Canterbury Ladies’ Hockey Club was re-formed in 1971as the original club was disbanded at the outset of war in 1939.

Judith Dunn is the only founding member still actively involved in the running of the club.

Our first pitches were begged or borrowed, until finally we progressed to a semi-permanent home at St Stephens. We had the use of a wooden hut to change in, the hut even had electricity and running water, but we had to pay for a swim at Kingsmead in order to take a shower!

 In the late 70’s we took to visiting the mens’ clubhouse at Kingsmead and in 1980 when the opportunity arose to join Canterbury Men's Hockey Club and Beverley cricket club in the new venture at Polo Farm the Canterbury Ladies Hockey Club jumped at the opportunity.

There are many people who have been instrumental in making the Ladies’ club what it is today: Elsie Phipps for being the driving force in the reformation in 1971, Gwyneth Robson and Jan Goodenough who were two of the founders and remain vice-presidents, Sylvia Wood who was our President for 27 years, Sue Longbottom, Nan Haggerty, Angela Tingey, Sally Hayes and Judith Dunn who between them have held more committee posts than the rest of the club put together!

In 1971 a band of twelve regularly turned out to play at weekends, by 1976 we were able to field two regular Saturday sides.  The ladies’ even saw the potential of the youth of the city and began coaching sessions for youngsters aspiring to play club hockey.

It was from these sessions that The Canterbury Junior Hockey Club evolved. The first U18 side we entered into the newly formed Kent league were so successful that not only did they win their Regional League, but went on to become Kent Champions followed by East Champions in successive years.

Kent Hockey Association http://www.kenthockey.org.uk/ began a Ladies League programme in 1981, which Canterbury joined . In 1984 we were able to field 3 teams, by 1988 we had 4 and currently field 5 Senior X1s,Junior under14's, Under16's, Under 18's, Indoor squads and a Vets Team!

The success of the club has grown over the years with the following being some of our achievements:

U18

Kent Champions        East Champions         Runner up in the National play offs.

U19

Kent Champions        East Champions          Runner-up in the National play offs.

Indoor 

Kent Champions        East Championship Finals      1995 National Plate Finals           Promoted to National Premier League 1999         Premier Division.

First XI

Kent Champions          East Super League Champions          National League Division 1                  Slazenger National Premier League       2003 Cup Winners        2004 European Cup Winners Silver Medalists        2006 Club Champions Cup Berlin Siver Medalists        2007 Club Champions Cup Madrid  4th place.

Second XI

 Kent Champions      Champions East Super Premier.          Kent Cup Winners 4 times.

2A XI

Kent League Premier       East Division 2 South

3rd XI

Winners of Kent Leagues 6  5 and 4        Kent League Runners up 3 and 2           Kent League 1

3A XI

Kent League Division 8 in 1999     Gaining promation each year to Kent Division 3

National Honour Awards

Eirian Fox, Sandra Martin, Jackie Savage, Karen Kingsnorth, Clare Kingsnorth, Jo Sillitoe, Claire Pluckrose, Nikki Triggs, Jackie Laslett, Rocca Guttridge, Kirsty Chambers, Christina Houslop, Anna Bennett, Frances Houslop, Hilary Rose, Mel Clewlow, Jen Wilson, Cathy Gilliat-Smith, Natasha Brennan, Natalie Seymour, Grace Balsdon, Jenny Hall, Hayley Brown, Abi Walker.

Overseas players Susan Webber, Amy Tran, Lisa Hapke and Cindy Botha are all capped for their Country.

We are proud to be part of Polo Farm and of our involvement in making Canterbury one of the best hockey clubs in the country; we are also proud of Canterbury Junior Hockey Club who can boast 20 or more players who now play top hockey who have come through their mini hockey system. 

 Out first official sponsor was Marcas Steel who helped put Canterbury’s name on the National map.

We currently enjoy the benefits of several sponsors and have dedicated a special page for their recognition and support.

There is one other band of helpers that the club must be truly grateful and they are the Dinner Ladies who over the years have worked tirelessly at the week ends, feeding the players, the supporters, visitors and officials whilst keeping in mind the need for fund-raising.

Canterbury Hockey Club have recently been awarded  2007/2008  " Most Hospitable Club Award" This is our fifth award in recent years, a wonderful acheivement.           Well done Ladies!