What began as a conversation between three keen hockey players sitting in the Swan Cafe in Parkes in early 1958, has now grown to become the town’s longest surviving sporting clubs.
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Trevor Cole, Len Gosper and Boyd Chambers wanted to start their own hockey club and so the hunt began for 10 remaining players to form a men’s side.
Not too many years later, a women’s side was formed.
This weekend the Magies Hockey Club will be celebrating it’s 60th reunion
The event will be held over three days, from this Friday, March 23 until Sunday, with activities and a reunion dinner held Saturday and a brunch on Sunday.
More than 100 former and current members and supporters are expected to attend the dinner, with some of the club’s original members, who are now in their late 70s, returning to Parkes for the special occasion.
But organiser Sommer Tanswell is hoping many more turn out for the numerous events they have planned.
“We sent out at least 500 postal invitations so we’re expecting and hoping this year’s 60th celebration to be big,” she said.
“Thanks to social media we’re able to reach more people via Facebook.
“Our family has all been involved in the club – it’s been a family club for forever, for as long as I’ve been there.
“We’re really excited to have some original members coming back and I really look forward to meeting them.”
The original 1958 men’s side includes Trevor Cole, Barry Harvey, Laurie Lardner, Neville Mitchell, Kevin Parker, Billy Elliott, Robbie Thomson, Len Gosper, Graeme Smith, Boyd Chambers, Pat Collins, Graeme Howell and Norm Bailey.
Friday night is the social night of catching up with old and new friends at the Parkes Railway Bowling Club, with Saturday being a family day at the hockey fields from 11am.
Saturday’s gathering will feature a jumping castle, the presentation day tradition of egg throwing, Magpie 60 year reunion photo and a celebrity game (bring your stick and shoes, you could get the call-up).
Former Magpie player, Australian rep and national junior men’s coach Ben Bishop will be in Parkes for the event and will be leading a kids clinic.
Australian Men's Over 50s rep Graeme Tanswell – who’s heading to the Masters Hockey World Cup in Spain in four months – will also be present at the reunion, as will former Magpie Councillor Louise O’Leary.
Saturday night’s dinner will take place at the Parkes Railway Bowling Club with a theme of black and white.
And Sunday’s brunch, also at the Parkes Railway Bowling Club, will finish off a great weekend.
Past and present players, young or old – whether it be a short or long association with the club – are all welcome to attend the Magpies’ reunion weekend.
Merchandise – polos, tees, singlets, hoodies and jackets – is available from Worklocker Parkes. The club will also have hats and stubby holders available for purchase over the weekend.
Tickets are $50 for Saturday evening (sit down meal) and Sunday brunch can be purchased from magpiesreunion.iwannaticket.com.au. Please book your tickets for catering purposes.
For more information contact Sommer Tanswell 0411 690 208 or email parkesmagpies@gmail.com.
