It is with great pride that we can announce that Helen Richardson has been voted Player of the Year by the Hockey Writer's Club. Helen kindly opened the new pitch in September, and for those of you with a fairly recent pedigree, Helen was "turned on" to hockey by Jonesy in the Juniors. She has such fond memories of the Club that she has donated her winnings, and impressed upon the Hockey Writers how she appreciated those early days. Please read her email below.

"You maybe aware that the Hockey Writer's Club have an annual awards ceremony and for 2009 they voted me women's player of the year! This was obviously great for me but it also meant I was able to donate my winners cheque of £250 to a hockey organisation of my choice. Of course I choose West Bridgford HC for the important part it played in giving me the best foundation possible to my hockey career.

I would like it to go towards the junior section if possible to help with the fantastic work you do. So I have the cheque here with me and I was thinking the best thing would be for me to send it to you. I did think about coming up to the Club and present it in some way but I was looking at my diary and I really don't seem to have a spare moment any time soon! I have attached a photo of me with my trophy and here is the link to the report on the hockey writers web site in case you were interested!

I know I mentioned this briefly in my speech at the pitch opening but I really am very grateful for all WBHC did for me and I was so pleased I had the opportunity to say that at the awards ceremony in front of some very big hockey big wigs! I hope the season is going well and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Helen Richardson"

Our next beer festival is on Friday 12th Feb (4.00-11.00)and Saturday 13th Feb (12.00-11.00),although smaller than in November we still promise excellent quality! The beers ordered are: Black Hole Supa Nova, Blue Monkey Evolution, Brains Rev James, Butcombe Gold, Dark Star American Pale Ale, Exmoor Gold, Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted, Leeds Pale, Loddon, Magpie, Oakham Bishops Farewell, Phoenix Snowbound, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Shepherd Neame Amber, Youngs Kew Gold and Thatchers Cheddar Valley Dry Cider

JAN 30TH AND 31ST NATIONAL INDOOR HOCKEY FINALS AT TRENT FM ARENA
FEB 7TH MENS 2NDS AT HOME IN QUARTER FINALS OF EHL TROPHY V CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
FEB 12TH AND 13TH BEER FESTIVAL
MARCH 6TH CURRY AND QUIZ 2
APRIL 10TH ANNUAL DINNER AT TRENT BRIDGE
APRIL 17TH END OF SEASON TOURNAMENT
JULY FIH WOMENS CHAMPIONS TROPHY AT HIGHFIELDS

We had a wonderful day on September 5th, many thanks to our Guests Martin Gotheridge, Helen Richardson, Andy Pike, Ben Rea, Joan Wall and Rob McDonagh for helping us celebrate such an important event for the Club. Thanks to the School, National Hockey Foundation (www.thenationalhockeyfoundation.com), Rushcliffe Borough Council and WBMHC Buy A Square, for all contributing towards the project. I am sure that you will all agree that the pitch looked superb and played superbly during the day. We had almost non-stop matches, with a pause for the official opening by Helen, and rousing speaches by Helen, Martin, Pete and Martin E. The pig roast went down well, after careful positioning up-wind of the pitch. Thanks again for everyone who helped make it such a memorable day, and for those with a poor memory we have a picture page thanks to Simon Cooper and Bob Douglas - Click the image below.

We have only gone and done it - we scooped the (now) prestigious Rushcliffe Sports Club of the Year Award at today's gala event at Rushcliffe Arena. The red carpet was out for the movers and shakers in Sport in the region, and all the top Clubs were there to see who was to take home the coveted Top Club Award - and it was US....

Here we are getting the award from Tracey Francis, Notts Cricket Club development officer and ex Monarch. Bet she wished she hadn't deserted us. You've all done very well - I think I'm turning into old Mr Grace.