DLHC

Dawlish Ladies Hockey Club was originally formed in 1947 but was called “Dawlish and Teignmouth Ladies Hockey Club”. It consisted mainly of Teignmouth players who could not find their own pitch in Teignmouth and therefore came to Dawlish.

In 1954 the club disbanded but was re-formed in 1956 as “Dawlish Ladies Hockey Club”. However, in February 1960 the club nearly disbanded again when its Honorary Secretary at that time suddenly resigned without warning. As there was no-one willing to take over, the club looked certain to finish. Fortunately the umpire at that time (Lt Col W H Burke) agreed to take on the extra responsibility of Honorary Secretary and in the 1961 – 1962 season the first set of rules for the club was initiated and the first Dawlish Tournament was held which has been running on an annual basis ever since. After the death of Lt Col W H Burke in 1969 a memoriam shield is presented to the winners of every tournament in his honour.

In June 2016 Dawlish Ladies were shocked and heartbroken at the news that their very well-loved player, Anne Darby, had suddenly passed away.  Anne was an incredible, positive member of the team and is sorely missed.  In April 2016 the Burke tournament memoriam shield added its final game, complete with no more space.  We then thought it fitting to have a new shield, this time in honour of our dear 'Darbs'.