Update
Since the last newsletter there have only been a small number of bookings due to the third national lockdown. The Great Britain Elite Development Programme (EDP) sessions were able to continue during the lockdown period due to the exemption for elite sport. From the 8th March, when the schools reopened, bookings from Nottingham High School were also able to resume. From the 29th March, organised sport was allowed to resume and bookings from local clubs restarted. The bar will reopen from the 12th April for outdoor and takeaway service only.
The hockey season has been curtailed and with associations making the following decisions.
- Nottinghamshire Hockey Association men’s and ladies’ leagues declared null and void.
- Midlands Region Hockey Association men’s league has been declared null and void. Beeston 2nd team have been promoted into the new expanded England Hockey National League.
- Midlands Region Hockey Association ladies’ league has been declared null and void. Beeston 2nd team have been promoted into the new expanded England Hockey National League.
- England Hockey have declared the league season null and void. A consultation period with the clubs has taken place regarding the England Hockey Championships and whether there is enough appetite and time to conclude these competitions if restrictions around travel are reduced to allow them to take place. A decision is expected shortly.
During the lockdown period a number of youths have been entering the site and have caused damage to the dugout on pitch 4. They have been using the dugout for shelter whilst drinking and smoking in a small group. They have also caused damage to the new fence behind pitch 5, broken into a container and damaged a new tractor belonging to Nottingham High School. The incidents have been reported to Nottinghamshire Police.
The skills area between pitch 5 and 6 is due to be installed by Agripower, the main contractor appointed by Nottingham High School to build pitch 5 & 6, in the coming weeks. There is a small snagging list of other jobs which are due to be completed when they return to site.
Hockey in the Community
The December World Class Players camp took place on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December. Another camp is be planned for the Easter holidays on the 12th and 13th April.
Beeston Hockey Club arranged a number of online sessions on Sunday mornings during the national lockdown. The sessions were organised by Gareth Griffiths and up to 100 junior members attended each session.
The new Flyerz group also met weekly on zoom on Monday evenings during the lockdown. The group is continuing to grow and now has 15 members.
England U16 and U18 boys have attended the first of a series of training sessions which have been booked by England Hockey for their NAGS squads.
The summer hockey league provision has been expanded this year due to the shortened season and the huge demand from local clubs to return to sport. The following leagues are being planned:-
- Men’s Masters 6 a side – Monday evenings – starting 26th April
- Men’s 6 a side – Tuesday evenings – starting 27th April
- Ladies 7 a side – Wednesday evenings – starting 28th April
- Badgers 7 a side – Thursday evenings – starting 29th April
- Mixed 7 a side – Friday evening – starting 30th April
- Men’s 11 a side – Tuesday and Thursday evenings – starting 29th June / 1st July
- Ladies 11 a side – Wednesday evenings – starting 30th June
- Mixed 11 a side – Friday evenings – starting 2nd July
The ladies 7 a side summer league will take place from April to June in order to increase the provision of ladies hockey over the summer. We have introduced a new ladies 11 a side competition and a new mixed 11 a side competition which will take place from June to August. A new Badgers 7 a side league is also scheduled to take place starting in April.
Events
Due to the ongoing pandemic and restrictions in place, the usual summer events programme will not take place in 2021. It is hoped that the U13 UK Lions boys’ and girls’ tournaments will be able to take place in June and July respectively.
There have been a number of provisional enquiries for large hockey events for 2022 and 2023. These will be published in the newsletter once they are confirmed.
World Hockey Masters have announced the men’s and ladies O35 and O40 World Cups will be taking place in Nottingham from the 12th – 21st August 2022.
Repairs and improvements
In February, further repairs have been made to pitch 1 where the pitch had a number of small tears.
The electric periodic test which is undertaken every five years was completed in January. Remedial works are due to be carried out in the coming weeks.
The building work in the new changing room area has now been completed and they are currently being decorated.
