Matlock Baileans Hockey Club

Old Baileans Ladies Hockey Club (as it was then called) was formed in 1946 after the war by 8 enthusiastic players: Margaret Bowler, Dorothy Owen, Anne Paulson, Kay Locke, Pam Locke, Mary Hazelwood, Mary Cope and Gladys Kirkham.  Players were all ex pupils of the Ernest Bailey Grammar School in Matlock (which now no longer exists). The catchment area in those days was limited to Matlock, Matlock Bath and Darley Dale.

Games were played against teams from Wirksworth, Derby, Chesterfield, Belper, Buxton and Leek. A taxi was the main means of transport to the away matches. Home games were played on Cromford Meadows with refreshments being taken in the Rugby Club - this arrangement continued until the early 1990's when it was stipulated that League games had to be played on Astroturf pitches.

The original kit was Navy skirts, white blouses and blue socks with white tops. The club badge was taken from the Ernest Bailey Grammar School crest. Once a year the team played a fixture against Derwent Men with refreshments on this occasion being taken at the New Bath Hotel.

Only one umpire was used in those days and the role was filled by Miss Allen (Principle of Matlock College) Eleanor Westbrook (PE mistress at Lady Manners School in Bakewell) and when necessary the Vicar or Taxi Driver (Mr Hickman) would have to fill the role!  The club dwindled and was restarted around 1950.

We would very much like to hear from any former members who can share memories, stories or anecdotes, show us photos etc.  Please contact Anne Young with any information.

What a contrast to today, when members travel from far and wide to play in any of our 5 teams, whether in the Derbyshire or Midlands leagues, with away matches as far as Shrewsbury, Kettering, Luton, or Warwick (imagine the cost of those in a taxi!).