The Hockey Museum (THM) held its second City Lunch last month (20 March 2026) at the same prestigious, sought after hotel location, The Skyline, London events space at Blue Orchid’s Tower Suites hotel. The Skyline has incredible panoramic views across London taking in the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast – simply sublime!

This Lunch for 150 members of the hockey family was, once again, only made possible by the amazing generosity of well-respected and decorated London businessman Tony Matharu of Spencer Hockey Club.
Our goal was to improve on last year’s event by implementing last year’s constructive feedback and providing more spaces for the hockey family to come together for another memorable occasion. The wearing of loud, colourful attire was encouraged in memory of THM’s ex-chairman and larger-than-life character, the late John Willmott.

As with last year, most of the available spaces were taken up within a month of the launch by Friends of The Hockey Museum (regular donors who receive first refusal to THM events) and thereafter by supporters who subscribe to our mailing list. Our well-wishers are our lifeline without whom we could neither operate nor grow.

The iconic London view from The Skyline suite, the venue for The Hockey Museum’s City Lunch in 2026: the Tower of London and, behind it, Tower Bridge.

Guests at The Hockey Museum’s City Lunch in March 2026.

Our event at The Skyline

The 2026 event was started with aplomb by triple hockey Olympian Simon Mason as our Master of Ceremonies, who marshalled the event brilliantly throughout the afternoon – all before catching his evening flight to New Zealand! This was followed by a succinct and focused speech by our chairman David Knapp who highlighted THM’s achievements in the previous year. David concluded by raising a toast in remembrance of our former chairman John Willmott.

Our guest speaker was the remarkable and inspirational Kate Richardson-Walsh, captain of the gold medal-winning Great Britain hockey team from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Kate did us proud with her heartfelt, sincere and brilliant speech which reflected on her personal hockey experiences and the values of our great sport. THM Lunch, Kate recognised, created a ‘belonging environment’ for the hockey family.

Our superb guest speaker Kate Richardson-Walsh in full flow.

This essence was further captured by a unique honours cap presentation made to brother and sister international hockey players John French and Pru Carter (née French). The framed presentation recognises how both played international matches during the same month in 1975 – Pru for England and John for Great Britain. Regrettably, John was unable to attend, but Pru received the presentation on both their behalves from her England captain Anita White before making an unexpected, heartfelt speech in which she shared how successive generations of her family have played hockey and how much this legacy means to her.

Pru Carter (née French) (right) receives a framed presentation of honours caps from her England captain Anita White.

One of the hockey-themed table centrepieces.

This year were pleased to have Roger Dakin join our event programme. Roger is a well-known personality in the hockey world and a renowned after dinner speaker. He conducted our ‘fundraising fun’ on the day, leading a hockey trivia game of ‘heads & tails’ and overseeing the auction expertly, injected with his trademark humour which had the audience in ‘stitches’!

Throughout the Lunch we also had a film rolling in the background on the many TV screens in the room. This brought together photographs of collection objects and clips from historical hockey films to lend an air of hockey history to proceedings and subtly showcase some of the material the Museum works to preserve for generations to come.

The excellent food and wine were enjoyed by all and it was a joy to see guests reconnect with friends and former teammates across all levels of our game. Once again, it was THM’s real pleasure to organise this event for our valued Friends and supporters within the hockey family.

We appreciated the very generous contributions and support for the ‘heads & tails’ fun and auction, which raised much needed funds to enable THM to continue to give our sport’s history and heritage a securer future.

Guests enjoy the atmosphere at the City Lunch.

The humorous approach of skilled auctioneer Roger Dakin is enjoyed by guests.

Photography, thank yous and planning ahead

This year, we were once against joined by the talented Vicky Correia who lent her photography skills to our event. Attendees can browse the City Lunch photographs online and can order prints for their own enjoyment.

The experienced organising committee for our City Lunch was chaired by Tochi Panesar and comprised of Museum President Mike Smith, Chairman David Knapp, Treasurer Mike Barford and Curator & Museum Manager Shane Smith.

We thank the hockey family for their continued generous support of THM, with special mention for our speakers, MC and volunteers who gave their time and talent.

Tony Matharu receives a thank you gift from The Hockey Museum – new Spencer Hockey Club kit – from Kate Richardson-Walsh.

Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to Tony Matharu and his team for this fantastic event. The Hockey Museum has received marvellous generosity from Tony, an individual who works tirelessly in supporting various charities. He is a true Londoner who, in addition to his many other leadership roles, heads The Central London Alliance which unites organisations of varying sizes and sectors to support a safe and strong economic recovery of Central London.

Tony loves a challenge. This year he is leading a world record attempt that will train thousands of people in CPR simultaneously. Someone dies from a cardiac arrest every three minutes irrespective of age/fitness levels. Be a part of it and join Tony in saving lives: Central London Alliance | Join our CPR movement

The feedback we received at the event and via our recent follow-up survey indicates that an annual event will be appreciated and well supported. The planning team are keen to take these constructive critiques and positive comments forward and use them to continue to develop future events.

Guests greet each other at the Museum’s fundraising City Lunch event.

Members of The Hockey Museum’s board of trustees at the City Lunch.