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Peggy Saunders (née Calder)

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Halkett hockey player, Hazel Henderson

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Kā Kōrero o Waikirikiri Selwyn Stories

Hazel Elizabeth Chapman (née Henderson)

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TitleHazel Elizabeth Chapman (née Henderson)DescriptionHazel was the third child of Robert and Elsie Henderson ( nee Turner ) who farmed half way down Painters Road in Halkett. A bright sporty girl, she loved playing all games and was ﬁercely competitive. The small Halkett school was great for her as they played many sports, climbed trees and invented games - boys and girls altogether. The family farm had a grass tennis court and she became Canterbury Junior girls champion in 1948, played Nunnerley Casket for Canterbury, as well as representing Malvern for many years in Browning Shield.

However it was hockey that she particularly loved. Money was short during the depression in the 30’s, so they used gorse sticks - Hazel would tie ribbon around a suitable gorse branch and then get her Dad to go back and cut it oﬀ for her to play with - she was a forward, speedy with a good hit.

Secondary school was at Christchurch Girls High but only until she was 15 when the girls stopped schooling to help on the farm.

She loved her club hockey representing Halkett with her sister Mavis and many good friends. The paddock just west of the school was the ﬁeld and they often had to get the sheep oﬀ it before games. Weed-killer served as lines for the season. The team had a particularly strong rivalry with the Kirwee team - she vividly remembered a match where the ground was so wet it was an absolute bog “ why didn’t you call the game oﬀ, I asked “ Halkett v Kirwee was not a Game she said , it was War !!

Malvern girls were included in the Canterbury teams, until Malvern became an independent area for the National tournament from 1950 on. She ﬁrst played for Canterbury/Malvern in 1948 and continued until 1957 winning 2 K Cup badges. Hazel was selected for the national team and went on to play for NZ touring Australia in 1956.
When the selection telegram came to Painters Road, she excitedly told her father - his dour comment was “ well it doesn’t say much for the rest of them “ - he however came back from town the next day with a new stick and said “you had better have this then,” his way of showing he was proud of her.
Keeping ﬁt wasn’t hard - a run around the block, often racing her good friend Peggy Saunders and biking to practise into the wind was strength training.

Hazel was proud of living in Halkett and particularly Painters Road - not only did she grow up on this country road but also Donald Hayes ( Canterbury Rugby legend ) and Robin Wilson ( an Olympic hockey representative ) - not bad, she often said for a small place !!

Hazel’s grave is in the Halkett Presbyterian Church graveyard, along with many of the players in her hockey team. I hope they are once again enjoying each others company and having some laughs !! Date of Birth1930Place of BirthHalkettDate of Death2017

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CollectionSportsPersonPeggy Saunders (née Calder)PlaceHalkettImageHalkett hockey player, Hazel Henderson Last edited by: Sarah Davy

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Hazel Elizabeth Chapman (née Henderson)