Derek Salisbury has been involved with Neath Hockey Club for around 60 years.
Having started playing for the club – then named Steel Company of Wales Hockey Team – in the mid-1960s, he became Firsts captain in 1975 and, ten years later, Chairman of the club.
40 years later, Derek is now stepping aside as Chairman, leaving behind an unimaginable legacy.
During his time with the club, he has seen its name change to British Steel, then Chorus and finally Neath, as we know them now. The club has had some amazing highlights with Derek at the helm, having notably represented Wales at the European Cup Winners Cup in Gibraltar and, in 1999 and 2000, won the first two seasons of Veterans Cups in Wales alongside Pembroke HC.
“During my tenure I have developed the club’s constitution and associated supporting management structure. My aim was always to make the club both inclusive and welcoming to all,” Derek commented. “This I feel I have achieved which I consider my main achievement.
“After 40 years I felt it was time to hand over control of the club to younger and more active members,” he told us.
Replacing Derek as Neath HC Chairman is Daniel Evans.
“I was just a year old when Derek took over as Chair of the club,” he said. “So, I can tell you first hand it has been a long time!
“Derek has seen Neath become Neath, having been through several name changes and called many pitches home in that time. Without Derek, we wouldn't exist,” Dan explained.
“It’s easy to get a group of guys together to play a game of hockey, but to do it in structure and with organisation for 40 years is something else.
“He didn't do it alone of course, but he has lead us to a very high level of hockey.
“Neath is a small club,” Dan continued, “but we hold our own quite well. We are able to do that due to the friendship that the club ethos brings. Without this we would be a few members short, with mental health being a big topic of late.
“The impact Derek has had on the lives of men in the community is incalculable.
“Derek is still playing hockey for us and for Wales masters. He has left big shoes to fill for me personally and as a club I am not sure we will ever find a humbler clubman.”
Llongyfarchiadau to Derek on a wonderful connection to Neath HC and 40 years of excellent service to the club as Chairman.