who are not already sorted? Andy
07/03/19 – Hi Col, Me and Mike C are travelling together as we both are Stockport way. Mike H how are you getting their? Will you travel up to M60 from Macc? If so you can always drive to Mike Cs (Heald Green) or mine (Heaton Mersey)and then travel with us. Hodge
07/03/19 – Hi Tim, Thanks … Will folk to contact directly if they need a lift. I’m picking up Stokesey from the airport and travelling up to York with him and fat boy Allott. See everyone there. Col. Ps we will be 16. Rich Knill (wonky knee) and Fordy (injured finger – interesting story behind that) will not be joining us. Towno will be there on the side providing abuse.
07/03/19 – Hi, I’m happy to drive, room for 2/3 others, from Timperley. Cheers, Tim
28/02/19 – Dear All, I will be driving from Milnthorpe along the A65 to Skipton and A59 through Harrogate. If that is any help to anyone please let me know and we can rendezvous. Best wishes, Phil.
28/02/19 – Gents, The details for the QF vs York on 10th March have been finalised. Start time is 15.00. Venue: Huntingdon School, Huntington Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9WT. Huntington school is NNE of York, just of the outer ring road (A1237). I’d like us to aim to be there by 13.45am in plenty of time. I’m assuming we will all simply pair off into cars or travel independently so can you please let me know your travel plans, who you’re travelling with and if there is space for anyone else…? Umpires appointed by Yorks HA. Nige – i believe you have the shirts. I think thats all…? Col
20/02/19 – ….and confirmation that the game is at 15.00 on the 10th March. Awaiting venue details. Usual stuff … please advise if anyone is unavailable or injured … Col
19/02/19 – 3pm good for me. Jamie
19/02/19 – Hi Col. An 11am start would very much suit me but understand that this may not work for travel for you. I may struggle if it is 3pm. JT
19/02/19 – I’m easy but 3pm is better. Hodge
19/02/19 – 3pm ok with me Col. And for info of anyone interested in playing North of England this year there’s a training session for over 50s at Ryley’s school in Alderley at 1.30 on Sun 3 March. Mark A
19/02/19 – OK … Have just had a call from Yorks capt. They are giving us the choice of either an 11.00am start or a 15.00 start on Sunday 10th March? The earlier would mean leaving Timperley at something like 08.30 to be there just after 10. So I am inclined to opt for the 15.00 start …??? Does anyone have a problem with this? Col. If you have, please contact me directly on 07990 971190
18/02/19 – Hi all. We’ve been drawn away at York on Sun 10th March. It’ll be a battle. More details when I have them. QF draw …. Isca v Old Sils, Bury st Edmunds v Harlaston, Worthing v Jersey or Spencer, York v Timperley. Col
18/02/19 – York away then! Richard Knill
18/02/19 – On holiday today and playing with fire by not starting on the list of jobs the better half has left me to do!!!! Maybe they go for the 4 most Northerly clubs in one hat and the 4 most Southerly in the other hat. Hodge
18/02/19 – Hodge … you have too much time on your hands ! But… if true then we will play York. But to some extent it depends on other regions. Season before last we played Bury St Edmunds in the SF and Lichfield in the QF. Col
18/02/19 – Just found this in the regulations. 6.1.1 In all EH Championships teams will be allocated geographically into Areas. All draws will be made within Areas, up to the semi final stages which will be drawn nationally. Hodge
18/02/19 – No long trip to deepest darkest Kent – Marden Russets lost 7-0 to BSEdmunds. Hodge
18/02/19 – I notice Jersey aren’t playing Spencer until next Sunday, guess it might be a challenge organising an away trip to Jersey in 12 days. Fingers crossed we don’t get Jersey away!!! I assume that’s why the Jersey Spencer game slipped a week. 5th of May is bank holiday weekend so no work, for those that still have to, on the Monday. Hodge.
18/02/19 – Oki doki. Well done to all who contributed to yesterdays 3-1 win over Formby … We’re in the Quarter Finals! Other teams through are Old Sils (Solihull), Isca, Harlaston Magpies, and York. With a couple of other results still to come. So the QF will be on Sun 10th March. I think it will be an open draw and so we could be playing anywhere.. So there is a chance we might travel on Saturday (as with last year for the Taunton match). Keep your diaries free !!! We should know in a few days time and I’ll email everyone in due course. As ever … we are likely to have more available that the 16 we can accommodate in the match day squad … you know the drill. Col. Should we progress further, the Semi Finals are on 31st March. And the date/time of the Final has been changed … It is now on Sun 5th May at 19.00 hrs – evening game.

08/02/19 – Col … Amazing as well how one-legged centre forwards kept their balance so well in those days !!! Nick
08/02/19 – Gents. I had previously mentioned to our esteemed leader that I might not be around on Sunday 17th and indeed that is the case, as I have a family commitment in Truro that weekend. I trust that you won’t cock things up too much – i.e. do not give away any short corners – and therefore I will see you all in the next round. Col – I hope that this makes your job slightly easier re asking one or two to sit the game out. Good luck chaps. Will
08/02/19 – I found this old photo of Dick Allott in his customary ‘all-action’ Hockey pose (that’s him in white in the background), and thought it might make a good poster to put up around the club. Everything for next Sundays game is as previously advised. Meet 11.45 onwards. Match fees £10 or with food/wine its £20. Stu – blue shirts. Umpire – Nick. We’ll wait to see how everyone goes in tomorrow’s club matches, but its likely that I’ll have to ask 1 or 2 people to sit this game out – we’ve managed to avoid it so far.. but don’t think I can for this one. Anyway we’ll see what this weekend brings … Col

Cup Action Poster – Allott (Word Doc)

01/02/19 – OK. So, the start time for the Formby match on the 17th Feb is 13.15. Meet at the club for coffee etc anytime from 11.45 onwards. I’ll be having a chat with Jamie, but it’s likely that we’ll be looking at his collection of charts and diagrams from about 12.15-ish … we won’t get access to the pitch until 12.30 (and we may need to get the goals sorted). Blue shirts provided. Nick to umpire? Sit down food/wine etc as usual afterwards. I’m aware of a couple of possible injuries / unavailability, so please keep me updated on your plans and progress etc. We all know that this will be a close match and that everyone will want to play in it … but we can only name 16. If we have to make any decisions in this regard, I’ll do so on 10th Feb. Otherwise, see you on the 17th. Col

23/01/19 – Hi all, Thanks to all who played in the friendly vs Deeside last Sunday, an enjoyable game, (4-2 win) and apres-hockey experience. For the 17th Feb in the last 16, I’ve seen that we have been drawn at home to Formby !! That’s all the info I have at this stage … Will be back in touch. Col.

16/01/19 – Looks like we will have around 14/15 players for Sunday’s game. Am aware of a couple of players who can’t make it. Towno, Dick, Stokesey. With ref to after match nosh up … anyone playing but not stopping for a meal? Col

04/01/19 – Howdy all. So this confirms a friendly against Deeside on Sun 20th Jan at Timperley. 13.00 start. Meet 12 noon. Usual format for a home game. Coffee – access to pitch from 12.30 – game – nosh + wine. I am assuming everyone is available and ok to play … please let me know if you CANNOT … The next cup game is on Sun 17th Feb. Similarly … please let me know if you CANNOT play in this … The dates of all the remaining rounds in the cup are: Sun 17 Feb, Sun 10 Mar, Sun 31 Mar, Mon 6 May. Col

08/12/18 – OK Gents, Now had the email from EH and its confirmed. We have a bye through R3 on 20^th Jan and will progress into the last 16 with is on Sunday 17^th Feb. There will be four North teams in the draw, Didsbury, Formby, York and ourselves and my prediction is that we will get a home draw against one of them … but we won’t know until around 23/24^th Jan and could easily be required to travel to anywhere. Since the draw came out, Deeside HC have been in touch to enquire if we’d like a friendly game on 20^th Jan at Timperley and at this point I’ve said yes to that idea. So please keep the date free and I’ll confirm over the Xmas break. The dates of all the remaining rounds in the cup are: Sun 17 Feb, Sun 10 Mar, Sun 31 Mar, Mon 6 May. Will be in touch. – Col.

07/12/18 – Yep – that’s it. 18 teams have qualified so far and so R3 seems to consist of two matches down in the south east to whittle that down to 16 and then go from there. So it looks as though we have no game on 20th Jan. – Col

07/12/18 – Looks like we have a bye in the next round – Hodge

03/12/18 – Thanks for all the effort put in yesterday – not an easy match and a struggle in patches to keep our noses ahead. But a win 4-2 and on we go. Particular thanks to Gaz, Rich, Mike & Wil, who whilst not playing – made sure we didn’t stop running/waddling/lurching/gasping. Next match 20^th Jan. Will probably still be regional, but there were switchovers to the Midlands at this stage last season. Will let you know when I do. Col. Other notable results involving north & midlands clubs – possible next opponents: Formby 5 Deeside 2, Durham 0 York 5, Didsbury v Doncaster (no result in), Old Sils 3 Hampton 2, Edgbaston v West Bridgford (no result in), Peterborough 6 Charnwood 1

27/11/18 – Hi all, Does anyone have the set of white shirts? Col

19/11/18 – It’s a 14.30 start at the Edge Ground, Wilmlow Road, just north of Alderley Edge on B5359. Postcode for sat nav is SK9 7QN. The game follows on from our Mens 1^st Match who play Alderley in the Senior Cup. For those who want/able … that game starts at 13.00 and will go to flicks if level at FT … assuming it doesn’t we should start close to 14.30. I’m guessing we will finish around 16.15/30. We’ll be taking a squad of 16. They do have changing facilities there – a bit basic, their captain informed me they call it ‘the shed’, but I’d like us to be changed and ready to go by the end of half time in the match preceding. So around 13.45. Finally, can you just check your diaries and injuries and let me know now if you’ve got a problem. I’d like to be able to sort out any selection issues we might have sooner rather than later. Thanks all … Col

16/11/18 – I’ll contact them today, but its Alderley’s call. I’ve made the assumption that they will play the game at the same location … but I guess its also possible they won’t. Will do what I can. Col

15/11/18 – Any chance to push for the slot after? … Jamie

15/11/18 – How exciting just need to make sure my leg is better. I am now the proud owner of even more neoprene and am already doing light exercise and lots of stretching. Hodge

15/11/18 – Oki Doki … We’ve been drawn away at Alderley Edge on Sun 2^nd Dec. Interesting game … they are starting to get stronger at vets level. Last year they beat Wakefield 4-0 in the first round of Tier 2, then Bowdon 4-2 before eventually losing to Formby 0-4. Similar form to our own. No start time yet … interestingly Alderley Men’s 1^st XI host Timperley 1^st XI on the same day in the Men’s senior cup. That game is currently scheduled for 13.00 … but we’ll see. We play before or after that fixture … not sure yet. I’ll make contact in the next few days and we’ll see where we are… The rest of the North regions matches are: Didsbury V Doncaster, Durham v York, Formby v Deeside Col

21/06/18 – Uncannily I am free on all those dates so all booked in (if selected) – Gaz

12/11/18 – Hi all, Timp 4 Wakefield 0. A bit of a wobbly start, 0-0 at half time and they had hit the post. But we seemed to find our mojo after a thorough dressing down from Jamie and eased through into the next round which is on Sunday 2^nd Dec. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CANNOT PLAY …

Past experience would tell us that its it’s likely that we will have an away match …. But I could be completely wrong. It will still be regionalised and so we need to be prepared for a trip anywhere in the North. Based on results yesterday, the following clubs are all possible opponents … Deeside, Formby, Alderley, Durham … Plus these who’s result is not yet in, Prescot or Didsbury, Doncaster or Belper, York or Harrogate. We should know later this week and I’ll let everyone know accordingly.

03/11/18 – Gents, PLEASE NOTE. The start time of the game next Sunday has been brought forward by 30 mins to 13.00. So… meet anytime after 11.30 for a coffee but please be there changed by 12noon – we will have to set the pitch up after Junior Hockey finishes. All after match festivities as normal, please bring your wallet !! Timp Ladies 1s, follow us in R1 of the EH Cup, also against Wakefield, starting at 14.30. Col

18/10/18 – Round one of the EH Cup vs Wakefield on Sun 11^th Nov. 13.30 start at Timperley. Meet in the club 12 – 12.30 for a coffee. Blue shirts provided. Full meal + cheese/wine afterwards …

Gents, Firstly, you could blow me down with a feather after that 5-5 draw with Timperley 40s last Sun. 5-3 up with 10 min to go, they equalised 21 right at the death. By any measure it was a good result against a very good team with 3 players who have had very recent 1^st XI North Prem experience. Anyway … to move on to more important matters …

As mentioned previously, Dave McGuire and Kev Edwards have stepped back from playing this season.

Mark Andrews and Hodge have graduated from by virtue of their new bus passes

Mike Heathcote and Phil Hyman join from Macclesfield and Kirby Lonsdale respectively.

The basic maths are that we have a squad of 19 for the season (which includes 2 x GKs) and can have a max of 16 for each game.

If you are unable to play on the 11^th Nov … can you let me know asap, please. If we are oversubscribed, then there may be decisions to be made. If that’s the case, then I’ll have a chat with a few people and see what the consensus is and if I have to ask someone to sit the game out – that’s how it will happen.

We’ve all been around the block a few times and we all know there are various criteria that can be used in such circumstances. Never easy and I’ll try to make the right call.

As it happens for this game, I already know of 2 players who can’t play because of other commitments and so it not be an issue at all. Col. 07990 971190

13/10/18 – Gentlemen, we have a home draw vs Wakefield on 11^th Nov. Old friends. I will contact them and make arrangements – but for now, work on the assumption it will be a 1.30 start. Col

09/10/18 – Hi all, this confirms the match this coming Sunday vs the ‘youth element’. Meet 12.45 for 13.30 start. I’m hoping we will know the draw for the 11^th Nov later this week. We’ll be in coloured shirts, the youngsters in white. Col

23/09/18 – Gents. I have news !! Those eagled eyed amongst you will have noticed that Eng Hockey had previously set aside 8 dates for this seasons competition – one more than last year. Anyway, now that the entry deadline has passed they have decided they only require 7 and so have cancelled the first date which was Sun Oct 14^th. This effectively nudges back the whole competition by about a month compares to previous years. So our first competitive cup match is now Sun 11^th Nov, the draw for which, will be made at the beginning of October. However this opens up the tantalising prospect of a useful warm up match against those pimply adolescents, the Timperley over 40s team … So we’ve arranged a game at 13.00 on the 14^th Oct at Timperley. Bring coloured and a white shirt. The usual after-match catering will apply. As usual … I’m assuming you are available for this unless you contact me otherwise. Below are the now confirmed dates for the EH cup competition following … 11^th Nov, 2nd Dec, 20 Jan 2019, 17^th Feb, 10^th Mar, 31^st Mar, 6^th May. Hope that sounds ok … Col

07/09/2018 Hi all, well … Nothing much to report at this stage but thought I should email anyway …

We are entered as usual for this season. The closing date for entries is 15^th Sept and so I’m assuming we will know who our opposition is around a week after that. I will email around when I know, but for now … keep Sun 14^th Oct in your diaries. There is at least a 50% chance it will be at Timperley with a 13.00 or 13.30 start time.

Timperley are also entering an over 40s team this year, not that this should affect us. We think there are enough players around and so both squads are being kept apart until such time that one is knocked out. If you haven’t already told me, and you are unavailable for the 14^th Oct, could you give me a ring on 07990 971190. Otherwise, keep taking the pills and I’ll be in touch in about two weeks time!! Col

21/06/2018 – Gents, So … looking ahead to next season now and thought I’d give you all as much advance warning of dates as possible so that you can get them on the fridge calendar.

However, the first thing I should do through this circular, is to welcome three new eager beavers to the squad. Mark Andrews and Hodge have passed both their medical, the 11+ and thereby graduated by virtue of age whilst Mike Heathcote joins us from Macclesfield HC. You are all most welcome.

Two national finals in the last two seasons is a good record to look back on. But assuming we want that to continue we should remind ourselves of the building blocks that need to be in place well before we play any game. As the old lags from previous seasons will know, I place a lot of emphasis on pre-match organisation and on the whole squad being mutually supportive and committed to the season long adventure. There is no point if we are not. We operate an ‘opt-out’ policy. By that I mean that all information about match dates, meet/start time, team selection, blah blah … will be through this email group. Unless you receive an email to the contrary, assume all previous information is correct. It also means that unless you tell me otherwise, I and the rest of the squad will assume you are available for each and every match and we will plan on that basis. I can’t be doing with ‘last minute’ cry-offs. Radio silence will be taken as … ‘I’m fine, happy to play in all matches or some as/when required, just tell me when/where and how much is required for food & wine…. !’

It’s pretty obvious that as we’re entering a national competition, we could be drawn to play away anywhere. All of us should assume that all of our team mates will travel wherever the competition draw takes us. In reality the early round matches prior to Christmas tend to be regionalised and longer trips, such as the Taunton Vale match, are more likely to be the later rounds in Feb/Mar … BUT in recent seasons we have also been drawn away at Whitley Bay and Harrogate so we commit to everything.

The dates have been set by England Hockey and the first round draw is usually made about a month before. I will email you if there is any change to these dates.

Sun 14 Oct

11th Nov

2nd Dec

20 Jan 2019

17th Feb

10th Mar

31st Mar

18th May.

For the eagle eyed amongst you’ll have noted that they have slotted in another round – now 8 in total. I suspect that’s an insurance policy in case they get a lot of teams entering and so I suspect one of the March dates will be lost … but who knows. All we know is that we will have a game on Sun 14th Oct – so clear the date. I am looking at the possibility of a local warm-up friendly game on possibly 30th Sept … but just waiting for a few other fixtures to be sorted before confirming this.

For all home games, we have a tradition at Timperley to maintain. Not for us, a curly sandwich and pile of communal chips; there will be a 3-course meal afterwards for both teams with lashing of wine. You just need to bring a suitably stocked wallet, transport, pass out or the equivalent and hang around for a couple of hours. The start time for home games is likely to be around 13.00 but that depends on other commitments at the club and so is a little flexible … Match fees for home games are likely to be £20. For away matches, it depends on where and so we’ll sort out on a match-by match basis.

For those of us now used to Jamie’s diagrams and charts, I’m delighted to confirm that he’s agreed to wave his arms and shout at us from the touchline for another season.

Not sure there is much else to say … you all know the drill from last season. Hopefully another long road, ahead so let’s not take anything for granted.

As ever….any problems / queries, give me a ring …
Col Taylor – 07990 971190
PS … Will be in touch again towards the end of July, when we know more about the possibility of a game on 30th Sept.