The History of Loughborough Carillon

Loughborough Carillon Mixed Hockey Club originated in 1965 when the club was then called The Brush Sports Mixed Hockey Club. In it's inaugural season The Brush had instant success when the team won both Division 3 Championship and the Junior Cup. Having gain promotion to Division 2, The Brush narrowly failed to gain further promotion when finishing as runners up on goal average (until 1970 only the Division winners were promoted). 

In 1967 a second team called Brush Reserves was turned out and entered into the newly formed fourth division. The Reserves only lasted two seasons finishing third & fifth respectively.

In 1971/72 The Brush won the second division title and were promoted to Division 1. The team proceeded to win the League Championship for the next three seasons, followed by the runner up spot for a further three seasons. During these seven golden years The Brush also won the Senior Cup, the seven a side competition and only lost 10 league games. During the seasons 1973/74 & 1974/75 the team did not loose a match and dropped only two points. After a couple of lean years further success followed in 1980/81as Division 2 Champions and 1981/82 as Senior Cup Finalists and in 1982/83 as League runner up.

A second team was formed again in 1972 and was called Brush B. They finished a creditable third place in Division 4 and the following season the "B" team were runners up gaining promotion to Division 3. In 1974/75, Brush B won the Division 3 title and the Junior Cup. The following season saw promotion to Division 1 by virtue of the runners up spot, rounding off a remarkable run through the divisions. In their first season in the top flight, the B's finished a creditable fifth place and were finalists in the Senior Cup. 

In 1973/74 a third team was formed called Brush Falcons and their very existence and support undoubtedly helped the two senior sides achieve so much success.

The following season a fourth team was formed, Brush Kestrels, initially to play friendly fixtures, but were subsequently persuaded to participate in the league programme. Although generally finishing bottom of the league, Kestrels had their moments of glory, in 1976/77 they were Junior Cup finalists and in 1981/82 winning the Sportsmanship Trophy, making The Brush the only club to receive this very high accolade three times.

In 1984 The Brush Sports Mixed Hockey Club moved to Moor Lane. Wishing to integrate completely with their new surroundings and with their new partners in sport, the club formally adopted the name Loughborough Carillon Mixed Hockey Club, whilst still retaining the team titles of A, B, Falcons & Kestrels.

We would like to acknowledge our club historian and President, Colin Roberts who wrote this article.

The Missing Years ?

We await the next chapter with interest but are relying on you to help us fill in the " The missing years" -  Volunteers, budding authors & historians please let the committee have your contributions.