Dear Club Secretary / Head of PE

I appreciate that it is only a few weeks since you received the last Circular but there are a number of items that I felt you would wish to know about.

A letter from the WHU Year of The Youth Coordinator, Margaret Smith, is enclosed and I would ask that the information it contains be circulated to all your members and students.  The emphasis is on junior participation at both schools and clubs with a number of activities arranged to support this International initiative.  A poster and booklet to support the campaign are also enclosed for display.

Initial reaction to the WHU arranging courses has been very positive and we now require an indication from Clubs as to the number of members that would like to attend one or both of the courses.   I enclose a simple return sheet, which I would be grateful if you will complete and return to the WHU office by 23^rd March 2001.  You will also note that we have asked Clubs to host the courses in order that they can be spread around the country and again, an indication would be appreciated.  Once all the details have been received we will liaise with St. John Ambulance with the RDO’s also contacting you with regards to the Community Chest applications that will be required to finance the courses.  As a reminder there are two courses available, the first for those involved with senior players at £35 and the second for those involved with younger players at £20 with both courses being run over 2 or 3 sessions totaling 7 hours.  ‘Grab’ bags specifically designed for hockey containing various First Aid items will also be available at an approximate cost of £30 each and again, an indication of numbers required would also be appreciated.

There are not many weeks left to sell your tickets as all counterfoils and cash (you retain 70%) must be returned to the promoter, Anne Mullin, by 16^th March 2001. The actual draw itself will take place on 24^th March and a reminder is enclosed for your Clubhouse / School notice board.

In view of the comments (good and bad) surrounding the performance of the GB Olympic teams in Sydney, GB Roadshows have been arranged to allow every hockey-supporting person in the country an opportunity to discuss the future of GB.  Presentations from the GB Coordinator, Staff and Players will be made together with videos and pictures from the Tournament itself.  Entry is free with the two local presentations to be held at Cannock HC on 26^th March and Welsh Institute of Sport, Cardiff on 2^nd April.  A poster is enclosed for your notice board and I would ask that as many as possible attend the Roadshows – it is an opportunity for you to have your say in the future of hockey at GB level.  Please display the attached poster and ensure all your members are aware of the events.

You will no doubt be aware that the WHU is holding the 3^rd Festival from 23^rd - 27^th July 2001 in Cardiff.  Details are enclosed together with an entry form, and any other information you may require can be found either on the WHU web site www.welsh-hockey.co.uk or by email to [email protected]

Entries are now being received and as there are a limited number of places available, to ensure you are not disappointed, please contact Margaret Smith on 01492-641539 as soon as possible.

We are extremely pleased to announce that Mike Williamson has been appointed as the new coach to the Senior Men’s Team. Mike has supported Wales for a long time earning 122 Senior caps, and acting as the Senior Coach during 1989-90 and during the Commonwealth Games in 1998.  Formerly a player at Hounslow he is now with the successful South League Club, Maidenhead, and we wish him well in his immediate task of preparing Wales for the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Scotland in July.

As some of you may be aware the WHU Administrator, Hilary Borrow, has decided to ‘hang up her boots’ and take the opportunity of following her husband into retirement within the next few months.  We are therefore looking to replace Hilary as soon as possible and an advert is enclosed for any of your members who may be interested in applying for the position.

This year’s Celtic Cup will be held at UC Bangor between 14^th – 16^th September.  It is the first time that we have used this venue and any support you can offer to the organiser, Rob Charmley, either in the run up to, or during the event itself would be much appreciated.  Rob can be contacted on 01244-547304 (H)

I f you have any items for inclusion in the Agenda for the AGM please ensure they are forwarded to this office by 1^st May 2001in accordance with item 22c of the WHU Constitution.

Chris Brewer

Director of Hockey