Tribute paid to Chesterfield Hockey Club stalwart Bob Battye

Bob Battye suffered a heart-attack whilst out cycling, which was one of his favourite past-times along with golf, since retiring from hockey.

He joined Chesterfield Hockey Club from Loughborough Colleges after graduating and rapidly established himself in the first team, along with the county first team.

Talented Bob went on to captain both sides and also played representative hockey for the Midlands.

A spokesman for Chesterfield Hockey Club said Bob had had a massive influence on the club’s success.

“Bob did so much for our club and county over the years,” he said.

“He helped the club firstly to strengthen and grow, with fixtures against some of the best that Yorkshire and the North Midlands had to offer, and then to consolidate the first team’s position in the second highest league in the Midlands with the introduction of League Hockey.

“Bob was a major contributor to the club also in other ways, through his positions on the club’s general and selection committees for many years.

“He also gave his support for mini-hockey. There is so much more we could say about Bob and so many of our members, past and present, will have been touched by his influence and always in a positive manner.

“We offer our most sincere condolences to Josie, his partner, to sons Fraser and Christian and their families.”