It is with great sadness that we have heard that Christine Fergusson has passed away.
A former English teacher Christine spent 18 years in charge of Newark Hockey Club’s junior girls’ section, successfully leading the Otters and Beavers section of the club, coaching girls aged six to 12 to success in regional and national tournaments.
Following her retirement at the age of the 60, she started coaching every Sunday morning with the newly-formed Otters and Beavers section at Newark Hockey Club and has played her part in bringing some fine players through the ranks.
"Fergie", as she was foundly known, coached girls under-ten, under-11, and under-12 teams to the Midlands finals every year, and oversaw players who went on to play at international level, including team GB star Shona McCallin, Wales international sisters Sianne and Sophie Robinson, Wales former under-18 player Liz Mumby, and England former under-16’s Alice Huddlestone.
Shona credits Newark HC head coach Christine Fergusson MBE with teaching her so much during those early formative years.
Chairperson Arran Coggan said "Newark Hockey Club owes her a large debt of gratitude for everything she did for hockey. Hundreds, if not thousands, of young people learnt to play hockey because of her dedication.
"She was a force to be reckoned with and after years of commitment she has left a fantastic base on which we continue to build upon. Thank you Christinne and rest in peace"
Christine was made honorary Life Member of @NottsHockey in 2013 and every year since her retirement Newark Hockey Club presents the "Christine Fergusson Trophy" to the most dedicated lady in the club.
From all at Newark Hockey - past and present - our thoughts are with her family and friends.
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