A NEW sport has walked into the lives of Bromsgrove residents, taking the town by storm and, as we reported last week, gaining national critical acclaim.
Walking hockey, a new twist on the classic sport, saw up to 35 participants dust off their hockey sticks and join in on Monday (January 23) for the third session at Bromsgrove Hockey Club.
And, joining them were Lorna Morris and Imogen Buller from the Bromsgrove and Redditch Standards.
AS COMPLETE beginners we were a little nervous, but the group gave us a really warm welcome – despite the chilly night.
They showed us the ropes and it was a really great social atmosphere to enjoy a bit of gentle exercise.
Perfect for easing people back into the sport, walking hockey is gentle yet still makes you work up a sweat, with past attendees including a slimming world group, a couple of 60-year-olds and a women being treated for cancer.
Organised by Alan Gormley, Bromsgrove Hockey Club’s head development coach, the session saw people of all ages practise different hockey techniques, work in twos to score goals and weave in and out of cones, all ending with a series of small matches.
We also spoke to others who also took part.
Tim Joinson, from Stoke Prior, said: “This is my third week here and I love it. I used to play in the past but stopped as I got older, so I wanted to get back into hitting a ball again without having to run too much.
“Walking hockey is perfect for that. It got me off the couch and it is more about having fun than winning.
“I saw an article about it in The Standard which caught my interest, so I’ve come back after nearly 27 years.”
Anne Buckley, moved to the area 15 months ago and wanted to do something to get her out of the house.
She said: “My children were saying ‘mum you need to get out and have a go’.
“I used to play 43 years ago, it gets me out the house and meeting new people, rather than sitting around like a couch potato.
“Walking hockey has given me a new lease of life.”
The idea stemmed from Liz Morris who found the Back to Hockey sessions a little too hard and instead of giving up suggested the idea to Alan.
Already heading for worldwide success, the new form of the game has attracted attention from England Hockey and its popularity has skyrocketed.
Walking hockey sessions are £2, held at 7pm on Mondays at Bromsgrove Hockey Club.
