RHELMA Savins joined Glee Hockey Club 60 years ago, in 1954, and spent over 40 years playing for the club before her last game in 1996

As a life member, an honour she was awarded in 1983, Savins has continued active involvement with the club and her daughters and granddaughters still play for her beloved team.

During her hockey career, Savins represented Far North Coast at Country Week in Sydney and later at the New South Wales State Championships, held throughout the state.

In 1986, she was selected in the NSW State Veterans team, which played in the Australian Championships in Sydney.

Introduced to umpiring by the late Bette Timms, Savins worked her way up through the grades to gain her NSW A grade umpiring badge.

For many years, she was the Far North Coast umpires convenor and spent countless hours promoting, advising and coaching umpires at all levels.

Her dedication to hockey also saw her spend over two decades coaching and promoting hockey in local primary schools.

A lifelong passion for the game continues through the enjoyment she derives from having her daughters and granddaughters playing the team sport she regards as '...teaching one about building happy relationships' and '... the enjoyment and freedom that the game gives individuals as a recreational pursuit'.

Savins will be at 'the hill' on Saturday cheering on the Glee A grade team, which includes three of her granddaughters in its ranks (Emily and Stacey Savins and Sophie McDonough), as they attempt to win their 14th consecutive FNC A grade Major Premiership.