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BHHHC Newsletter 21 October 2022

Astro News

In an unexpected plot twist, and accompanied by much furrowing of brows, the maintenance gate padlock refused to be a padlock on Sunday, preferring the role of useless chunk of metal. Repeated entry of the super secret combination code merely resulted in decidedly rude inaction from the padlock. Even worse, I had to walk all the way around via the main entrance gate, which is not what was needed prior to walking hockey. Even the inspired genius of trying lots of other numbers that were not the right ones was unable to spring the lock so we called in the big guns and vented a certain amount of frustration upon the lock. You can see the end result of Mr Dubenski’s Universal Padlock Key above.

Coaches and TigerTurf sweepers will now be relieved to hear that a new lock is in place. Phew.
October Half Term Youth Camp

Please book your place via our website.

Contact Louise for further information.

Hudito Happy Hockeydays Tour (Holland)!

REGISTRATION OPEN for Hudito Happy Hockeydays Tour (Holland)!

This fun-packed hockey tournament in Holland is taking place 26 May to 29 May 2023 (UK bank holiday weekend).

Tour is available to members who will be 18+ by May 2023. 

You will need to pay a deposit of £30 by 30 November 2022 to secure your place.

See full details on our website.

Clubhouse News

I am pleased to report that last weekend I was able to undertake several important research projects. Before I get onto that I should point out that the friendly and welcoming bar staff scarpered extremely politely and efficiently when I pointed my camera at them so you will have to make do with their advertising board above. They soon returned to promote the latest flavour of crisp, but that is a story for another day.

The research projects in question comprised Americano (labelled black coffee but I had some milk in it too, tasted like coffee), Hot Chocolate (the one on the bottom row, tasted like hot chocolate) and Thatchers alcohol free cider (quite remarkably, this tasted like cider). I am pleased to report that all beverages exceeded my expectations and I am now plucking up the courage to venture into the hitherto unknown territory of cappuccino. 

This weekend the bar will be open from 12:00 on Saturday due to an absence of league opposition and the addition of an intra club small sided mini tournament.

On Sunday the bar will be closed as there will be no youth training. The next Sunday opening will be on 30 October 09:30 - 12:30. If the demand is there, this is in danger of becoming a regular arrangement.

Correction 
In last week’s newsletter I reported that Sunday opening was available with hot drinks, soft drinks, hard drinks and snacks. I have been corrected multiple times on this matter so am hereby correcting myself in an effort to stand corrected by announcing that the Sunday Bar is a Teetotal bar, with no alcohol on sale. Soz.

There is a rumour that the bar will be open on 26 October 19:30 - 22:30 in an inspired attempt to get more people to go to training, I assume. You can do all that running around with the assurance of corrective measures available immediately afterwards, or even during if you can sneak out without the coach spotting you.

BOAT Face
Further news of the BOAT/road/lane/gravel track resurfacing is in. Works commence on 31 October. The club facilities will be sort of accessible on 31st, but there will be changes to the road surface as the contractors do whatever it is that they have to do prior to applying two layers of surfacing materials on Tuesday 1 November. Caution is advised when accessing the club facilities on 31 October.

On 1 November the tarmac is being applied so the entire BHHHC grounds and facilities are closed for everybody. Yes, that means you. I am sure that you are concerned for the many activities planned for that day but it’s ok - we have moved Walking Hockey to Wednesday 2 November 13:00, bring a fiver. The Runnies are being rearranged or refunded by our ever efficient operations management system (Mr Dubenski and his multi coloured spreadsheet).

This will be the first day that I can think of in the past 23 years that I have known the club that you are, sadly, not welcome to pop down. The inconvenience will be worth it as the newfangled super smooth road surface will improve the arrival experience for all. New fangled not quite so smooth road humps will be deployed to ensure that you are able to enjoy the vista as you arrive at a nice sedate pace please, it will not be a race track.

Should you be wondering where the heck you are going to park your car once you have enjoyed the shiny new access BOAT, I am assured by more than one anonymous source that the matter of car parking is being discussed. Currently, not in the middle of an ongoing dog school class is recommended.
Ha Ha at the Hockey Club

Comedy night at the clubhouse is on 19 November.

Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm.

Tickets cost £17.50 and are available through the Get Stuffed Comedy Club website.
 

Featuring:

Dan Evans (MC)
In a 10 year comic career, Dan likes to feel years his twisted logic has seen the nation through the dark days of the death of HRH The Queen Mother, Beckham's missed penalty and the uncertainties of 21st century property prices.

Howard Read
Howard is an award-winning writer, stand-up comic, songwriter, actor and animator. He specialises in writing and performing family and children’s comedy for stage and TV.

Ben Norris
Ben is a highly experienced and hugely well-respected stand-up. He’s been performing comedy since 1993 and is renowned for his incredibly relaxed stage persona and his innate ability to improvise as well as deliver sharply crafted material.

Zahra Barri
She Comedies, she writes novels (debut novel won Runner Up in Comedy Women in Print Prize 2020), she Voiceovers, she Presents, she Blogs, she Drinks, she’s turning into her Mother.

Boxing Day Game Supporting Hector's House

It's actually on Boxing Day this year!

This year's Boxing Day game will be the first such game on the new astro rather than on grass. The bar will open but there is not going to be food, apart from a cheeky mince pie or two.

Please indicate whether you would like to play by toggling the "Are you attending?" marker for this event in the Calendar in the Pitchero Club app or on the website:

We will be using the game to raise money for Hector's House, which is a suicide prevention and mental health awareness charity based in Berkhamsted – set up by the family of Hector Stringer, who took his own life at just 18 years old. It is their mission to stop suicide by ensuring everyone has access to the mental health services, and to encourage people to talk openly about how they feel through education, awareness and support. Visit their website for more information or if you cannot play and would like to make a donation you can do so on their website.

⭐️ Star of the week ⭐️

This week was another tricky week. With plenty going on behind closed doors it was difficult to pick…..but don’t panic. Our star has been found ⭐️

This weeks star is a quiet man, he would prefer to be hidden amongst the shadows, he prefers the finer things in life…..who am I kidding, this man could never be missed!! He has the loudest voice, his encouraging calls can be heard for miles, but he has the biggest heart. He is Berko through and through, and he is one fifth of the super team who helped to make our Astro dream become a reality. 

This man does so much for our little club more than you and I would ever know, he has probably even held every position possible on and off the committee. 

This weeks STAR OF THE WEEK GOES TO……..Mr Payton! 
Thank you sir, for all you’ve done and continue to do 

We want your selfies!

We joined the club two years ago, initially intending for the three girls to test the water and see if they enjoyed the game. Jem and I, having had at least a 15 year dry spell since Uni/School hockey, hadn't envisaged picking up a stick again, but it's been a testament to how welcoming and encouraging the club are that we are now all back on the pitch in some shape or form.

It's been great to have something that we can all participate in and enjoy as a family and celebrate each other’s achievements. We've put some of the highlights for each of us below:

Annie (U10 girls) - making new friends and scoring goals!

Hetty (U12 girls) - learning to become goalie and Sunday morning training with Jay!

Bea (U14 girls) - the holiday youth camps, making some good friends in our team and getting selected for county.

Jem (B2H) - it's been nice to get playing again in a very informal and unpressured setting, it's also been great as a family that the girls all enjoy the same thing and we are consolidating our parent taxi service.

Tim (M3 and U10G team manager) - the supportive nature of the team coaches is incredible and being able to help with the youth teams and see the girls develop and compete has been amazing.

Send your selfie to: Ladiescc@berkohockeyclub.com before the end of October to be in with the chance to win our special gift!!!

Donations Needed!
On Sunday 27th November we will be holding a raffle at Berkhamsted Christmas market. Please, if you have anything suitable knocking around at home or in the office, please pass donations on to me at training between now and then. 

I am happy to collect donations from the local area. Thanks for those who have donated already. 

Kind regards,
Stef Langdon.
Santa Sleigh - Volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed for the BHHHC Santa sleigh drive. 1st December, great fun evening doing something very heart warming, that helps others, our club and the local community. Let Nick Cave know if you can help out. Ho ho ho

Dates for the Diary

1 November - Everything is closed, please do not visit the club
2 November - Walking Hockey 13:00
19 November - Comedy Night
27 November - Berko Christmas Festival (we’re running a stall)
1 December - Santa Sleigh collection
17 December - Christmas Party
28 January - Bingo Night
25 February - Pancake Party
25 March - Liquid Art Night
29 April - End of Season Awards
26-29 May 2023 Hudito Hockeydays Tour (Holland)
16-18 June 2023 BHHHC Mixed Festival

Contribute

If you have some club related news that you would like to share with our big hockey family feel free to send it, ideally with a photo, to newsletter@berkohockeyclub.com.

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