In this challenging and uncertain times it is with the greatest sadness that we received news of the passing of former member Christopher Luke Ryder, know affectionately as "Boy" Ryder on Monday 30th March 2020 of Corona Virus. The The Virus took him after very short fight at his home where he was self isolating.

Our thoughts are with all of Chris' family, including Aunt and Uncle Chris and Pat Ryder, friends and especially those within the wider Timperley family who have been so devastated by the news. Take a moment to think of "Boy" and our condolences go to all those coming to terms with this devastating news.

Andrew Foster has kindly shared thoughts with us to remember "Boy" and his happy times at the Club, gracing the grass pitches and newly installed astroturf and of course the 'old shed' where he is pictured perched on the old bar stools. Fozzy has also shared some throw back pictures of "Boy" that also give a taste of what hockey was like back in the day - with a few current regulars.

In these difficult times and limitations on funeral attendance we will share any news on any planned future celebration of life.

Please follow the Government Guidance #StaySafe # StayHome and help #SaveLives

What can any of us say about Chris that we don’t already know?

He was a wonderful friend, fiercely loyal to his team mates, his friends, his beloved Everton and of course his wonderful extended family who many of us referred to as The Ryder Clan!

The Ryder family were already an established name at Timperley Hockey Club when Chris came bouncing onto the scene in the late 70s or early 80s. So long ago it is hard to remember precisely. With his dark swarthy looks and easy charm he was welcomed as much by the ladies section as the men’s!

On the field he was incredibly quick and as a centre forward or winger he was feared by many a North West Hockey defender. Had he played more on astro rather than the bog we lovingly called the Timperley 1st team pitch he would have been yet more devastating.

On Wednesday evenings a number of the ladies and men together with Chris would submit themselves to the agony of indoor training with Dick Taylor at Sale Leisure Centre and latterly at Wellington Road school. Being the competitive devil he was he would always save himself for the sprints at the end when he would murder the rest of us by yards. He took our light hearted but deeply meant ribbing well when we pointed out that we had all been working our socks off for 50 minutes or more while he complained of some imaginary injury or other!

He loved the banter and camaraderie of the old Timperley shed where he and many others would enjoy hours of fun and laughter with his hockey friends and watch in wonder at how his uncle Chris would beat everyone else by miles at “bottle walking”. You see there is a competitive streak in those Ryders!

Some of us also enjoyed lovely evenings over in Southport with his family and in the late 80s we were able to convince his brother Mike to come and play 1st team at Timperley.
We didn’t see as much of Chris in recent years as all of us would have liked. Maybe that is something we should all reflect on at this sad time about other friends too long removed from our company.

He did however, come back for a wonderful evening out with Ian Blackburn and Tim Reeve when they returned from Australia last year for a flying visit. Those of us who were there now cherish that time with him. As good company as he always was and happy to share a beer with his pals.

Rest in peace dear friend xxx

Andrew Foster on behalf of all those at Timperley Hockey and Sports Club who had the pleasure to know "Boy" and enjoy his friendship.