Name: Richard Brendish
How long have you been in the club? Played first game for SHC in 1974, aged 11, played till 1984, made a season’s comeback to play for Phil Huchinsons victorious vets team, then returned again to play 5 years ago.
Current role within club and what it entails? Men’s Club Captain & Over 40’s Captain
Any previous roles in the club? Press officer and Colts Captain.
Team playing for at the moment? 3’s and Over 40’s
Preferred position? Centre forward.
Nick names / tour names? Dickie
Worst injury you’ve had from hockey? Ball in mouth - lost two front teeth and a torn hamstring
Any memorable moments you’d like to share? Many 1st team late car escapades!.. Couldn’t get away with what we did then, now
Who is your Hockey Hero in the club or hockey in general and why? Or anyone you think that deserves a special mention? Ray Blaxill - was a major encouragement to me as a youngster and over the years has done a lot for SHC
Currently lives? Stevenage.
Any Hockey History / Previous clubs? Alleyne’s School 1st team hockey captain 1981 & 1982. Selected and represented Herts County hockey team U14, U16, U19 & U21. Played first game for SHC 1st team 1977, aged 14.
Day Job? UK Race Manager for Ohlins Suspension – I work in motorcycle racing.
Shirt number? 33
Favourite thing(s) about the club? Unrivaled friendliness
Any family members playing for the club or other local clubs? Grandfather Reginald Brendish started playing for Stevenage in 1947, was Club President, father Ken Brendish started playing for club in 1953 and captained the 2nd team for a number of years, he also arranged and captained the team for the Ramsgate tours, vice-president at SHC.
Favourite Club Social? Presidents Day & Dinner Dance.
Memorable Tour Moment? Bingley hockey tour in 1980 ish. After a few beers, I was encouraged to climb along a 3rd floor window ledge, break into Richard Burling's halls of residence room and move the complete contents into the corridor –he wasn’t amused and I think he woke the whole building swearing and dragging everything back in his room.
What would you change or like to see more off? I’d love to see the club get its own astro pitch/facility and see both the men’s and ladies teams progress to a higher level.
Tipple of choice? – Can’t handle it anymore!