25/09/2026
IN MEMORIAM - Andy Whitaker
It is with great sadness that we let you know of the passing of Andy Whitaker, one of our long serving umpires.
Janet, Andy’s wife, and also a past playing member at Sevenoaks said “Hockey was a huge part of Andy’s life - in fact, it’s how he and I met at Redbridge & Ilford HC nearly 40 years ago! Over the years he went from playing to coaching at Tunbridge Wells HC when our daughter Georgia started playing and I captained the 2nd XI, and then finally to umpiring at Sevenoaks HC, which he absolutely loved. I was regularly regaled on a Saturday nights with a very detailed account of his games and all his umpiring decisions!
After such a difficult summer with his treatment, Andy was really looking forward to getting back to umpiring this season, and I am so glad he managed to do one last game. It gave him such a boost. Hockey was part of our lives for such a long time and I know how much all the friendships he made through it meant to him."
Jackie Gibbs, a club VP worked closely with Andy over many years and said: “Andy was a much respected and committed club umpire, often officiating two games on a Saturday and also a junior match on a Sunday. He was a trusted and supportive colleague in matches and always ready to discuss and learn both on and off the pitch. Andy was awarded the Stephen Trounce Award in 2024 in recognition of his commitment and loyalty. He will be sorely missed by the club umpiring community, many of whom were long standing friends.”
