A framed presentation of hockey ties from each of the member clubs of the London Hockey League, presented to Peter Boizot.

This weekend, Sunday the 12 September, sees the last act in the history of the London League, the oldest men’s league in England.

Formed in 1969, it has served London club hockey for 52 years. Things gradually changed when the National League came into being for the 1988/89 season when eight teams initially departed the London League to join. This still left a strong core of 16 teams in the London League before most were eventually absorbed in the early ‘90s.

Despite this, lower elevens and smaller London clubs continued with a very active league programme until this year.

With the reorganisation of the English Regions, league hockey throughout the land has been restructured. The old South Division or Region has seen the greatest change with the London League losing its identity altogether.

This coming Sunday sees the last event being organised by them: a finale at Southgate Hockey Club that involves a match on the League’s inaugural playing surface of grass; the teams will be made up from clubs throughout the League. It will be followed by a luncheon at which the London League’s main trophy, the Robert Watson Bowl will be presented to The Hockey Museum (THM). It is also hoped that the London League archives will be deposited with THM to ensure that its history will not be forgotten.

Some material relating to the history of the London League is already part of the museum’s collection thanks to former Chairman Rodney Rigby. Amongst these was a set of ties of all member clubs mounted in a frame. This had been presented to long-time supporter and sponsor of the League, the late Peter Boizot on the occasion of his 60th birthday. The presentation was made at the League’s annual event at the Café Royale in Piccadilly after their traditional dinner of sausage and mash. Following Peter’s death, the frame became unloved and was rescued, re-framed and presented to THM by Rodney.

If you have anything that could help to tell the London League story, do please consider THM for its future home. Visit our online contact form and select “collection donations”.