The Kent League (Kent County Rink Hockey Association) was formed on 19th October 1912 being instigated by the team from Canterbury but strangely coming together with just Herne Bay, Rochester and Margate. The Kent League grew well and spread across Kent and into London so that in the 1950’s teams from Alexander Palace and Forest Gate were regular names on the bill at the Pier Pavilion.
Herne Bay quickly became a major venue for international rink hockey picking up where London’s Crystal Palace left off. After the 1914-1918 war European Championships were inaugurated and Herne Bay players took rink hockey to the World playing for England and becoming European Champions time and time again. These tournaments used two alternate venues Herne Bay and Montreux in Switzerland. Herne Bay’s Pier Pavilion had now become the World’s “Cathedral of Roller Hockey”.
Herne Bay and England’s leadership in rink hockey continued until the 1939-1945 war after which there was a sea change in roller hockey. The rink hockey players of Herne Bay continued to be talented and charismatic and the Pier Pavilion was home to many exciting matches and international tournaments but internationally the game had moved on, tactics had changed and players were beginning to become professional. Internationally, the game became dominated by Portugal, Spain and Italy and then Argentina.
The Pier Pavilion was closed for repair and refurbishment but in 1970 this work resulted in the building catching fire and it was destroyed. The replacement building was opened by PM Edward Heath in 1976. There were only 8 rink hockey players left playing in Herne Bay but the sport quickly re-established itself and all three of the local clubs were soon operating to full capacity.