Wilmslow Hockey Club
Wilmslow Hockey Club, a hockey club in Wilmslow, Cheshire, England, was founded in 1896/97 as one of the very early member clubs of the Cheshire County Hockey Association. Little is known of its early history but a team photo dating to 1899 is believed to have been taken on the Rectory Field. There was, however, no continuity of existence during the war years.
History
The Rev D. M. Brookes restarted the club in 1947/8 with a Parish Church Youth Club team. This team played in the local Youth Clubs Mixed Hockey League.
The Club's first full season as Wilmslow Men's HC was in 1957/8, playing in royal blue and white halved shirts.
In 1964, at the Annual general meeting certain members, fuelled by drink, decided the club strip was boring and clashed too often. "Why don't we wear those luminous orange motorway shirts then we'll never clash with anyone?" one said. The following was greeted with hysterical laughter after which the evening degenerated further. The following day it dawned on the secretary that he had to go and organize two sets of bright orange shirts.
After playing on the Rectory Field (before the construction of Wilmslow Leisure Centre) the Club moved to its new home at Oakwood Farm, Styal, with three grass pitches and a purpose-built clubhouse in 1980. In 2004 the Club built its own all weather 'astro turf' pitch on the Oakwood Farm site.
The Club has been responsible for developing a large number of players who have gone on to play at the highest levels. The Cheshire, Durham, Derbyshire and Warwickshire county teams and even the England squad have all benefited from players reared by WHC.
WHC now fields 5 men's and 3 ladies senior teams with both 1st teams playing in North Hockey Division 2. There are also several junior squads and a strong social and family atmosphere ensure a thriving and busy club. The provision of high level training for each section ensures each player has the opportunity to fulfill their potential at this well established and popular club in Cheshire.