Cheryl Harding
As I have found out over the past 2 years BHC really is a wonderful, welcoming club and has so many things going for it – the key questions are can we make it better? And if so, how? We need to work together as one team – in work I have a lot of experience in bringing separate divisions together under one strategy. I hope to bring this experience in to help the men, women, juniors & vets all pull together to create one vision.
We have challenges ahead as a club – not least of which is funding the replacement of our pitches and the much needed refurbishment of the clubhouse. This is a sales project – and that is the world I live in.
Everyone who knows me will say that I am definitely not lacking energy and enthusiasm. Hopefully you will give me the chance to bring that drive and energy into helping BHC achieve it’s full potential.

James Oakley
I've been a part of Bedford HC for over 26 years and have been lucky enough to experience all aspects of the club in one way or another. Ranging from playing as a junior on Sunday morning to representing the men's 1s in Prem A. Off the pitch I like to be an active member of the club having coached both senior & junior sides, arranged multiple summer league teams and having umpired at some point all teams through the club. From the committee aspect I've held or been involved in the majority of positions from umpire sec to club captain which gives me an excellent understanding as to how a club of this size is run & any complications it can face.
Moving forwards I'd like to help the club grow by securing & improving our links with our local schools by increasing the junior offering from the club for the lower ages. We should look to develop the teachers’ knowledge of the sport so it can be made more available in the local schools. I'd also look to setup an official link with the University of Bedfordshire which would help the club grow in both numbers & quality both on and off the pitch.
For developing our existing talent I'd like to set up a structured programme for coaches & umpires where anyone who is interested can receive an immediate support network and to ensure they get the help they require from senior members in the club. Also using our existing hockey network/links with Australian & Dutch clubs, explore the possibility of twinning with a non U.K. based club to share knowledge and best practice.
Vote me in as Chairman as I have the experience, ideas & drive to help develop the club to the next level and make Bedford the first choice for hockey in the east region.

Reminder – BHC AGM Friday 19th May, 7pm at Bedford Sports & Hockey Centre

Breaking somewhat with AGM tradition, we are going to use this meeting for two purposes. Firstly as a traditional AGM, but Captains reports will all be written and available for review ahead of the meeting (at least 24 hours) and will be taken as read.
This will generate more time to debate the second part of the meeting: "The Future of Bedford HC - the next 25 year Strategy Plan". Bedford HC will be 125 years old during the 2018 season. Our first 100 years were fairly nomadic, playing at several different venues throughout the town. It was the drive of club members in the lead up to our 100th birthday that saw in 1993 the development of our current home at Bedford Sports & Hockey Centre that will also be 25 years old next season. As we prepare to celebrate our 125 year milestone it is time to plan for our next 25 years, to ensure that in 2043 hockey is still strong within the town.
How should we do this? What facility would you like to see here in 2043? More pitches, more changing rooms, bigger car park, sand-dressed or water-base pitches? Do we employ our own full-time coach? Do we remain in Queens Park? Everything is open to debate.
The AGM is in 9 days time. If you have suggestions, plans, proposals please put them down on paper and we will collate. Do you have any skills that you can offer - fund-raising, architectural, building, project management - again please let Rob Oakley know by e-mail to robertoakley1@hotmail.com or text 07721 336329.
When we started planning in 1991, we only had £5,000 in the club funds and yet two years later we ended up with this fantastic two pitch facility costing around £500,000, the envy of many East Hockey Clubs. So anything is possible if you have a strong enough desire to make it happen.

Come and have your say at 7.00pm on Friday 19th May.

Thanks for your time,

Rob Moulam & Rob Oakley