In Memory of Peter Wilson, Tony Henman, and Richard Kelly.

Tony Henman

Tony was quite possibly the most competitive player to have graced a hockey pitch at BRN and a man who was held in the highest possible regard. Hen’s hockey career started with Hampstead HC before moving to City of Oxford HC when he moved to Oxford from London in 1965.

He featured regularly for touring teams, particularly the Travellers, before he saw the light and joined Hawks in the 1980’s. Hen played at Hawks for many years in the Senators/Falcons and was a hugely popular figure with his teammates, never being prepared to accept anything other than total commitment. He represented England Masters at most age levels above 65. His contribution over the years to the Club will also be remembered for regular donations and the establishment of a bursary for deserving junior players in which he and his wife Jane took a special interest. You would struggle to find a more committed clubman who has been so devoted to Hawks.

Hen was always the best of company, interested in others and never focussing on his own very significant achievements. Of those the Henman Boxing Day Game (a ‘pick-up’ game requiring those selected to be in the age range 10 - 80, of any gender and possessing a good level of camaraderie and fair play) stands as a lasting memorial to Hen. Hawks will make every endeavour to ensure that this fixture (thought by those who have played regularly in it over the years to be the best fixture of the season) survives for many seasons to come. Hen passed away early in May after a long illness during which he showed quite incredible bravery. We are unlikely to see his sort again.

Richard Kelly

Richard (Dick) joined Hawks in 1960/61 and soon took over the right half spot vacated by David Parry who was a Welsh International.

He became 1 st XI vice captain to Bob Hubble in 1963/64, Bob picking him as his VC as much due to his social ability (which was considerable) as his steady play. Selection in those days took place in the Cherwell Arms on a Monday evening and Richard always insisted that there should be a follow up meeting on a Friday evening in the Star Bar at The Randolph, just to make sure all teams had 11 players for matches the next day. By 1965 Richard’s work required a lot of travelling and he moved to London for a time. But this did not stop him from still turning out for Hawks every Saturday - he always made the distance (although several of his cars didn’t!).

Richard was a great clubman, usually being the last to leave after most home and away games. He was a member of the Hawks committee in several capacities especially when building work was involved. He also helped with entertainment and keeping vice presidents involved, and

was 2 nd XI captain for a year in the 1970’s. Richard was heavily involved in the formation of the Club’s first ‘vets’ team (the 2A’s), was a regular attendee at the monthly Hawks Ancients lunches and was a generous contributor to the Club’s Christmas Draws - always attending the President’s Punch Up. Richard passed away in April.

The Club will be all the poorer for the loss of PJ, Hen and Richard. To lose three such important former players and extraordinary members will leave an enormous hole, but they will be remembered with huge affection.

Gents, you will be missed.