Reconnecting with fellow hockey players was the highlight for more than 50 members of the Rakaia Hockey Club who attended the recent 125 anniversary celebrations.
Rakaia Hockey president and chair of the 125-anniversary committee Rebecca Burrows said it was just great catching up with people some of whom she hadn’t seen for many years.
The celebrations, held at the Rakaia Domain, weren’t all about sitting around having a cake and chatting.
There was a stiff and competitive game of hockey with a golden oldies team against an invitation side.
The game saw several mothers playing against their daughters. One to pick up the stick was 87-year- old Audrey Smith who loved playing in the reunion game.
Committee member Manda Taylor said everything went superbly, with fabulous weather, loads of laughs and lots of stories galore.
‘‘We had so many take the field for a friendly run around, ones that didn’t even come prepared to that really enjoyed having a stick in their hands. Some more competitive than others.’’
Along with the cutting of cake, a memorial candle was lit to remember players no longer here.
It was lit by Diane McPherson whose mum, the late Bertha Edge was a life member.
In the evening reunion goers were kept engaged by guest speaker, retired international hockey umpire Karen Bennett from Wakanui.
She spoke of her journey through her umpiring career.
After the dinner and speaker attendees enjoyed dancing and karaoke into the night.
