Lynda Hardstone

Winner of Jack Petchey Leader Award 2009

It wasn't difficult to find a recipient for the Jack Petchey Leader Award this time. Lynda has been tirelessly involved with the club since its inception, so it is an absolute pleasure to be able to announce that her nomination for this award has been successful.

Lynda will receive £1000 from Jack Petchey to spend on a project of her choice at the club. She will receive the award officially at the end of the season, but in the meantime we thought it only fitting that we acknowledge all the reasons why she has been chosen to receive the award.

 

Reasons for Nomination

 

Since 1996 when Telstars Netball Club was first formed Linda has been a key volunteer and a staunch supporter of Telstars NC, bringing with her passion of the sport to many a young player. In the years leading up to the clubs origin Linda herself was a county level player and as years went by she swiftly turned her skill of the game to that of an umpire and it is was with some gentle persuasion from Anita that turned Linda's attention to become Telstars very own umpire.

Despite her other passion of horse riding she has managed over the years, as Telstars has expanded, from one team to its present nine teams, to give up so much time to volunteer for us that Linda’s role as umpire has expanded to that of an umpire/mentor/friend.

Saturdays at North West Kent would not be the same without seeing Linda carting her chair, her flask of coffee and sporting one of the various hats that have become her trademark uniform, often gifted by grateful teams.

She played a huge part in successfully getting, what at the time was, the youngest umpire in the country qualified, as well as countless other Telstars players, who to this day can be seen officiating at most league matches. Her down to earth and fair umpiring manner has helped other Telstars umpires to put the job into perspective when being hassled by players, coaches and spectators. For them to continue umpiring with enjoyment and enthusiasm, despite this and for so many to be qualified and helping to sustain netball in Kent is a tribute to Linda’s umpiring and mentoring skills.

It is now thirteen years since Linda first came as a volunteer to Telstars. To say that the number 13 is unlucky can only be from the point of view of all the other netball teams in the UK who have not had Linda umpiring for them. We at Telstars feel proud to include her in our team and honoured that she chose us to work with.

Quote from Club Capt – Steph Gardner

“ I can remember Linda umpiring our first Telstars game back in 1996, here we were all excited, nervous and a little anxious of what lie ahead, then over came Linda in this bright red coat......and this weird and wonderful hat which matched our club colours, it was tipping it down with rain, but it certainly didn't dampen her spirit. I remember her umpiring the game with an air of authority which immediately gained respect from all of the players – as it has done now over the many years – I feel we have been blessed with having Linda on board which has helped Telstars NC be the success it is today – we certainly couldn't have done it without her”  

 

Quote from Holly Exeter - Umpire

“I am eternally grateful to Linda for helping me gain an umpiring award at the young age of 14yr which made me at the time the youngest umpire in the country, to gain such recognition in our sport of netball was truly rewarding. It was through Linda's kind and nurturing nature and spotting the gift I had in officiating that we together with Anita pushed all the boundaries to achieve the award. I have enjoyed many a year umpiring and now having returned from University – Linda is now taken on mentoring me to take my A/B umpiring award – so thank you Linda”

Quotes from Senior Squad 

“Linda is a friend as well as our umpire - everyone respects her and the time she gives up for us- we are totally indebted to her for the times she has stepped in to umpire so that we didn't lose the game - her hats are wicked – we certainly wouldn't be the club we are today without her “