We are very pleased to see the season progressing in such a good way. There is a positive vibe around Stead Park during the week at training and also on weekends for games.
Canteen
The Canteen has been very successful to date and we thank you all for patronising it. We are fortunate to have the services of Nita for her provision of Asian soup, fried rice and pasta options. The variety is much broader this year and we have received positive feedback about the baked potatoes, pancakes and ice cream as well as the sweet crepes.
The availability of the Hockey Geelong Membership cards has been well taken up. Thank you for that.
Stead Park Redevelopment
The redevelopment is progressing well and 80% of the design has been locked in. We are currently working on the remaining 20%. This includes what is included in the rooms as well as materials, colours and television configurations.
We do know the Hockey Geelong will be responsible for purchasing a few items. They include, among others:
1. twelve chairs in the boardroom,
2. eight high bar tables and seats in the outdoor area,
3. full sets of plates for 100
4. cutlery for 100
5. desk for the office
6. three display boards for the social room.
If you have any thoughts on how we finance these then please contact me.
Another aspect we need to address is what are we going to do with the existing tables and chairs in the pavilion?
1. Do we have a garage sale for members and/or local community?
2. Should we contact a local school or church to see if they wish to purchase it?
3. Put it all online to sell?
If you know of possible solutions please contact me.
Hall of Fame
The executive is refining the criteria for the Hall of Fame. We are extending the eligibility to those who have been administrators, officials and coaches. This means that the Hall of Fame will cover, players, umpires, officials, coaches and administrators.
The updated criteria shall be sent to clubs in the short term.
Summer Hockey
With the redevelopment we shall only have the Lynette Williams (pitch 2) available for summer hockey at Stead Park. We are looking at how that may look and how Torquay may play a role in summer hockey. More information shall follow shortly.
Finals Series
We are working on how the finals series will look like. The juniors are to have their Grand Final on Saturday 30 th August and the seniors on Saturday 6 th September. Having the Grand Finals separated allows up to focus on each section in a different and new manner. We are keen to continue popular activities as well as add new ones.
One I am keen on is to involve our much-loved dogs with a “best dressed dog” in club colours (prize given) as well as a” doggy dash” with a treat as the prize. Let me know your thoughts please. If you have any other ideas then please see me.
Hockey Victoria Regional Grant
As has been published on the website, HG has appointed the Association Leader for coaching and umpiring. Tom Griffin is the coaching developer and John Larkins the umpiring developer. Please see them if you have any questions. This will allow us to support our coaches and umpires as well as develop their skills for the benefit of
all within our community.
Hockey Geelong Junior Development Coach
A reminder to clubs we have the services of Nic Brydon in her role s as our Junior Development Coach. If any club or team requires her services then please contact her or me. It may be for training and/or games. Nic has made such a positive effect on our junior development. HG covers the expenses so please make use of this opportunity.
Respect for the Game
We would like to thank the players, coaches and spectators for behaving in the appropriate manner. Our sport has many advantages over others and this is clearly evident each and every weekend. We should be reminded of what we do well and it is many, many things. Our community is a special community. We thank you all.
Best wishes
Graeme Dent
President of Hockey Geelong
