DI BATTERHAM

Di Batterham, who died at the weekend after a long and brave battle against cancer, is a true Leicester Ladies legend. A local girl, she played hockey for club, county, territory and country but her greatest achievement was as the player-friendly manager of the Great Britain women's hockey team that won bronze in Barcelona in 1992. Jane Sixsmith and Mary Nevill might have been the stars but Di contributed so much to the spirit of the side.

Di taught locally at Stonehill High School for many years, inspiring many a young girl to play hockey including several who went on to play internationally like current Leicester manager, Sue Holwell. She also served county schoolgirls and the women's association in many capacities, most recently as long-serving Treasurer of the women's hockey section. Committee meetings at Di's are the stuff of legend and, if you did not have to drive home, your glass was never empty.

Di was a key figure at Leicester Ladies throughout the 60s and 70s. When Gaynor joined the club in 1977 she was captain. Nearing the end of her career she remained rock solid at the back, able to read the game brilliantly and with superb distribution skills.

Golf has been Di's passion for the last thirty years but she retained a great affection for club and county and her death leaves all who knew her saddened but all the richer for having known such a character. The club extends its heartfelt sympathy to Barry and the rest of Di's family.