The Hockey Museum (THM) regularly receives interesting enquires from the public and sometimes even an exchange of information. Back in April 2022 there was one such enquiry from Colin Gallacher. His father Don was Head Groundsman at Wembley Stadium between 1975 and 1985. Colin is planning to publish his father’s memoires in a book called Get Off My Pitch and he was seeking permission to use some of the photographs from THM’s own publication The Magic of Wembley. In particular, Colin sought those of Her Majesty the Queen’s visit to Wembley in 1981 – clearly a proud and stirring memory for Don.

Her Majesty Attends the Women’s Hockey at Wembley Stadium in 1981 | hockeymuseum.net

We were happy to share these photographs in exchange for a donation. They were taken by Pat Ward, past Editor of Hockey Field magazine, who kindly donated her collection (and their copyright) to the Museum.

There was a bit of sadness that we had not found Colin sooner. His father’s insights would certainly have been included in The Magic of Wembley. When writing the book, THM had tried (even advertising in the papers) but ultimately failed to trace one of the grounds team. It is always good to receive new information even if it is past the time it was really needed. It all helps to better tell hockey’s heritage stories and expand our knowledge of items in THM collection.

Katie Dodd explains:

“What a shame we didn’t find Colin earlier. Nan Williams [co-author of The Magic of Wembley with Christabel Russell Vick] and I did try to get details of any former staff at the old Wembley Stadium to hear their stories, but we were not successful. Neither Wembley Stadium nor the Football Association seemed to have any interest in the history of the old Stadium … apart from football! The most help we had was from the local Wembley newspaper who published an article about us trying to find anyone who had worked at Wembley. Sadly, we got no responses.”

The Hockey Museum’s article in the Harrow Observer, 8 May 2014.

However, better late than never. There is now overlap between THM’s past work and Don Gallacher’s memories of the England women’s hockey team playing at Wembley. Sometimes you just need to wait a few years for things to fall into place.

Long-time THM volunteer Christabel (Chris) Russell Vick met virtually with Colin and they had a wonderful time remembering what Wembley Stadium meant to them as part of their family histories, albeit from completely different angles. Chris in the posh seats – her mother Mary was President of the All England Women’s Hockey Association (AEWHA) – and Colin pitch side assisting a cameraman during the FA Cup final.

Colin has promised us a copy of his forthcoming book Get Off My Pitch (pictured) for the Museum’s library, which we will be very happy to receive as it provides a unique perspective on an illustrious era in hockey’s past.

The Magic of Wembley book – minus Head Groundsman Don – remains available to purchase for the bargain price of £10.00 (plus postage costs). Please enquire using the contact form on THM website: Contact Us | hockeymuseum.net