Treece Rosebowl

Joan Treece and her sons Mark and Francis donated the Treece Rosebowl to be awarded to a person or persons who had given great service to Devon Hockey Association (DHA). It is presented annually at the DHA AGM and in May 2007 was presented to Paddy Porter (President DCHUA) for the Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring (RDU) campaign.

Paddy said, “RDU was started to address the falling umpire numbers within Devon when I took over as President in 2005. I was very lucky to have the loyal and unstinting support of my committee when we started to address the issue head on. I was also encouraged by the support of most clubs and umpires. I think it is fair to say that umpiring in Devon is on the up and we are the envy of many other umpire associations who are struggling to fulfil their traditional umpire appointments. The West has now adopted our Zero Tolerance approach to Umpire Abuse, we are also offering mentoring to more umpires than ever before and we are appointing to games in lower leagues now. This Cup is for you all.

However, there is still a long way to go but we are continuing to make steady progress. Mentoring of Level One Candidates and Umpire Courses are the main thrust for RDU 3 in 2007/8. It is still the aim of DCHUA to appoint to all league games within Devon over the next few years. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of Devon Umpiring since RDU started and for your continued support. Together we can do it.”

The Roswbowl was presented to Paddy (right of picture) by Sam Tallowin on behalf of DHA.

If you have any comments to make about RDU, what has worked, what hasn't and any ideas for the future then please feel free to make them here.