 GHC are sad to inform our readership that long-time Vice President, member and supporter of GHC, Michael (Mike) Stevenson died a few weeks ago. Many thanks to Ian Pinks for sending us the news and a resume of Mike's background so our community can honour his contributions to the club...
Mike Stevenson was the son of George Stevenson and Ethel Walton, née Caunt, they married in 1928 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Mike joined the St Albans Hockey Club in 1948 aged 14. His father, George, introduced him and encouraged him to play hockey. Mike later became a Vice President of St Albans Hockey Club.
Mike progressed up the Club sides and while at St Alban's did his National Service in the RAF. He captained the RAF hockey team against the Army and the Navy and as a result of this he was presented his RAF hockey colours.
Mike played for Hertfordshire on many occasions while at St Alban's. In 1963 Mike was made captain of the First Eleven and his captaincy laid the foundations for some of the most exciting times for the First Eleven. Mike, with his very supportive wife Margaret A. (Maggie) née Finch, organised the first trip by the Club to an Easter Hockey Festival in 1960 to Clacton, under the name of ‘St Albans Stallions’. The Club had many successful visits to Clacton.
A dental technician by profession, Mike worked in the town, but in 1967 he and his family moved to Surrey and joined SS White and Company, a dental equipment company.
Mike joined Guildford Hockey Club in 1969 and played for the First team, he then captained the Second Eleven and subsequently he became First Team Manager as a result of the club winning the HA Cup and playing in the European Club Championship. During his stewardship the club enjoyed unprecedented success both at home and in Europe.
Mike enjoyed playing golf (he joined Hindhed Gold Club in 1992), following the sporting progress of his five grandchildren as well as supporting Guildford Hockey Club, albeit from a distance.
Mike Stevenson circa 2015 at his home in Hindhead, Surrey | 
