‘A true gentleman’: Wakefield Hockey Club pays tribute to Geoff Leighton

Geoff Leighton has been a member of Wakefield Hockey Club for over 60 years, having joined in 1960 and was the oldest member of the club and the last remaining member of the original Sandal Hockey Club.

He played most of his hockey as a strong defenseman on the 3rd, 4th and 6th teams and was an avid member of the masters team, then known as the veterans team.

He instigated an annual veterans meeting with York Hockey Club on field hockey days, traveling in Jack Whites minibus so most of the team could enjoy York hospitality. He was a dedicated club member both on and off the field and was made a life member of the hockey section to recognize his contribution to the club.

Geoff captained the third team from 1965 to 1972 and also captained the fourth team from 1974 to 1975. He became chairman of the men’s section in 1983, a unique situation as his wife Margaret was president of the Ladies Club (Wakefield Women’s Hockey Club) during the same years.

He retired from the game in 1996 at the age of 67 and became a fervent supporter of men’s performance teams, initially to watch his grandsons Thomas and Robert. He was often seen at the club until April 2023, supporting his son Peter, who followed with an obligatory pint or three with his bag of nuts or scratches, perched on a barstool in the corner of what used to be the lounge bar .

In 1964 Geoff helped organize the 6 club tournament with Keith Orrell and John Holt which was played on grass courses and later instigated the Veteran 7 tournament in 1977 which his son Peter controlled with Steve Wood. In 1973, he designed and manufactured a “duck stool”, which was rented out to outside organizations, with rental fees contributing to the running of the hockey club.

He also actively supported Philip Entwistle in the famous “wartime shows” of the early 1970s, creating sets, lights, props and taking part. An excellent social event, which has been repeated for about five years. Other star performers include Peter Bolton and Norman Hughes.

A sponsored dribble for junior members (before there was a junior section) of the club, was also organized by Geoff in the early 70’s. Geoff was treasurer of the sports club in the 70’s where he helped organize social and fundraising events including ‘Donkey Derby’s’ and ‘Miss World competitions’. (which were only for male participants)

Geoff helped organize (with Bob Craven) and took his family to the annual Bridlington Festival over Easter from 1968 to 1974 and later took part in the 1973 and 1974 trips to Guernsey organized by Colin Moir .

Geoff has always supported his family in the world of hockey and there was a unique occasion at Christmas when he played in the same team as his son and grandsons. He was involved in the Junior Muiderburg exchanges where he made friends and accompanied his son and grandchildren to Muiderburg in the Netherlands for exchange in 2001. Photos above.

A gentleman who will be truly missed.