Phyllis Allinson: 1926-2012

Phyllis Allinson: 1926-2012
Born: 01.09.1926 Northampton.

Phyllis Allinson, a former England international and Hon Life Member of the All England Womens Hockey Association (AEWHA), died on Sunday March 25th at her home in Bakewell, Derbyshire.  Phyl, as she was affectionately known, will be remembered as a regular England international soon after the last War, as a coach to national teams, as an umpire but especially for her warm and lively personality.

She made her international debut in 1948 and was capped 15 times. There would have been many more caps for her but they were not awarded for  England Touring teams. She went with England to Holland in 1948, South Africa (1950), Australia (1956) and Germany (1958). On the tours to South Africa and Australia, she was vice captain.

Phyl played her county hockey for Kent and Northants and for two territorial sides, the East and the Midlands, being captain of the Midlands for ten years. She went on to be the President of the Midlands and a selector.  An AEWHA Advanced coach, she coached national, territorial and county  teams. She was also a B register umpire.

Elected as vice president of the AEWHA, the former ruling body of English women’s hockey, in 1976, she was made a Life Member in 1984.  Nancy Tomkins, the former Guardian hockey correspondent, said “I am so sorry to hear of her death. I have nothing but happy memories of Phyl. She was a truly lovely person”.  Sue Whitaker (formerly Slocombe), was particularly saddened to hear of Phyl’s death. She knew her very well. “When I was at Bedford College of Physical Education, Phyl was my tutor and was the most wonderful person, loved by many students for her care and support.  Phyl wrote my reference for my first teaching post and was so supportive throughout both my international playing days and when I moved on to coach England and Great Britain. She was always there to offer gentle help, advice and support.  She really was the most special person I could ever hoped to have met. I will always treasure my fond memories of her.”

The funeral will be held on April 12th.