Good afternoon. I hope this email finds you all well.
As you are all aware the John Nike Leisure Group announced on the 14th July that they had taken the decision to close the Bracknell rink permanently from that date after its temporary closure towards the end of March. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to all of the staff and their families at the complex.
It has not yet been two weeks since we were informed of their decision to close the complex permanently and the possibilities for the future of BIHC still remain unclear. Many rumours are rife at present but I am aware of several possible options that are currently been explored by different groups to keep an ice rink in Bracknell. At present all of the plans that I am aware of are still very much in their infancy with many details still to be worked out. When I have those details or more accurate, factual information I will of course pass them on as soon as it is possible to do so.
I am pleased to be able to announce the date of the club awards ceremony this year. We were originally waiting in the hope that we would be able to all get together and ‘make a day of it’ but for obvious reasons this won’t be possible now. This years awards will have to take place virtually and are planned for next Sunday, the 9th of August and will be announced and presented on social media by the Hornets Team Manager, Danny Perchard. More details will follow later this week on Team App and The Mighty Buzz.
Obviously at present rinks are not open to the public and no players are able to skate although this will start to change soon. As things currently stand your players EIHA registration will expire at the end of this month. We have had notice from the EIHA that extensions will not be granted. Just a reminder to everyone that when the rinks do start to reopen before your player can take part and skate at any sanctioned event (camp etc) they will need to be re registered with the EIHA. Without your players re registration they will be uninsured and will not be allowed to train or ice.
Should you wish to register your player to enable them to attend any camps, training or play next season the cost is £60 per player (£30 for U9s). We are unable to register players without payment of the correct fee, paid in advance to the club account at
Bracknell Ice Hockey Club
Nat West Bank
51 81 22
77915712Please could you include the age group that your player would be playing in next season and your surname as the reference with this payment to avoid any delays in processing .
Eg – U15 Ratcliffe
As you can imagine our registrations secretary and treasurer will be very busy when the window to register does open so as much notice as possible would be useful to avoid any delays and would be appreciated. Please note that this fee is set by the EIHA and is only required once in the season and should you require it, any future transfers are free of charge. I would add though that should your player either choose not to continue to play or are unable to play for any reason then BIHC will be unable to obtain a refund of the registration fee.
On behalf of the entire club I would like to thank all of the affected staff at the complex for the help, support and consideration they have shown BIHC over the years. The committee would also like to thank you, the parents, for the support and patience you have all shown everyone on the committee over the past few unsettling weeks and months. The understanding, loyalty and camaraderie shown recently has made me feel proud to be a part of BIHC. I’m only sorry that we are unable to give you any clear, firm news on the future of BIHC as yet. Please be assured that the BIHC committee continues to meet and plan for any possible future that we may have. We will pass on any factual information I have just as soon as I possibly can.
Take care of yourselves
Paul
