Both for those who haven’t been here before and for those who have, I’d like to tell you a bit about the club then let you have some exciting news - so keep reading!
St Ives is a thriving hockey club drawing on players from all around the town and beyond. We currently run four ladies’ and five men’s teams spanning all ages and abilities as well as mixed teams.
We also run a very active junior section with ages starting from three years, and numbering around one hundred and thirty future adult players.
The club is supported by a committed and enthusiastic group of volunteers including umpires, coaches, captains and of course the management committee.
Over the last few years, it has become apparent that the pitch is old, threadbare and hard, playing very differently to the pitches at the venues our teams visit on a weekly basis. Perhaps responding to the commitment and success the club demonstrates,
Huntingdon District Council (HDC) has approved the funds to have the pitch replaced, meaning a new surface with shock layer, LED lighting and improved fencing.
In addition, SIHC itself has applied for, and won, a grant from the (Thalia) Amey Landfill Communities Fund to replace the shelters and provide a storage container pitchside for junior training kit.
Not only should the grant cover the provision of the equipment but it also represents a SIHC-owned contribution towards the whole facility, a fact which is important for our future involvement.
Seven contractors have submitted quotations to HDC with a view to starting in August and finishing by 1 October – this year!
Of course, the details need to be completed and the winning contractor(s) appointed, but the whole project is being handled by Notts Sports Ltd on behalf of the council and is therefore well under control.
So - for those who are new or returning to the game or have children who would like to learn a skillful and exciting sport in a well-managed environment, I would strongly encourage you to get in touch through the website. For those already involved with the club,
I hope the above news comes as a very pleasant surprise – reward, I am sure, for the commitment and success demonstrated throughout.
I hope you all have a great summer but meanwhile grab the summer hockey events when you can – it should be a very different start to the season!
Best wishes
Adrian Howson
SIHC Chair
We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
