Centre Boss Nets Sporting Role

Date: 01/01/2002

A Lancaster antiques dealer is this week swapping objects d’art for hockey sticks as he takes on a new role at the XVII Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Allan Blackburn, Managing Director of Lancaster Leisure Park’s GB Antiques Centre acted as Venue Supervisor at the International Hockey test event which was held at the Belle Vue Hockey Centre from Friday 14th June until Sunday 16th June. Teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and India took part.

Allan, a keen hockey player for more than 30 years said, “I have been one of six people who has spent the last eighteen months on the Hockey Technical Committee but now the really hard work begins. This weekend’s event was a test run to ensure everything runs smoothly for the Games – I’m pleased to say it went really well!”

Each committee member has their own important role to play. The voluntary job of Venue Supervisor involves ensuring all teams have the necessary equipment and facilities, as well as liaising with security, other volunteers and the Venue’s management.

Allan is a familiar figure on the hockey circuit, being hockey coach at Kirkham Grammar School and Preston Hockey Club. Ten years, ago he organised a series of international hockey events held at Preston North End. He lives in Preston.

All Commonwealth Games hockey events are now fully booked – More than 50,000 tickets have been sold.

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