AT ITS annual end-of-season dinner, Cirencester Hockey Club paid tribute to two members who have made major contributions to the club's development for more than 20 years - Ian Harvey and Jean Kilgariff.

Club president Mark Whittering announced Ian would become the club's first honorary life member in recognition of his work for it.

Ian has held many posts since joining in 1980, including chair, secretary, treasurer and team captain.

He is best known for his long-term commitment to coaching and developing the junior section.

Ian is an England Hockey level two coach and has been the key to the success and continuity of the club's youth training.

Mark said: "Ian started our junior section 15 years ago and has always been the prime mover in the club's youth training.

"We are now recognised as one of Gloucestershire's stronger clubs for juniors and we are represented at both county and regional level."

The ladies second XI's Sarah Ryan then presented an award to Jean Kilgariff, the club's oldest female player, to mark her retirement from hockey.

Jean has played for Cirencester since 1987 and captained the ladies second XI for about ten years.

Sarah Ryan said: "Jean is an inspiration to us all. She is still a strong player and holds her position on ability and performance. We will miss her."