60th Anniversary Dinner Round Up

After months of planning, 109 former players and invited guests gathered together at Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Club on Friday 7 September to celebrate 60 years since the Club was formed.

We managed to muster players from across every decade including some from the original 1958 team, amazing.

The evening started with a few drinks and already the atmosphere was buzzing with long lost friends greeting each other to hugs and laughter and the reminiscing began. Youngsters swarmed around our honoured guest and after dinner speaker, Hannah MacLeod, London 2012 Bronze and Rio 2016 Gold Olympic Hockey medallist, selfies and in awe of the (as Hannah described them), two lumps of metal!

After a lovely 3 course meal, guests hung on to every word of Hannah's brilliantly delivered talk where she spoke about her hockey journey and life after international hockey. Her medals were handed out at the start of it and wandered around the floor. Hannah quickly reminded us that she could still run fast enough to catch us all if anybody had any ideas about them!

The evening then turned to the presentation of a new trophy to the Club by the family of the late Ann Helme who sadly passed away at the start of the year. Ann's Award will recognise a "Special Achievement" which means that any member of the Club could be recognised for achieving something special.

Players then continued to mingle with more 'honorary medallists' for the evening being crowned, lots more laughter and memories shared.

Here's to another 60 years!

Reviews...

"Totally agree Jenny, fantastic night, well done to all those involved, you did Garstang proud. Lovely to catch up with everyone.xx" - Diane Ball

"Great evening well done. Happy memories" - Gwyneth Dodsworth

"Thought she (Hannah) was great...naturally funny, very down to earth but v inspirational at the same time. Enjoyed her speech and being able to hold THE medals! Well done for securing her!" - Stephanie Baxter

And a few messages from former players currently overseas

"I am thinking of you all - have a fabulous evening and enjoy. Please have a drink for me"- Catherine Godbold

"So sad I can't be there but I hope you enjoy your evening and great news on the pitch and development of the club" - Michelle Bury

Visit our Photo Album here

You can also view the evening Programme below. If you'd like one of these special keepsakes, there are a few left, just get in touch with SJ.