It is with great sadness that Whitchurch Hockey Club has to announce the passing of its longest-serving member Donald Nairn.

Don was involved with the club for many years as player, umpire, coach and committee member, and was instrumental in the development of the club’s future.  Don was a pioneer, establishing links between schools and the club back in the 1980s by running an Under 13 boys tournament to encourage local schools to take up the sport.

In the 1990s he established a primary school development project to encourage players at a younger age, leading to the creation of the Whitchurch Hockey Academy for the development of junior players.

His involvement in securing funding and getting the Whitchurch astroturf pitch opened in 1999 provided a basis for the long term future of the club, and he continued to lead the way in building its development through junior coaching, the creation of the Fathom team (now the Men’s 2s) and the introduction of Rush hockey in more recent years.

Don’s involvement in hockey stretched beyond the club, providing coaching for development teams of all ages within Shropshire Hockey, and serving as a committee member of the Shropshire Hockey Association.

So many people have a huge affection for Don, from youngsters in the club today to those who were playing with him forty years ago.  It’s impossible to describe the impact he has had over his time here.

The club would like to say a big thank you for all his years of loyal service, and to wish his family our condolences at this sad time.

A Thanksgiving & Celebration Service for the life of Allan Donald Nairn will take place at St Alkmund’s Church, Whitchurch at 2.30pm on Tuesday 2nd February.