Hoci Cymru’s Heritage Project visits The Hockey Museum

:

The Hockey Museum » 2024 News Items » Hoci Cymru’s Heritage Project visits The Hockey Museum

November 22, 2024

A man in a rust orange, long-sleeved jumper and jeans stands next to an elderly lady in a wheelchair. She in wearing a navy blue cardigan, white and navy blouse and navy trousers. Both are facing left towards two other people: a grey-haired man in a green polo shirt and blue trousers and a younger woman with long brown hair and glasses. She is wearing a black polo short and white, striped trousers and holding a red cap with yellow trim which she is about to present to the man in orange. A museum exhibition is the background.

Since 2023, The Hockey Museum (THM) has been supporting Hoci Cymru (formerly known as Hockey Wales) with its heritage project in an advisory capacity – see the links below for more information. However, two weeks ago the relatively hands-off nature of our support escalated when THM had the pleasure of welcoming the Hoci Cymru project team to our Woking home.

Heritage project collaboration with Hockey Wales | The Hockey Museum

Hoci Cymru’s dedicated heritage page on their website, an outcome of the current project: Hockey Heritage | Hoci Cymru

On Friday 8 November 2024, project lead Alice Gregory and historian Phil Bailey, accompanied by student placement Ffion Williams and freelance film producer Molly Heathcote, descended on THM to undertake research and filming. Interviews were conducted throughout the museum premises with various members of the Hoci Cymru team and THM trustees and curatorial staff, all with the intention of being used on social media to generate publicity for the project and celebrate the importance of hockey heritage. Meanwhile, THM’s curator, Shane Smith, and archivist, Marcus Wardle, supported Phil with his research among our extensive library and collection.

A grey-haired man in a navy blue, long-sleeved, collared shirt is being interviewed on camera. The camera and interviewer are in the foreground facing away from the viewer. Behind the man being interviewed are three Wales hockey shirts (red, turquoise and navy blue) on mannequins.

The Hockey Museum’s archivist, Marcus Wardle is interviewed by Molly Heathcote for Hoci Cymru.

A young, bearded, brown-haired man in a navy blue, long-sleeved jumper and grey jeans is being interviewed on camera. The camera and interviewer are in the foreground facing away from the viewer. Behind the man being interviewed is a colourful, geometric quilt tapestry of Olympic hockey players.

The Hockey Museum’s curator, Shane Smith is interviewed by Molly Heathcote for Hoci Cymru.

It proved to be a very enjoyable day – a testament to the value of collaboration. Where possible, THM is always willing to support other member nations of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) with their heritage ambitions, or indeed any English club or association that is interested in exploring their own hockey history.

Hoci Cymru Heritage Project lead, Alice Gregory said:

“Hoci Cymru’s visit to The Hockey Museum underscores the vital importance of preserving and celebrating our sport’s rich heritage. Hockey’s history is filled with stories of community, resilience, and innovation, and safeguarding these tales ensures they inspire future generations. By engaging with these historical treasures, we strengthen our understanding of hockey’s cultural impact while fostering a shared sense of pride and identity within the sport. Hoci Cymru is grateful for the support The Hockey Museum has provided the organisation as we continue on our journey capturing and preserving our rich hockey heritage.”

A standing man in a rust orange, long-sleeved jumper and jeans shakes hands with an elderly lady in a wheelchair. She in wearing a navy blue cardigan, white and navy blouse and navy trousers. Both are smiling at the camera wearing red caps with yellow trim.

David Knapp, The Hockey Museum’s chair of trustees, and Margaret Richardson proudly wearing their Wales honours caps.

Hoci Cymru alumni honoured with caps

The highlight of the visit saw the presentation of Welsh honours caps to two athlete alumni in the Museum’s exhibition hall. One cap was awarded to Margaret Richardson. She was treated to recently digitised cine-film footage of her exploits during the England vs Wales international match at Wembley Stadium in 1963. It was footage that Margaret had never seen before. Wales won 1-0 in front a 50,000 strong crowd to inflict a first defeat on their hosts. The second Welsh cap was awarded to one of THM’s own, its Chairperson, David Knapp.

David said:

“Playing for Wales was, in itself, an honour. To receive a commemorative cap some 30 years after retiring from playing for Wales was a very special moment indeed and brought back so many fond memories. To share the occasion with Margaret Richardson was a further example of the wonderful camaraderie that hockey players across the ages can share.”