Jean has been the absolute backbone of Wycombe Rye Ladies Hockey Club for a very long time and has dedicated herself to supporting the Club in every possible capacity. Jean joined the Club in 1948 as a 16 year old, taking on her first responsibility shortly afterwards in the 50-51 season, and joining committee in the 52-53 season. Amazingly, she has been in office since then and has just completed her 55th season on the committee, where she continues to be a very proactive and valuable member, and whose opinion is sought on a regular basis.
Her first job was looking after the corner flags for match days but she soon progressed to being responsible for balls. This involved keeping the leather balls clean and re-painting them as required, her then to be husband, Roy, making a contraption to assist with this ball-painting task.
Jean was elected Club Captain in 1953 and over the course of the next 23 years was captain for 15 seasons and vice captain on 3 other occasions. During this time she had added other responsibilities, being assistant treasurer from 1960 to 1964 and stepping up to become treasurer from 1964 onwards. She has held this post continuously since then (4 + 43 years) and continues to run an efficient and tight ship. At the recent 2007 AGM she offered her services for yet another year. This was, as usual, unanimously supported thus taking her into her 48th year -" a truly remarkable achievement.
Jean continued to play for the Club until she was 58 (1990) but this did not in any way signal her retirement from the game. Instead, she took up the whistle and has been umpiring ever since, continuing to do so for the 3rd team every week despite now being 75. Her only break from umpiring through the season is the 3 weeks leading up to Armistice when she organizes and runs, with Roy, the local Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Jean became Club President in 2002.
Jean´s commitment to hockey is not restricted to Wycombe Rye Ladies, but over the years has extended way beyond this. She has always been a tremendous supporter of the indoor game and in 1969 was one of the instigators of the Buckinghamshire Indoor League, which she then ran until 1980. A new post of County Indoor Secretary was created in 1973 and Jean held this position for the next seven years. On stepping down in 1980, Jean was made an Honorary Vice President of Bucks for services to the County, and was presented with a carriage clock. Later, when the constitution was changed, this title was renamed Honorary Life Member.
In 1984 Jean was re-elected as Indoor Secretary and held this post until her retirement from the County committee in 2001.
Jean also officiated at regional and national indoor competitions and tournaments for many years, including Southern Counties, Home Counties, Schools and All England, including international fixtures.
Jean was also an indoor and outdoor County selector (Bucks) from 1981 until 1994.
In 1980 Jean won a local award for -ÜServices to Sport" and progressed to the South Finals. It is hard to believe that 27 years later she remains as dedicated as ever.
Other information:
- Played indoor and outdoor for Buckinghamshire;
- Played for the Wycombe mixed team;
- Involved in Club coaching, including junior development;
- Takes a keen and active interest in the Wycombe Rye Ladies junior section;
- Was frequently the Club´s top scorer;
- Represents the Club at various meetings;
- Takes a keen and active interest in the welfare and development of the whole Club.
