Maurice Kittrell. Image courtesy of Tony Tucker.

It is with sadness that we record the death of Maurice Kittrell, a very well-known and great hockey personality and supporter. His friendliness and enthusiasm for all aspects of hockey was second to none.

Maurice was probably best known for his long association with Hounslow Hockey Club which he joined as a schoolboy at the age of 16 in 1946. A regular 1st XI player through three decades, he was captain through most of the 1960s and was Captain of the Club from 1969 to 1971. He also played for Middlesex, the South and England. This was in an era when Hounslow was undoubtedly one of the premier clubs in England. He was Hon. Secretary from 1981 to 1987 and later, as Club Chairman, he was heavily involved in their move to Dukes Meadow and the installation of the first water-based pitch in the country situated at a club.

Maurice was also a great supporter of Middlesex Hockey Association and was Chairman for a number of years. He was an enthusiastic member of the Hockey Writers’ Club and a regular at most hockey events. Sadly, he did not enjoy the best of health over recent years and his 90th birthday party earlier this year had to be cancelled because of lockdown. Earlier this month both he and his wife caught the Covid-19 virus and they died within three days of each other.

Mike Smith, Curator, 27.11.2020