Cliff Partridge was today awarded Life Membership of Hockey Tasmania Inc.

Cliff has been playing hockey since school, and has played with the same Club, Tamar Churinga, for over 30 years. He was made a Life Member of Tamar Churinga Hockey Club in 1991.

Contribution has been seen at all levels, from State hockey, to Northern hockey, to State and National Championships, to the Junior World Cup and to every tournament that has been conducted in that time.

Club:	President, Vice President, Treasurer
Northern Hockey Association:	Treasurer (1972 - 2002)
Hockey Tasmania	Treasurer/Finance Director (1994 – current)

His contribution to Tasmanian Hockey includes handling the finances for the last ten (10) years. He has served under seven Presidents during that time. His ability to visualize the ‘big picture’, his attention to detail, and his willingness to spend the long hours necessary to ensure the finances are on track, ensured that we have been able to progress in the desired directions. Those who have been on committees with Cliff will know that there has been no more loyal and dedicated contributor to Tasmanian Hockey. Not only has he advised on the financial aspects of running the sport, but he has an excellent view of the history of our associations, and has a wise head when it comes to decision making.

He has been actively involved in State Veterans Hockey, captaining the Over 50’s team in 2002. His off-field commitment to Veteran’s Hockey includes handling all the financial side of team entries over the past eleven years.

Hockey is a huge part of his life, including returning from his honeymoon in time for him to play his match on the Saturday afternoon! On the birth of his fourth child, he detoured via the Hockey Centre to watch the Friday night match, and pass on the good news.

His passion for the game has been passed onto his children, with Helen & Jenny being heavily involved in playing & coaching. Son Colin has played, and youngest son Robert is about to start. Having been brought up at hockey and Veteran’s Championships, this would be inevitable. And even wife Moira, although not a player herself, has been involved as Club Social Director and President, and has been Manager of many Veteran Men’s Teams over the years. Over the years, Moira has no doubt had to put up with his late night returns and early departures for meetings, and his probable grizzles from time to time about his workload or some political shenanigans which displeased him.

His dedication and love for the game saw him involved in the establishment of the two hockey surfaces at St. Leonards, both in monitoring the finances, and in the actual building of the surrounds and laying of the turf.

Family life has revolved around hockey, and on occasion, three Partridges were playing every weekend. This often proved quite a logistical feat in the days when matches were played at both Churchill Park and St Leonards, with many trips between the two venues each weekend.

Cliff will continue to play as long as possible, due to the enjoyment he receives from the game, and the lifelong friendships made. Cliff is one of hockey’s true gentlemen, and an ‘ultimate volunteer’. His hard work has been recognized by the conferring of Life Membership. Fittingly, this is the first membership conferred since the amalgamation of men’s and women’s hockey in the State.

And if you think that you know him as the rather serious accountant, treasurer, and earnest hockey player, devoted to Moira and their family, you only need to talk to his many friends and teammates to find out about another side to him.