Friends of Western this year celebrates a decade of existence and a litany of achievements in supporting our club.
Friends of Western was founded in 2005 with the aim of providing a means of contact for anyone with an interest in Western Hockey Club – past members, players currently not playing (e.g. away at university) and parents of junior and senior members etc., and keeping them informed of club activities.
The initial mail shot to a large number of ex-players produced an encouraging response. The recommended annual subscription of £10 was intended to cover cost of postages, photocopying and stationery. The Friends obviously didn't anticipate the digital revolution!
Without a doubt, their biggest contribution was the financial support - both collectively and individually - for the new pitch. This ran to thousands. Financial support has also been given to teams in European competition where the yardstick was to try to provide a sum equal to the costs for one participant. There has also been occasional match sponsorship for both men and women's first teams.
The most visible signs of Friends of Western’s influence can be seen around the pitch in the shape of the Norman McLeod Memorial Clock, scoreboard, flag and Bill Matheson Memorial Bench.
The A.B. Carnegie Trophy for team of the year was commissioned by Friends of Western and this handsome prize has quickly become a keenly anticipated annual award.
Finally, a real labour of love – and something that marks out our club from the others – is the caps gallery which hangs proudly in the club bar, listing every Western player to have represented his or her country while a member of our club.
As with any organisation, Friends of Western relies on new members to keep it fresh, vibrant and relevant. If you wish to join, please contact Gus Scott via the Contact section of the website.