In 1968 the club was effectively re-formed under the vision and guidance of Rex Morris who had formerly played for Spencer Hockey Club in London and was an active Southern Counties umpire throughout the 1960’s. He became Chairman of Fleet Hockey Club in 1971.
Trials for players were held in Calthorpe Park which were well attended by locals including members of Fleet Cricket Club and employees from Solartron, the large electronics company based in Farnborough (where future club player Brendon O’Malley a friend of Rex Morris worked). With many trialists new to the sport a selection of sticks was lined up against the club house so players could get a feel for the equipment! With agreement from the cricket club an area of the outfield was laid out for hockey.
At the time there were still no regular leagues so matches were friendlies for a few years against teams such as Courage (the brewery), Guildford Shadows, Masonians, Travaux, Silverwing and Swans. Initially there were only Men’s teams but for the 1971/72 season a Ladies’ team was formed. Interestingly for just this season the teams played in an all blue strip with annual subs of £3.50 for Men, £2.50 for Ladies and £1.50 for Under 18’s plus match fees of 25 pence (Men/Mixed) or 20 pence (Ladies) per match; a ‘beer kitty’ contribution could also be charged, a feature that lasted for many years!
Unfortunately the Ladies’ section was initially short-lived due to insufficient numbers, only lasting a few seasons although the Club was able to field regular mixed hockey teams. Ladies’ opposition in these seasons involved matches against Camberley, Southampton, Egham, Marlow, Gregarians and Old Issonians amongst others. Home matches also moved away from Calthorpe Park in the 1970’s following complaints from the cricket club that the outfield was being cut up and the home pitch was officially the Officers’ Club in Aldershot.