Tower and Town, October 2026 (view the full edition)Editorial: Marlborough Hockey ClubAs Marlborough Hockey Club gears up for a new season, it can already reflect on a period rich in achievement. Last season the club marked its 125th anniversary with a celebratory dinner at the Town Hall, bringing together old friends and new. The celebrations have continued into this summer. Club members Chris Jones and Gareth Playfair made their international debuts for the England Over 50s team at the Masters Hockey World Cup in Rotterdam - and returned home as World Champions. England edged out Australia 3-2 in the final’s closing moments, securing a memorable gold medal. The club’s international pedigree doesn’t end there. Sophie Fynn, 1st team women’s player, is also a current England Masters representative. Already a European gold medallist in the Over 40s category, she sadly missed this year’s World Cup through injury. With numerous juniors in county squads and several players involved at regional level, the club continues its long tradition of contributing to county, regional and national representative hockey. Closer to home, Marlborough Hockey Club prides itself on being a successful, family friendly club with something to offer all ages and abilities. Based at the top class pitches at Marlborough College, the club fields two men’s and two women’s teams and runs one of the largest junior sections in Wiltshire, with more than 250 young players. A thriving outreach programme supports hockey in local primary and secondary schools. None of this would be possible without the club’s fantastic volunteers who organise training, manage teams, umpire and coach. Formed in 1900, the club celebrates its long standing connections with the College, the town, and Marlborough’s farming and business communities. While clubs elsewhere continue to expand, Marlborough Hockey Club has found its niche - living up to its motto, “A club for life”, and looking confidently towards the next 125 years. I hope this edition gives a flavour of the club. If you are passing the College hockey pitches on a winter weekend morning, please do stop and support us. Caroline Baynes |