It’s not often grandparents and grandchildren share the same hobbies but for one family, hockey is a way of life that spans the generations.

Jess Gray, 13, has just started playing for the ladies third team at Anchorians Hockey Club, Gillingham; her mum Jackie is an attacker in the ladies first XI and gran Denise plays in the second string’s midfield.

Jackie, who is also ladies club captain, has been playing for Anchorians since she was 11.

She said: “In my life, the club has brought me a husband, family, friends and children – it’s a great honour they’re all playing here.”

Denise has been playing for the club for more than 30 years. She added: “I didn’t think I’d still be playing in my 60s but it’s fantastic to be playing with my daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

"It’s a good family achievement that bonds us together and we look forward to playing on a Saturday."

But that is not to forget the Gray men who have also worn the Anchs purple and white colours over many years.

"If they cut us, our blood would probably run purple" - Paul Gray

Denise’s husband Dave first ran out for the club almost 50 years ago while son Paul was a first team regular before swapping hockey sticks for golf clubs – although he is regularly called out of retirement for guest appearances. Grandson Hayden plays in goal for the juniors’ under-10s team.

Paul said: “If they cut us, our blood would probably run purple.”

Anchs chairman Gary Jackson said: “Ten years ago 11 of our ladies section were pregnant at the same time, now we’re starting to see many of those players in our junior section and hopefully they’ll soon be joining Jess in making the transition to the senior sides, keeping the club going for the next generation.”

The club was recently awarded the ClubsFirst accreditation and has secured almost £200,000 through funding bids, sponsorship, donations and fundraising to replace its ageing artificial turf pitch at Darland Avenue. Another £500 grant from Kent Sport has also just come in to top up the total.

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