The Watsonian Hockey Club's Centenary celebrations kicked off in style with a lunch on Thursday 28 November in the Myreside Pavilion. The landmark event was timed to mark 100 years since the formation of the Club on 25 November 1924 and the first men's match a few days later on the 29th.

An excellent 3-course meal was enjoyed by 35 former and current players who have played for Watsonians Men's teams across eight decades, stretching from the 1950's to the present day.

Jimmy Raitt (former President and 1st XI captain) proposed a toast to the Club before Richard Booth (former 1st XI captain) toasted the Old Crocks, Exiles and Guests. Iain Kelso (President at the 50th Anniversary Dinner) responded with stories from the early decades of the Club, before Tom Swarbrick (WHC Vice-President) replied on behalf of the Club. Jimmy Raitt rounded things off with a Vote of Thanks.

Invitations had gone out to those who had played for the Men's Club on or before the 75th Anniversary in 1999, just before the merger of the Men's and Ladies' Clubs. Guests included Tom Bennett (Watsonian Club Archivist), who was delighted to receive a large collection of photos, trophies and other memorabilia donated by the attendees.

The stories of matches, tours and club legends including Kerr Baillie, Nigel Sharp and Jim Smart, continued in the Myreside Bar well into the evening. It was just like the good old days!

The photograph shows all attendees, with Jimmy Raitt holding the Scottish Cup, which Watsonians Men won for the first time in the Club's history in May 2024. This would never have been possible without the contribution of everyone who consistently gave their best, on and off the field, for the Club over the last century.

The Club will be hosting various events across the last weekend in June 2025. Centred around a formal dinner held in the George Watson's College assembly hall, the Centenary weekend will also provide hockey matches for all ages and abilities.

PHOTO
BACK (L-R): Tom Swarbrick, Neal Drummond, Graham Watson, Niall Macdonald, Gus Potter, Keith Griffiths, Andy Cartmail, Martin Booth, Andy Malloch, Dave McMurray, Alan Sharp, Richard Gray, Derek Smith, Tom Bennett, Iain Deane, Tim Bunker.
MIDDLE (L-R): Alan Dickie, Morris Duncan, Sandy Reid, Colin Allison, Dave Neilson, Les Florence, Adrian Griffiths, Walter Thomson, Alan McKean, Colin Shearer, James Campbell, George Thornton.
FRONT (L-R): Robert Miller, Iain Kelso, Tommy Sellar, Jimmy Raitt, Peter Glen, Robert McMath, Richard Booth.