Three generations of hockey players from the Smith family will be among the people celebrating Rakaia Hockey Club’s 125th jubilee next week.
Audrey Smith, her daughter Amanda Taylor and grandchildren Britney and Olivia Taylor will be raising their sticks for the celebration at the Rakaia Domain over April 25 and 26.
Taylor, on the jubilee committee, said Audrey, (nee Burrowes), first took to the hockey field in the late 1940’s. Then shinpads were made of wood, they wore Converse boots and an interesting style of uniform.
Since then, 87-year-old Audrey has remained a loyal and dedicated member of the club, Taylor said.
‘‘Mum has given many hours of her time as a delegate, secretary, team manager, fundraising and committee member and was awarded a life member in 1992,’’ Taylor said.
‘‘She still takes to the field in the Golden Oldie’s tournament for Mid Canterbury Inbetweens, alas only as the orange girl (Rakaia player),’’ Taylor said.
Taylor, 51, followed in her mother’s footsteps with the club taking to the grass field in the 80’s.
One of her proudest achievements at Rakaia was when her team was undefeated for two years running, coached by the late Connie Johnston.
Taylor still manages to cause a ruckus on and off the field for Rakaia Mayhem Golden Oldies.
Her daughters, Britney, 21, and Olivia, 18, have picked up the stick to play on turf and represented Mid Canterbury.
‘‘You can bet your ball and stick that their grandmother was right there on the sideline cheering them both on,’’ Taylor said.
Over the years, many other families have also been involved, and the club has seen plenty of changes from facilities, equipment and playing styles.
Hockey has moved from wooden to modern graphite sticks, grass fields to fast-paced artificial turf.
Rakaia Hockey Club 125th celebrations will start at the Rakaia Domain on Anzac Day night with a full day Saturday.
Among the activities planned are speeches and photos as well as a hockey game.
There will be an opportunity for former members to dust the cobwebs off their hockey sticks and get out on the pitch for a game, as well as watching a game, Amanda Taylor said.
A game of rugby was also being played in the domain.
Taylor joked that partners could watch the rugby while former hockey players recalled stories.
At Rakaia, gone are the days of a small tin dressing shed acquired from the swimming pool, or the hockey pavilion built in the early 80’s, now in their place is a soon-to-be-completed modern-day recreation centre.
Taylor said the anniversary was a remarkable milestone for the club and a time to reflect on the triumphs and achievements over the years, as well as the challenges which had tested its resilience.
“Gone were the days of grass fields, the rise and fall of representative teams and the changing numbers of player participation, the story of Rakaia Hockey is one of resilience, solidarity and ultimately the shifting tides of small-town sports,’’ she said.
One treasure making an appearance at the celebrations with been the team mascot ‘‘a hockey stick from about 80 years ago that has gone on many trips with the teams,’’ Taylor said.
Saturday night anniversary attendees will enjoy a dinner together along with a special surprise guest speaker.
‘‘The celebration is a fitting time to honour the past while acknowledging the future. The weekend promises to bring together old friends and teammates.
‘‘It includes friendly games for those keen to be involved, many of whom haven’t laced up their boots in years, showing the younger generations that the love for the game hasn’t diminished, even after all these years.”
She said while some may find themselves on the field, others will watch from the sidelines, cheering, laughing, and reminiscing their glory days,’’ Taylor said.
Everyone who has been involved with Rakaia Hockey is welcome to their 125th celebration.
â– Rakaia Hockey Club 125 year’s celebration at the Rakaia Domain, 30 Rakaia Barrhill Methven Rd on April 25 and 26. Registration $20 non-refundable per adult, school age children $10 this covers Friday evening and Saturday daytime activities. The Saturday evening dinner/dance and guest speaker $50. Registrations close April 18. For information Ph 027 3453714 or [email protected]
