The history of hockey at East Glos Club

Group of hockey players

Context

In July 2022, with endorsement from the East Glos Board, the hockey committee reluctantly agreed that the future of hockey at East Glos was no longer practical or viable.

This situation had arisen gradually over the preceding years. It was partly because of the difficulty of providing continuous playing opportunities across all age groups and the lack of volunteer organisers combined with a recent heavier administration workload imposed by England Hockey.

The situation was brought to a head by increased demand for tennis courts and the need to resurface the club’s astroturf courts, currently used for junior hockey training.

A decision was taken to merge with Lansdown Hockey Club in Cheltenham to provide players with more comprehensive and joined-up opportunities. The merger will complete by September 2023 when the U12 and U10 girls teams transfer.

Hockey has played a vital part in the success of East Glos Club over the past 124 years. For that reason, we feel it is important to document some of the vibrant history of hockey at the club.

Updates to this page

This page will be updated occasionally as new information comes to light. You can see the edit history here.


Our historical records from the early years are sketchy; however, some key milestones are as follows.

1898: Men’s and women’s hockey is first played

While hockey is viewed as an acceptable game for men, it is not regarded as such for Victorian ladies. Thus East Glos players must be regarded as pioneers.

Public opinion does not look kindly on ladies throwing propriety to the wind and rushing about in unseemly haste, albeit clad in ankle-length skirts. These early games attract wide press coverage and large crowds, a proportion of which are so incensed with what they see that they are hostile and antagonistic.

Col William Leir1899: The arrival of Colonel William Leir

Colonel Leir is one of the most important influencers in the growth of women’s hockey locally and is a driving force in forming the Western Counties Associations. He was a member of the influential Somerset Leir family, a long line of rectors of Ditcheat Priory who lived at Dithcheat near Shepton Mallet.

On arrival in Cheltenham at age 50, he becomes secretary and treasurer of East Glos, then to Gloucestershire and the west. By all accounts, he was a brilliant and charming administrator and press cuttings of the period are full of complimentary reports of his skills.

There are no records of where he came from in 1899 or why he was so dedicated to liberating Edwardian belles into what was considered a rather shocking unladylike outdoor activity. Neither is there any clue where he vanished to after his involvement ended in 1914.

1904: First ever England call-up for a club hockey player

The female hockey players, who are without exception from the upper and middle classes, are put under tremendous pressure to give up the game. So it should be a matter of some pride that club member, Barbara Kelly, is selected to play for one of the earliest England teams in 1904. She becomes the first of 19 hockey internationals produced by East Glos in the ensuing years.

1909: The first ladies county match is played

The club now boasts six tennis courts, a cricket pitch, two hockey pitches, and a tea room. The first county hockey match for ladies is played, and the club is also the venue for a county cricket match.

1924:  The end of men’s hockey

Two hard courts costing £110 each are laid, enabling winter tennis to be played for the first time. With only six men’s hockey members, the team is disbanded. The cricket section is also struggling and is disbanded.


The Eyre family

The history of hockey at East Glos would not be complete without recognition of the significant contribution by the Eyre family over many years.
Margaret Eyre and Kitty Lidderdale

Kitty Lidderdale and Margaret Eyre

Mary Eyre, who later became East Glos President, joined in 1937. She played from the age of 14, and came from a family with solid sporting traditions. In the years before World War 2, Mary’s mother Margaret, and her aunt, Kathleen (Kitty) Lidderdale, were both international players and captained England.

Both Margaret and Kitty worked as nurses in World War 1 and played hockey for fun. After 1918 they were instrumental in creating a strong hockey section at East Glos. From then on, the club became highly regarded.

In the Gloucestershire Women’s Hockey Association centenary booklet, Kitty Lidderdale was described as the most prolific goal scorer in Gloucestershire’s hockey history. A flying centre forward, she captained England and was only 16 when she was first selected. She scored many goals at every level. Her recipe for success was reputedly to eat a whole suet pudding just before playing.

Kitty became chair of the selectors of the All England Women’s Hockey Association .She was also president of the west (1954-56). She died in 1973, aged 79.

Margaret Eyre played for England as a full-back. She was a significant force in the county, first as a player, then as a coach, selector and administrator. On her 90th birthday, she was spoken of as the Queen Mother of women’s hockey in the west. She died in 1991, aged 99.

Mary (pictured below, front row, second left) was captain of Gloucestershire for many years. She also played international hockey and won the first of her 17 caps in 1946. Later she coached the national team. Mary was known as a goal-scoring forward and the first to perfect stopping the ball with her hand.

She adhered to high standards and expected the same of those she captained and coached. “An untidy team plays untidy hockey”, she would say. She became the youngest ever “A” umpire in 1951 and subsequently umpired at 28 international games, ten of which were at Wembley. Mary died in 2013, aged 89.

Read Mary’s obituary from The Times
Gloucestershire touring hockey team 1950s

The 1950 county touring team. Clockwise from back left: Susie Goscombe, Maureen Jefferies, Shelagh Davson, Shirley Tandy, Stella Hatcher, Doreen Gardiner, Veronica Caswall, Bridget West, Peggy Lodge, Mary Eyre, Monica Squires


Our hockey history continues with personal reflections of key East Glos hockey members from the past eight decades.

Shelagh Davson: 1946 to 2022

Shelagh DavsonShelagh loved playing hockey from the word “go”. She knew Gloucestershire was a strong hockey county, which brought her move here from Bedford in 1946.

Gloucestershire’s strength in hockey is borne out by the fact that at the time, five internationals were playing at East Glos: Jean Finley, Peggy Lodge, Rachel Sudbury, Jean Arkell and Mary Eyre. The first team played at more of a regional level against the likes of South Wales, Exeter and Birmingham. In contrast, the second and third teams played more locally.

Shelagh’s early memories of playing for East Glos were a tunic which was much too short, stockings, a suspender belt, a long-sleeved white shirt, and an East Glos tie. “It was awful and very hot”, she recalls.

Shelagh’s journey from her home in Lydney, where she was a teacher, was difficult. It involved two bus rides and a walk from the bus station to East Glos. Such was her dedication that she used to stay overnight at Mary Eyre’s parents’ home in Prestbury so that she could also play Sunday matches.

She played left wing for East Glos from 1946 to 1968 and represented the west. Thanks to hours of practice together, she formed a formidable goal-scoring partnership with Mary Eyre at left inner. She was appointed an “A” umpire in 1972 and officiated at six internationals.

Shelagh recalls how high standards were expected of players, and they would never have dreamed of arguing with an umpire. When she became an umpire herself in later life, she recalls the only time she had to show a red card was to a father who was instructing his daughter a little too enthusiastically.

Mary and Shelagh

Shelagh Davson (right) with Mary Eyre, 2003

A significant change came in 1964. Previously hockey members had enjoyed relatively low subscriptions; however, costs started to rise as the sport became more professional. That meant fees were payable nationally and regionally. At the same time, the club rules changed, meaning no club section could run its own accounts. The club took over the accounts, resulting in less freedom of choice and less support for players.

In 1993, four grass courts (courts 14 to 17) were converted to astroturf with a grant from the Foundation of Sports and Arts, gifts and loans from members. The courts were floodlit from the edges, which allowed junior hockey to be practised. At that time, hockey competitions had to be played on astroturf, so the grass pitch at the rear of the club’s grounds was seldom used.

Towards the end of her playing days, Shelagh seamlessly moved into coaching and selecting for Gloucestershire Women’s Hockey Association, a role she undertook until the GHA was formed in 1999. Shelagh was county president from 1982 to 1987.

Young players for three generations have benefitted from her love of the game and determination to see that every young player has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Into her mid-eighties, Shelagh continued to be heavily involved in running the junior section at East Glos. Every Wednesday, she oversaw junior training and organised the club’s under 10, 12 and 14 teams for the various tournaments and competitions.

Shelagh at Mary Eyre hockey festival

The Mary Eyre Hockey Festival in September 2014. The event was held in memory of Mary who died in 2013. Jenny Kean, Mary’s niece (left) with Shelagh Davson (right).


Di Giles: 1963 to 1980

Di started playing hockey when she was 14. She remembers walking across the field from school to use the East Glos pitch. She played for most East Glos teams and considers herself fortunate to have played with all the good players, including Mary Eyre and Shelagh Davson.

Remembering how hockey really took off during her time at the club, “It was good old-fashioned hockey,” she says, “Roll-ins, hit outs and long corners, all of which have disappeared now.”

“A lot of good things happened here for hockey because it was the best pitch in the west. It was kept beautifully.

Di says it didn’t feel intimidating at all when she joined East Glos as a 14 year old. “There was a group of us who came at the same time. The established players encouraged the younger ones, unlike other clubs. In fact, it was different to the tennis section at East Glos because I wasn’t allowed to play as I was too young.”

Di Giles

Di Giles – back row, second left

Regarding conduct on the pitch, Di says there was no question of not behaving. Commitment was also expected, and little printed postcards would be handed out with the words “Can you play: Yes or no?” The “no” was always crossed out in advance.

The grass hockey was a different game, she says “It was almost quicker, and everything happened smoothly and gently. Now everything is jerky.”

Recalling how Mary Eyre was instrumental in her development, that there wasn’t much practising and coaching as the players learned in the game. Mary simply could not accept second best, and as such, there were always East Glos players in the county teams.

“The camaraderie was superb, and you didn’t dare say you couldn’t stay for tea. We didn’t have many distractions in those days, and sport was a big part of our lives.


Vanessa Francis: 1968 to 1993

Vanessa played as a young girl and went to school at Charlton Park.

Shelagh Davson and Mary Eyre taught locally and would look at the local children and feed them in. “You were fed in, as opposed to joining of your own accord”, remembers Vanessa.

She recalls that the East Glos hockey pitch was the best in the southwest. “There was even an England vs the Netherlands match here in the early 1970s. This was a huge deal as England was the best team in the world at that point.”

In the early seventies, East Glos was a really big club. Vanessa attributes this to the contribution made by the Eyres, the Lidderdales and women such as Peggy Lodge and Bridget West. “Success breeds success,” says Vanessa.

East Glos Awards

Vanessa Francis (L) with her award for Player of the Year at East Glos in 1990. Nicky Gabb (R) was awarded Most Improved Player of the Year. Click image for full article.

Vanessa recalls travelling extensively in representing East Glos. “We played in Penzance, and there was even a Scotland tour.”

This vibrancy lasted until the mid-90s, when things changed due to astroturf. That had a massive impact, and the club had to find a pitch to play on.

The club played at the Royal Agricultural College and Bournside School. Gradually more pitches were introduced, so it was a bit easier. There was even talk about putting astroturf in place of the East Glos grass pitch, but it was a big commitment with doubts about its viability.

“With no home pitch, it was rather disjointed for away teams to have to jump in their cars and come back for tea. All these things combined fractured things a bit.”

Commenting on the club’s ethos, Vanessa remembers it as fairly relaxed. She says, “I can’t remember any club having a coach; we just learned in the game. Some weekends I played three times – once for my school, then twice for East Glos. I became as fit as a flea from playing!

“We were tough, and you just got on with it. You’d just get up and carry on if someone hit you on the knee.”

East Glos versus Cheltenham Ladies College

East Glos versus Cheltenham Ladies College, circa 1974. Vanessa Francis far right.

Vanessa feels her time as a junior player taught her how to behave and interact – not just as a team but on the social side as well. She recalls, “The older ladies were very sweet and had no issues playing with the little ones.”

She adds, “It is remarkable what women such as Margaret Eyre, Kitty Lidderdale, Mary Eyre and Shelagh Davson contributed to the growth of East Glos hockey. I don’t think East Glos would be where it is today without the input of the hockey section for all those years. Hockey was a huge part of the club.”


Di BaglinDiane Baglin

The history of East Glos hockey would not be complete without recognition of the significant contribution of Di Baglin.

Di was a product of the county junior system and played for Gloucestershire as a half-back. In the Gloucestershire Women’s Hockey Association centenary booklet, she was described as an outstanding workhorse of the modern era, having served the county in almost every capacity, including president from 1991 to 1996. She died in 2013, aged 68.


Sarah Bowen and Di Gayler: 1977 to 2015

In 1977 at the age of 16, Sarah was a pupil at Charlton Park, where Mary Eyre was head of hockey. Some of the older girls played at East Glos, and Sarah desperately wanted to join them.

Sarah remembers that in those days, you were invited to play; you didn’t just join. The club was thriving at the time and had two teams that played on Saturday. There were no leagues in those days; it was always friendlies. It was nice to play with adults, but you were very much the junior and knew your place.

“There were county championships, and if Gloucestershire won that, you would represent the county at the West County Championships and then, if successful, onto the All England finals.

“I remember at 18 being part of the squad which went to the England Championships in Norwich. I didn’t play as some of the more experienced players, such as Janet Burrows, were brought back into the team. That was quite a learning experience about being in a squad but that you might not get to play.”

Sarah went to college and worked away for a few years until 1990. Astroturf had now been introduced, which was a significant change as the club had to find astroturf pitches to play on. That was the point when hockey at East Glos had to move away.

Despite this, tennis courts 14 to 17, which were resurfaced as astroturf, could be used for hockey training. However, it was quite tricky as it was a small area for adults to play in but perfect for juniors to learn. This meant junior hockey took off, as previously, girls had to wait to play adult hockey before joining the club. U18s was the first team to be formed, followed by other age groups soon after.

For many years the players went to the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, which was quite a travel commitment. Sarah recalls, “We ended up in Premier 1 in the west and stayed there for many years. We were one of the best regional teams in the country at that point.”

Mary Eyre Hockey Festival

The Mary Eyre Hockey Festival, September 2014. Back row: Tic Hall, Sarah Bowen, Maisy Ainsworth, Emma Lewis, Georgie Russon, Shelagh Davson, Ashleigh Ball, Phoebe Thomas, Kate Taylor-Bowden, Dani Coughlan Front row: Eleanor Findlay, Lotti Wilkinson, Flora Wilkinson, Sophie Scarrott, Di Gayler, Jo Evans. Goalkeeper: Ellie Taylor

The teams travelled long distances to places such as St Austell and Bournemouth, and with matches sometimes on Sundays, you had to commit. “That’s probably why my legs, in the end, decided they couldn’t take any more hockey,” says Sarah.

Di Gayler adds that the county had started putting on tournaments by this time. Di’s daughter, now in her thirties, was one of the first to play in these. She says, “The late nineties and early 2000s were when we had some of the best junior players in the county and the west, and we qualified for the England Championships. That was a real eye-opener because we’d play against junior sides who were national league teams. There were a lot of naturally talented girls, and we still had the best junior set up and could offer them the transition into adult games. Some made the first team at only 14.”

However, a downside to the growth of junior talent was pressure for the top juniors to join clubs with national league teams. Some, such as Ashleigh Ball, went to Clifton and did well. She was selected for England schoolgirls and ultimately the GB Olympic team, where she won a bronze in 2012.

Di and Sarah remember that coaching was very old school. You had to dress precisely, for example, in brown socks, which were hard to find. You always had to come back for tea and be on a rota and  buttered malt loaf was expected. Sarah says, “I think that was one of the best aspects for young players in terms of experiencing what the social side of hockey can bring or any team sport for that matter.”

Di adds, “We were always known as the good sportsmen – the nice team to play. There was no bad behaviour on the pitch.”

Margaret Eyre

Margaret Eyre watching a match

Commenting on why both she and Di stayed playing for East Glos for so long, Sarah says, “We were playing such a high level every week that you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. As our legs got a bit older and slower, the club came down the league system so we could carry on playing.”

Several of the longer-serving adult members were an inspiration to Di and Sara. Di recalls Mary Eyre shouting encouragingly at the top of her voice, “Hit the ball!” while you were running; you could hear her from almost anywhere on the pitch.

Sarah remembers Mary Eyre’s mother, Margaret, sitting at the side of the court, wrapped up in a blanket, with her dog alongside. She would get her walking stick upside down and tell you how to hit the ball. “You had to get your feet around the ball and not be lazy, so it’s very different to hockey these days. I remember one time when the dog got a bit bored and pulled her off her chair!”

Sarah recalls aspiring to Vanessa Francis (née Kear). If you were in the right place, she would always pass you the ball, knowing that as an inexperienced player, you might miss it. “When I became a teacher, I took that away, and when I was playing with youngsters, I’d remember what she did and how it made me feel.”

Di adds, “I think Vanessa is one of the most considerate team players I’ve ever encountered. She included everyone and wasn’t a prima donna. She wanted the team to win.”

Sarah played until she was around 54 when, as she puts it, “the legs gave up”, however she continues to serve as a hockey committee member. Di continued playing until the age of 59.

1st XI 2003-04

East Glos first XI, 2003-04. Back row: Linda Bell, Sarah Kay, Sophie Scarrott, Tic Hall, Di Gayler, Sarah Bowen, Millie Kirtley, Amy Heron. Front row: Caroline Moth, Reena Vaja, Sara Shopland, Jo Evans, Alex (surname not known)


Ashleigh Ball: 1997 to 2002

Ashleigh Ball started playing hockey at East Glos in 1997 at the age of 11 and continued until she was 16, when she left to join Clifton Hockey Club. She was selected for England schoolgirls and ultimately the GB Olympic team, where she won a bronze in 2012.

Ashleigh recalls that East Glos was regarded as the club to belong to for her age group, and several of the best players in the county were members. She says, “Some of my most significant lessons outside the hockey system were learnt at East Glos. Looking at some of the leagues we were playing in, it was physically quite tough, which stood me in good stead for later. There was a tremendous team spirit.”

Ashleigh remembers high standards at the club, and Miss Eyre and Miss Davson were undoubtedly part of that. It was like having a permanent presence there who you didn’t want to disappoint. She recalls, “There was a certain seriousness and high standards which didn’t falter; they were consistently supportive. It wasn’t just about having fun and turning up with your friends but also ensuring you were on time and well-turned-out. I have fond memories of enjoying myself and of the experience of playing in that team. It was sometimes daunting because I was young and playing in an adult league.”

Commenting on her England under-16s call-up at 14, she says, “At that age, I never imagined I would end up playing in the Olympics. It wasn’t what I was turning up for, but it spurred me on to continually improve. I never considered I would play in the Olympics until London won the 2012 bid, and then I decided I’m going to hell for leather and really go for it. Hockey was never going to be a career, but that changed things.”

At the age of 16, Ashleigh moved to Clifton Hockey Club. The club had a premiership team and was the nearest club to Cheltenham which was in a top league. She says, “I’d been doing academies at Coombe Dingle, which was Clifton’s home ground, so it was a natural progression.”

Ashleigh looks back on her time at East Glos as highly influential in her early career and with fond memories that served her very well.

Ashleigh Ball

Ashleigh Ball signs autographs for young players at the Mary Eyre Hockey Festival in 2014.


Written by Julian Wellings, October 2022

I thank Shelagh Davson, Di Giles, Vanessa Francis, Sarah Bowen, Di Gayler and Ashleigh Ball for the time spent sharing their memories with me and for the various historical photographs and press cuttings.

Edit history

20.09.23: Amended a reference to Kitty Lidderdale becoming chair on the All England WHA. This was not the case and she was chair of the selectors only.

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