Memorial bench unveiled for former Stourport Hockey Club chairman
A local hockey club remembered a popular former chairman of the club, over the Bank Holiday weekend, when they unveiled a bench, dedicated to his memory, overlooking their pitches at The Kingsway. Alastair McIntyre, 61 passed away unexpectedly in December after a short illness. Alastair served as chairman of Stourport Hockey Club between 1997 and 2000 and oversaw the move of the club from its old Tan Lane site to its current home as part of Stourport Sports Club.
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After a short speech by current Stourport Hockey Club Chairman Martin Tucker the bench along with a plaque, which had been arranged and paid for by his widow Karen, with the Club offering to pay from the Club and President's fund, was unveiled by Martin, Alastair's son Harry and Karen, before a game of hockey between an Ali McIntyre Memorial XI Vs Stourport men's 6th XI, which was begun with a hit back by Karen to their son Harry. The sides which included many current and ex Stourport players ended in a 4-4 draw. After which friends and family retired to the bar to reminisce about a man that had touched so many people.
Karen said 'The memorial match was a happy and very special day. Seeing so many people, both players and spectators, remembering Mac was heart-warming. Thank you all. The memorial bench, crafted by Wyre Forest Community Land Trust, is a beautiful tribute where we can all sit a little while and remember a wonderful husband and father, and dedicated and loved member of SHC.' She went on to give 'many thanks to Steve Taylor and all involved in organising the day.'
While Chairman Martin Tucker said of the day: "It was a fabulous day to see so many people turn out to remember Ali - both on and off the pitch. Ali was a tremendous servant of the club over many years. Not only did he take the responsibility as Chairman for a period of time, he found time to contribute to the club in all sorts of different ways from helping to organise events and tours to captaining teams and chairing selection committees.
"He was one of those people who gave his time freely and to put it simply, he got the sort of stuff done that benefited others. It was a shock to us all that he left us way too soon, but the game today on the pitch and the socialising in the bar after was a fitting tribute to a man who gave more than most to Stourport Hockey Club."
