Monica Pickersgill Tribute

The Hockey Museum is saddened to report the death of Monica (Mon) Pickersgill who died at her care home in Wakefield on Saturday 28 February.

Mon was elected as the fifteenth and final President of the All England Women’s Hockey Association (AEWHA) in 1992, with a mandate to deliver the centenary celebrations in 1995 and to steer the AEWHA towards a new joint association with the English men’s Hockey Association (HA). 

The merger of two such long-standing, independent Associations was never going to be easy, but Mon emerged as one of the most influential and significant figures involved in the process, successfully delivering the joint association in 1997. She then led the new English Hockey Association (EHA) as its first President for a full three-year term.

In December 2022, Mon was deservedly presented with the England Hockey (EH) Lifetime Achievement Award by the then President, Mike Stoddard (pictured). 

Rich Beer, England Hockey CEO, said: "Monica was a hugely influential figure for hockey in England and the legacy of what she achieved remains in the game. She held key leadership roles during a period of huge change and was someone who selflessly gave her time and energy for the good of the sport.

"Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the hockey community at this time."