Crostyx Hockey Club --- About Us

The History of Crostyx Hockey Club

1920's

Crostyx Hockey Club was formed in early 1920. At that time the population of the Woodford area was rapidly increasing as was the number of men and ladies wishing to play hockey.

A local Woodford club existed but was unable to take on the numbers involved, so a second club was formed. The name Woodford seemed somewhat uninspired and thus the name Crostyx was born!

Right from the start, Crostyx had both men’s and ladies teams, an active social membership and a full fixture list - the first of which was played 1920/21.

1930's

By 1930 some games were played at The Woodford Wells Cricket & Lawn tennis Club (now The Woodford Wells Club ) but over the years many other venues were used – at Grange Farm, Chigwell, London Playing Fields, Fairlop and Woodham Lodge amongst others.

1960's

There had always been a close cross membership between Crostyx and Woodford Wells Club and in September 1968 the two clubs combined to form The Woodford Wells Cricket, Lawn Tennis and Crostyx Hockey Club.

After some land leveling, the grass pitches were established at the club in in Monkhams Lane, Woodford Wells. This enabled all year round use of the playing areas - of course leading to greater use of the club bar and amenities!.

1980's

This arrangement continued until the game of hockey moved from grass to Astroturf pitches in the middle of the 1980’s.

As there wasn't the space for an Astroturf pitch at Woodford Wells Club, Crostyx looked for alternative grounds - this lead to games being played at Ashton playing Fields, Woodford Bridge, Pickets Lock Centre and more recently the Peter May Sports Centre in Chingford.

1990's

Over the years the team’s fortune has varied. The men reached a peak around 1990 and played for a few years in the National League before settling in the East Premier A Division. The Ladies have also reached their East Premier Division as well. Since the early 1980’s the Men have run a very successful Veterans Team performing well at League and Cup level – and in 1990 the Colts won the English National U13 Mini Hockey Championship.