Dunfermline Carnegie Hockey Club achieves a distinct milestone in the Club’s history, when celebrating the centenary of its formation during season 2009/2010.

In 1909, students of Dunfermline College of Hygiene & Physical Training established the first recorded hockey team in Dunfermline, primarily to allow participation in college and varsity competitions, whilst records indicate that a second team was formed in Dunfermline, comprising solely of the Carnegie Gymnastics Club, although seem to have played indoor hockey.

In October 1910 both Clubs played each other for the first time, with the Dunfermline Press records indicating a 5-1 win for the Gymnasts. Due it seems to falling numbers of students at the College, the two Clubs merged playing under the name Carnegie Gymnasts.

Further, as members of the Gymnastic Club achieved International gymnastic success, a 'recruitment' drive identified a number of hockey players, whereby the Club rules were amended and a Hockey Section was registered as Dunfermline Carnegie Hockey Club

Very little hockey was played for the war years of 1914-1918, although at this time H.H. McLean (Scottish Hockey Internationalist) arrived in Dunfermline due to a job transfer. McLean was instrumental in reviving hockey following the war and in fact captained the Club through the 20's as well as being Honorary President until his death in 1948

During 1920, Carnegie Dunfermline Trust offered a permanent 'home' pitch at Venturefair, Dunfermline, which was accepted by DCHC

Over the next 10 – 15 years, DCHC continued to develop attracting many members to the Club, including Scottish Hockey Internationalists D.C Dickson, J.W.L. Dickson & W. Belfrage

In 1935, Carnegie Dunfermline Trust opened Pitreavie Playing Fields and offered special booking rates to DCHC, whereby the Club moved from Venturefair using Pitreavie as their 'home pitch'

DCHC was kept going during the war years of 1939 – 1945 by J.G. Bayne, a teacher at a local High School, using members not called up for military service due to the nature of their employment, players on home leave from the armed services and school pupils

After the War it was decided to adopt a white shirt as the Club colours, changing from the original blue with white quarters, before finally changing to a red shirt as the Club colours, with white remaining as the change strip.

During the late forties, records show that the playing standard in the Club was so high; it was challenging to select a top XI, so ran two first teams, plus a 2nd XI. It seems that this decision was 'influenced' by a large number of other Clubs running one team only, who seemed reluctant to play another Club's 2nd XI

During this time, Club players, W.L. Blamey & I. MacDonald earned International selection, collecting a number of caps between them.

In the early 50's, the Club's playing strength grew, resulting in five teams being fielded, namely 1st XI, 2nd XI, Wanderers XI, Strollers XI and Rovers XI

Further, the Club had a truly International flavour, Jacques Remy, who at the time was a Belgium Schoolboy Internationalist (went on to attain 40 full Senior Caps for Belgium), a Dane, Preban Skifter, a renowned strong hitter, an Anglo-Indian known only by the 'nickname' Dudley and Edwin Headley, from British Guiana

In 1953, DCHC were selected as one of the East District Clubs taking part in an Invitational 6-a-side tournament to coincide with HM Queen Elizabeth's visit to Edinburgh, which they won defeating Steppes HC in a close Final

In 1969, DCHC celebrated its Golden Jubilee, although membership had declined and the Club could only muster three teams. Further, with Kirkcaldy HC being revived, plus a new Club had been formed, namely Rosyth Dockyard Technical College, resulting in competition for hockey talent

In 1976, DCHC 1st XI withdraw from East District to play within new National Hockey League and win National League Division 2, rolling subs were allowed for the first time

During 1980's, DCHC's 1st XI have mixed performances in National League, with relegation & promotion accordingly, although are the first Club in East District to implement both a Youth Development Plan and Youth Training Programme

It was in 1987 that DCHC reached the final of the District Cup, the first final in its history and played on Astroturf, with the 2nd XI losing 2-1 to Kelbourne HC

Due to the introduction of Astroturf facilities, in 1991 DCHC had to move from Pitreavie Playing Fields, breaking a 70 year association with Dunfermline, moving all 'home' fixtures to the nearest astro pitch at Brockville (Falkirk FC's training facility)

However, after 3 full seasons at Brockville, DCHC returned to the Kingdom, adopting the new Astroturf sports facility at Dalgety Bay, coinciding with the Club running 6 teams

In 1999 & 2000, Dunfermline Ladies HC and Kirkcaldy HC merge respectively with DCHC plus new long-term sponsorship with Alpha Data

A number of successes and final appearances have since been achieved by DCHC teams in Scottish Plate, Reserve Plate, District Plate competitions. At present, DCHC run seven teams for the men and two for the ladies, with both the 1st XI's playing National League hockey

Centenary celebrations for 2009/2010 season, involve Centenary Dinner on Saturday 31st October, whilst next day a President XI's will play a DCHC Exiles XI, plus the Club’s Veterans will play Scotland over 60's. Other planned events for 2010 include a Sportspersons Dinner, together with other Centenary & Youth Tournaments.

Hew Bishop, current President of DCHC, started playing with the club in 1968 and is still turning out rain or shine on Saturdays and Sundays, said: “During the years of my involvement with the Club, the men’s section has grown from three to seven teams and whilst the ladies fluctuate between two & three teams, the Youth Development has allowed for a huge growth in colts & juniors playing the game.”

He added: “However, the Club also owes a great debt to the foresight and determination of the many individuals who over the years have worked to secure this position of security and success, whilst the current Committee continues to ensure the Club’s long- term future.”

“It is a privilege and an honour to hold office in the Club’s Centenary Season and my thanks must go to all members, past and present, our sponsors over the years and the many partner agencies for their continued support.”