Swindon Hockey Club celebrated 100 years of hockey with their Centenary Dinner Dance at The Village Hotel at Shaw Ridge in West Swindon on Saturday February 29th.

The room was full with 165 people attending, with players from the early 50s to the present day. A superb hockey memorabilia corner with photos from the 50s to the current season, along with a display of the changing style of kit worn and hockey sticks used just after the war, was a very popular attraction.

A magnificent £1,050 towards the purchase of the Dugouts was raised from the 2 raffles. The very generous donation of an expensive Tissot watch by ex Swindon hockey player Richard Deacon of Deacons Jewellers raised £470 alone. The prize watch was won by Pete Cowx who retired from hockey in the late 90s. Deacons are also along with The Wichelstowe Community Fund the main sponsors of the 3 new Dugouts which will be installed by Harrods at the pitch next week.

Speeches were made by the chair Jim Towers and Bruce Cameron the president, whilst the oldest ex player in attendance was John Oliver.

The Village Hotel provided a superb meal and the Top Hat Disco provided the music for the busy dance floor. As ever the bar was well attended till early morning!

SHC first played on a grass pitch opposite the Black Horse Pub in Wroughton in the 1920s. In 1952 the club moved to the then new Moredon Sports pitches with its new changing rooms, which incidentally was opened by our Queen who was then Princess Elizabeth! A Redgra pitch was later laid at Moredon.

With the advent of Astro pitches, the club moved to Dorcan Academy, Lydiard Park (Greendown),and Abbey Park before moving to their new home at The Deanery School Wichelstowe in July 2019.

The club membership has increased significantly with the move to The Deanery School, with the junior section doubling in size.

SHC run 3 Men’s and 2 Ladies teams as well as a Mixed team . On Saturday the Ladies 1s were crowned Champions of Premier 2A, whilst this Saturday March 7th, the Men’s 1s if they win, will win promotion to the Premiership.

SHC have their hockey teas in the superb Hall & Woodhouse pub and restaurant in its very attractive location adjoining the restored section of The Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal.