A large contingent of hockey players past and present joined in the fun and activities at the annual Margaret River Hockey Club Scarred for Life memorial game on Sunday.
According to club president Colin Fox, the local community was also out in large numbers to support the day, which acts as a social gathering, recruitment drive and opportunity to remember fallen mates.
"The day was a huge success with people attending from soccer and cricket communities, and signing up new and returning players," said Mr Fox.
The day acts as a fundraiser for the club, with supporters manning cake and coffee stalls, registration booths and the bar, while local contributions went towards raffles and silent auctions.
"We couldn't have had such a great success without the generous input of local supporters including our two main sponsors for the day, Cowaramup Pharmacy and Margaret River Cowaramup Electrical Service.
"Thanks to Ashley Hammond and his team, and Michael Earl and the MRCES crew for their ongoing support.
"Loads of other local sponsors and donors of prizes were also greatly appreciated by the club, as well as the Shire of Augusta Margaret River who helped in planning the event."
Guest speaker Mike Dyson of the Good Blokes Co hosted an information session around men's mental health, with Mr Fox saying the turnout was a positive indication that people are becoming more interested and open about discussing mental health and suicide.
"As well as the great numbers at the event, we also raised enough funds to send a Margaret River young person along to Zero2Hero's Camp Hero, plus pay for much needed equipment for the upcoming season."
"We also thank the families and friends of Stuart "Scar" Campbell, Kenny Howes and Wes Battese for attending, and special thanks to our S4L sub committee, putting in extra time above and beyond for the day to day running of the club.
Mr Fox said donations were received from local businesses including Rip Curl, Beach Life, Settlers Tavern, Priceline, SportsPower, Toy World, Margaret River Collaborative, Golden Cafe, Riversmith, Houghton Wines and Witchy Liquor.
"We shared wonderful refreshments thanks to Yahava Coffee (machine supplied by Espresso Medic), Cowaramup Brewing Co, Margaret River Party Hire, Jarvis Estate and Witchy Liquor."
The hockey club is still seeking players for some divisions and is urging people to make contact if they are interested in taking up the sport.
"If you are thinking about playing hockey this season, get in touch, games starts in a couple of weeks, training has begun on Tuesday nights at Gloucester Park, and we'd love to see some more players of all ages jumping on board with our fantastic club."
For more details and to contact the club, visit margaretriverhockey.org.au
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
