Viv passed away peacefully on Friday 18th November, in the presence of her close family, a short time after suffering from a stroke.

Viv played at SHC for many decades, in almost every team and at every level over the years.

In 2001, after many years of valiant efforts by the ladies to join forces, the men’s and ladies’ hockey clubs finally merged. The ladies were running 4 XIs at the time and Viv became the first President of the new club.

Viv’s passion to develop and nurture the youngsters and new players to the club was so important. For so many Viv was the first person they met at SHC and her friendly welcoming approach was part of why they stayed at the club.

Viv’s love of hockey and the SHC family meant that she was playing and enjoying her hockey until earlier this year, playing alongside her daughter Rebecca in 6s. Viv is survived by her husband Ian, daughter Rebecca, and sons Richard and James, all players at SHC over the years.

She was a force of nature and true pioneer on and off the pitch and will be missed by so many of us, especially by me. She was an inspirational role model proving that you get out of life what you put in. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten. In 2019 the Viv Hamilton Ladies Team of the Year Award was introduced to recognise the significant impact Viv had on SHC.

There will be a one minutes silence on Saturday at 10am at Nobel. Members of the family will join with players, members and umpires. If you are free please join us in paying our respects.

The date of the funeral has yet to be set.

Best wishes
Clare ‘Swarbs’ Swarbrick
President, SHC