WINTER 2015 / ISSUE 28
THE MAGAZINE OF BUCKS TENNIS
TIEBREAKER Issue 25 / Winter 2014
SUE NEXT IS FROM E L AVAILAB
Y TH 10 MA
R AT YOU UB L C L A C O L
Bucks Men’s Tennis Captain Aidan Graveson is part of a group of adventurous friends who have formed a crew named ‘Waves4Hope’, committing themselves to the extraordinary challenge of rowing the Channel at its widest point in June 2015. The team will have to defy physical and mental exhaustion to complete the crossing, which will require rowing for over 50 miles consecutively, in the world’s busiest shipping channel. The fact that none of the crew has any rowing experience between them makes the challenge all the more significant. Setting-off in a traditional Cornish Pilot Gig from the Belgian town of Nieuwpoort the ‘Waves4Hope’ crew will be hoping to arrive on the shores of Ramsgate, Kent 16 hours later welcomed by family and friends. Not content with this huge
challenge, the team have also pledged to raise £20,000 for three cancer charities - Saving Faces, Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign and Sail4Cancer. Speaking of the challenge, crew member Aidan said, “We’re an ordinary group of friends, who have all inevitably been affected in some way or other by cancer, which was the underlying motivation for undertaking this challenge of a lifetime. This is a real test for us all but the inspiration is all around, and the crew is determined to get across the channel and raise an incredible amount of money for three wonderful charities”. In addition the crew, in partnership with Halton Tennis Centre, will be delivering a fundraising Pro-Am / Festival of Tennis on Saturday 9th May 2015, with all proceeds going to the Waves4Hope partner charities. You can follow the attempt on Twitter @ Waves4Hope, #MakingWaves or on the web: waves4hope.com To donate text: WAVE04 £10 / £20 to 70070
BUCKS MEN’S
TENNIS CAPTAIN TO ROW CHANNEL
IN CANCER CHARITY FUNDRAISER WINNERS INSIDE
GAME SET MATCH
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Keep up to date at facebook.com/bucksLTA or
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Twitter@bucksLTA
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WINTER 2015 / ISSUE 28
WOLVERTON
NEW LITTLE CHALFONT
COACHING TENNIS CLUB NEWS ASSISTANT Wolverton Tennis Club’s Head Coach, Peter Tolaini, has been honoured with a ‘Highly Commended’ certificate, after being nominated for Community Coach of the Year, as part of the Bucks and MK Sport Awards 2014. The Bucks & MK Sport Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions made by those who make sport happen. The panel highly commended the application and offered congratulations and thanks for his hard work and contribution to sport and physical activity in the county. Peter has also been given a certificate of commendation in recognition of his work. What has been especially heartwarming is the response Peter received when Wolverton Tennis Club announced Peter’s achievement on Facebook; comments, likes and praise was offered by members and friends sharing their pride and congratulations. Peter left this message in thanks: “Thank you all for your kind words and likes following a totally unexpected award. Also a big thank you to Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council for nominating me. I must also extend my thanks to my Saturday coaching team who have played a big part in what is a very successful coaching team, so thanks Rob Small, and my junior leaders.” The awards are co-ordinated by Leap – The County Sport & Activity Partnership for Bucks and MK. The awards evening is a small but vital element of the work Leap does year round; helping coaches,
volunteers, schools and sports clubs to achieve their mission of getting more people active for life. Peter has been coaching in Bucks for the past 20 years, dedicating his time and energy to encouraging Juniors and Seniors of all abilities. As an LTA Level 3 Licensed Coach and ABTO Level 5 Tournament referee, Pete also spends his time as Vice Chair of Tennis MK, promoting and developing the game of tennis in the MK area. (www.tennismktl.org.uk/) Wolverton Tennis Club offer five all weather courts, three with floodlights. Regular tournaments and social events are held throughout the year, plus the club enter multiple teams into the Summer and Winter Leagues. There is a Mini Tennis programme for Juniors, and also Tennis Xpress coaching for new starters to both members and nonmembers. Emily Howley If interested in coaching or membership, then please contact the Club on 07740004548 or at wolvertontennis@hotmail.com. You can find Wolverton Tennic Club on facebook at www.facebook.com/WolvertonTennisClub
CHRIS GRAHAM JOINS LUVTENNIS TEAM
Little Chalfont are supporting a new winter initiative for mini players. Head Coach Colin Williams is delighted that young tennis leader James Bligh is now a newly qualified Level 1 Coaching Assistant. James is one of the club’s top junior players and it’s rewarding to see his progression. James is keen to share his enthusiasm of the game with children aged 5-9 and has come up with this winter initiative so that more children can play tennis throughout the seasons. Join James on Sunday afternoon from 2-3pm for an hour of coaching to improve agility, balance and co-ordination through fun and varied games. No need to book, just turn up, racquets and balls provided. Only £3.00 per child (£2.00 for members). Head Coach will be present throughout. Sharon Boxer For more information contact Head Coach Colin Williams on 07939978541 or email cozza444@hotmail.co.uk
Chris Graham has joined the Luvtennis team at Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre (01494 448700; info@luvtennis.net) Chris has been playing tennis for 26 years, and coaching for 19 of those years. He has taught a wide variety of players from 3 year old to 70 year, mini-tennis, juniors advanced, improver and county standard. Chris has worked with the Cliff Richard Trust, Bisham Abbey, David Lloyd, Berkshire County, Gibraltar and the Maltese National Teams. Guy Britton
WINTER 2015 / ISSUE 28
TIEBREAKER // 3
IAN NASH BY RICHARD EDIS, PARENT OF FORMER CHESHAM 3 STAR PLAYER, TOM EDIS
BY FORMER CHESHAM 3 STAR PLAYER, MATTHEW BROWN For those of us who were fortunate enough to begin our tennis playing journeys under the guidance of Ian Nash – or “Sir” Ian Nash as we like to remember him – I can think of no greater compliment than to say that his values and principles continue to live on in us to this very day. Ian was so much more than a tennis coach to us; he was a leader, a mentor, and a man who was quite simply able to influence. He would always tell us what we needed to hear, not what we necessarily wanted to hear. There were no favourites or special students at Chesham 3 Star; everyone was held to the same high standards. We were expected to be punctual for all practice sessions (which meant arriving 5 minutes early according to Ian), and for every minute you were late you would be expected to run an extra lap around the tennis courts. Once, when someone was 30 minutes late for practice, they were asked to run 30 laps around the courts. The young player objected: “But that’s not fair, there won’t be any time left for me to play tennis by the time I am done!!” Ian’s response was classic: “True. Well, I guess you won’t be late to my squads in future then will you, young man?!” Needless to say, he wasn’t. Ian was a proud man who instilled a mantra of discipline and hard work at Chesham 3 Star tennis. He liked to keep things simple: “Put the ball in the court one more time than your opponent and I guarantee you will win tennis matches.” He was right on that one. If we were underperforming in an area of our game, he would tell us of his grandmother
who he said could perform far better than us… “and she’s been dead 10 years” he would exclaim! He would remind us that a little rain and wind never hurt anyone, encouraging us to work hard in all weather conditions and use it as an opportunity to toughen up and find an edge over our opponents. After all, the conditions are the same for both players – there should be “no excuses!” When you think back to all that Ian achieved with the limited budget and facilities available to Chesham 3 Star it is really quite incredible. He coached a generation of players who dominated Bucks junior tennis for a sustained period of time, some of whom went on to achieve even more at both a national and international level and many have used their skills to inspire and coach tennis players of the future. Ian was a man who showed great pride and passion in all that he did. He was not there to win any popularity contests, he was there to help people improve and to instil values that many of us still live by today. I imagine many of us will go on to share them with our own children and future generations. For this, we would like to say, “Thank you, Sir Ian – you will be remembered!”
As a young player, he was talented enough to have had a hit with Rod Laver, but it was as a coach that Ian Nash , who died last July aged 81, influenced generations of children in Bucks. A maverick, he instilled a love and respect for the sport, having no time for “hitand-giggle” tennis, and insisting that his charges played by all the rules (foot fault, anyone?!) He followed his players to all the tournaments, more often than not munching on a burger. (I said he was a maverick!) In his time he coached county, regional and national players several of whom have gone on to become professional coaches in their own right, both here and in the US. Despite the sneering from some quarters, all this was done without the benefit of club facilities. All Ian’s coaching sessions were conducted on public courts, mostly at Chesham Moor, and right up to the end of his time in Bucks when he moved to Yorkshire to continue coaching in his 70s Ian continued to supply the county with a steady stream of players. Ian was a truly great coach and a truly lovely bloke. We all miss him.
FUTURE’S BRIGHT FOR LUVTENNIS! The Mini Red Team Tennis Festivals organised by Luv Tennis at the Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre, High Wycombe, have now seen in excess of 150 children competing from various clubs in the region. Each event has been extremely well attended providing a great introduction to
competition and regular competition for the better players. The most recent event, which attracted big clubs such as Halton, Chesham 1879, Gerrards Cross Bull Lane and Duke Wood, was won by the Luv Tennis Futures Performance Team. LuvTennis success
emanates from its Futures Programme and the high performance levels set and monitored by the coaching staff. They have introduced an infectious team ethos which performance players and their supportive parents have adopted. LuvTennis plan to hold Team Tennis Festivals each month throughout the year Follow LuvTennis on Facebook and at www.luvtennis.net or contact them at: info@luvtennis.net (01494) 448700
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WINTER 2015 / ISSUE 28
“BRIGHT IDEAS FOR LEVEL 1 AND 2 FUNDING TENNIS” AT GMLTC LEVEL OPPORTUNITIES Last year more than 120 members of Great Missenden Lawn Tennis Club (GMLTC) enjoyed time with former world ranked tennis stars, Danny Sapsford (who reached a ranking of 170) and Luke Milligan (217). Working with the charity ‘Bright Ideas For Tennis’, they held an intensive programme starting at 10.30. First on were the Club’s mixed first team, who enjoyed a lively and instructional ‘loosener’ before their County Final match in the afternoon. With the assistance of Club coach, Luke du Casse, the programme continued with attention being given to sessions with the juniors, split into under 14 and under 18 age groups. In both, the main emphasis was on the consistency of ground strokes. The fourth and fifth sessions were for adults – team members, and players of all standards, concentrating on volleying and interceptions at the net. The final hour was taken up with high quality, light hearted, exhibition matches: first, the Club’s Ladies
Doubles champions, Sophie Bell and Catherine Santamaria, partnered Danny and Luke respectively, followed by Men’s team members, Tor Stockdale and Andy Fyfe. In addition to the tennis there were other events including the fastest serve, where 7 years old, Caia Stockdale’s 37 mph serve, and Will Gibson’s, 86 mph, won junior prizes. Many thanks to Rowan and Andy Fyfe for arranging the day. Both Danny and Luke said how enjoyable it had
been, and hoped the money raised (£800) would help the club with future plans, and encourage tennis in the local community. They would like to return next year, when they can expect an even greater welcome from GMLTA tennis enthusiasts and other clubs, as the positive messages they promote get a wider circulation. Danny Sapsford will be playing tennis for 24hrs in February for his annual Bright Ideas fundraiser. He will do this at the NTC, Roehampton, and is looking for 12 clubs to take part. Each club can raise funds for themselves (for a specific project such as floodlights). Last year they funded 3 practice walls as a result of the fund raising, and contributed to floodlights and new courts. If GMLTC is keen to take part in 2015, he will gladly provide more information, which can be found on the ‘Bright Ideas For Tennis website. Rowan Fyfe
Discounted fees for teenagers who were aged between 16 and 18 years old on 31st August last year (2014) and who are in structured education for 20 hours or less per week*, enjoy working with young people and want a paid part time job ** are being offered by The Coach Academy at a number of venues and with courses starting throughout 2015. If you do meet this criteria, you may qualify for funding for a Level 1 Course for £99 (normally £225) which looks at working with mini red players, or for those who have already completed Level 1 and have an LTA DBS check and First Aid, a Level 2 Course £140 (normally £395) working with beginners of all ages, including adults.
The emphasis at Level 1 and 2 is not so much your playing standard, but your communication and organisation skills. The courses take place on various dates throughout the year at Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre, High Wycombe; Wycombe Abbey School, High Wycombe; David Lloyd, Milton Keynes and Bisham National Sports Centre, Marlow. This current scheme ends on 31st July 2015, for more information see www. thecoachacademy.org.uk, or call Chris Holland on 07773333768 (* If you are privately educated, you will qualify regardless of hours per week, ** The Coach Academy has strong links with local coaches who are looking for good Level 1 and 2 Coach Assistants to help run their programmes).
CHESHAM BOIS AWARDED TENNISMARK+ ACCREDITATION Chesham Bois Lawn Tennis & Squash Club has been awarded its Tennismark+ accreditation. This Sport England accreditation recognises that the Club provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment combined with a high quality, all year round programme of activities. Sport England promote this accreditation to those sport clubs that provide a high quality sports venue for juniors and adults and provides
high quality, safety, fair and focussed support for all. The Tennismark+ standard is endorsed by all the main sporting, youth and education agencies providing sporting opportunities. Martin Baxter who has been instrumental in pushing the Club forward to be awarded the Tennismark+ said, “Achieving Tennismark+ is recognition that Chesham Bois Tennis provides opportunities for everyone to play and enjoy tennis.”
WINTER 2015 / ISSUE 28
TIEBREAKER // 5
KEVIN HOEY MEMORIAL
MINI ORANGE FESTIVAL 2015 Bucks were invited to take part for the very first time in the third annual Kevin Hoey Memorial 9u Tennis Festival, at Corby Tennis Centre on Saturday 10th January 2015. It was a fantastic opportunity for some of the county’s promising mini orange players to experience some competition against some of the strongest juniors in the age group. For Aneka, Seb and Charlie this was the first time they had represented their county at orange level, which made the day even more exciting. The other teams were Corby themselves, Hertfordshire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Hereford and Worcestershire and Warwickshire. The format was a singles competition only with each team placed in a group with three others – the final standings in each group being decided after those teams had played each other. The second phase of the competition would see each team ‘playing off’ against the equivalent placed team from the other group. The final match of the day would be determined by how these play-off matches went in order to determine the final standings from 1st to 8th place. A combination of excitement and pre-match nerves saw Bucks get off to a rather slow start in their opening fixture against a Corby team that included national player Tabitha Holmes. Millie fought hard against her, and came close to winning a tie-break before falling short. Seb Mellows was Bucks’ shining light here – flying out of the blocks to win the team’s first match in style. Aneka and Charlie’s defeats were not without some great play either. Cambridgeshire too had a very strong team. Despite battling displays from all the Bucks team, it wasn’t a fruitful fixture in terms
of results, although the parents and coaches were treated to some inspired tennis from the boys in particular. Against Warwickshire again Seb proved the inspiration, winning a tight rubber in 3 sets and hustling his opponent into submission. His never-say-die attitude was a fantastic example to everyone, as was his impressive court coverage and range of shot-making. This seemed to rub off on his fellow team mates, who also started to move thought the gears: Charlie was mighty unfortunate not to win his first match here, while Millie and Aneka were playing a lot more aggressively themselves.
With just a little more savvy it was felt, the team could certainly get some joy. The second part of the day saw Bucks up against a Northants team that had also finished 4th in their group. For the first time the players really seemed to click into gear (after having a good lunch it must be said!). Charlie and Seb both managed to win their rubbers in dramatic fashion – determined to make up for some lost opportunities earlier in the day. The girls were taking the ball earlier and hitting with far more purpose, as Bucks looked to play on the front foot as much as possible.
“THE EXPERIENCE WAS INVALUABLE, NOT TO MENTION HIGHLY ENTERTAINING FOR THE COACHES, PARENTS AND SPECTATORS ALIKE!”
// TEAM MILLIE DAY / ANEKA PATEL / SEB MELLOWS / CHARLIE BERENS // CAPTAIN: TOM EDIS
The 2-2 final score meant Millie had to play a tie break ‘shoot out’ against the Northants no.1, which she unfortunately lost after some really tight rallies. It was a pity the fixture had to be decided this way, but the team’s overall performance against Northants was encouraging ahead of what was to be Bucks’ last contest of the day. That just left Bucks with their final fixture – a repeat of the earlier contest against Warwickshire, who’d just lost to Hereford and Worcestershire. The captains made the decision (with the agreement of the tournament referee) to change the player order around to give everyone a different opponent. This worked brilliantly as the whole Bucks team started to play their best tennis of the day. Seb turned in a ‘man-of-the-match’ performance to come through 3 tight sets to win his rubber. Charlie looked a different player to the one seen earlier in the morning, and his narrow defeat was tough to take, but he took heart from the performance. That left the girls to end the day on a high for Bucks. Millie was sadly overwhelmed by a canny opponent who seemed to be intent on just hitting through the Bucks girl! Aneka by this stage was engrossed in a really close game with her opponent. In a nerve-wracking finale, both girls gave their all in a match that went to sudden death at 6-6 in the third set. After a pulsating rally, Aneka was forced into error. Unfortunately it was just one of those things, but Aneka, Millie, Seb and Charlie showed they have it within them to mix it with some of the country’s best 9u players. The experience was invaluable, not to mention highly entertaining for the coaches, parents and spectators alike! Tom Edis
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WINTER 2015 / ISSUE 28
CATCHING THE TENNIS BUG It’s been a great couple of years at Newport Pagnell Tennis Club, a small but growing, successful and popular club in the area. The junior membership has grown again recently and a number of junior players and winning teams have emerged in the club with seemingly unlimited enthusiasm, determination and love for the game of tennis. But what is it like for tennis juniors and their parents as they play and compete locally and get signed up for county training? Sarah Cooper, Mum of Jake (10U, 9U club champ 2014 and team player) says “ For me as a “tennis mum” the journey I’ve been through since Jake has started playing is immense. The highs and lows of the tournaments, watching him improve and seeing how strong he has become makes me so proud. Learning to take the rough with the smooth is a journey for us as parents as well as for Jake and learning to manage our expectations!!!” Kyla Garner’s Mum, Sue, also feels it is “great for Kyla to be involved in a sport that’s so sociable we have both made new friends and I’ve found the other tennis parents are welcoming and supportive of newcomers like us - I’ve learnt tips from them so that I can better support Kyla, particularly useful as I knew nothing about tennis until Kyla started playing last year! Kyla is also now friends with some of her “rivals” and they cheer each other on even though they are a competitor which is a great attitude to have.”
More importantly, what do the children get out of playing, competing and training? When Jake Cooper is asked what he thinks of tennis his simple answer is “Awesome!” and Kyla Garner (8u club champ runner up) says: “I like tennis as it’s sporty, keeps you fit and I enjoy it a lot. It’s fun as
perfect performance from Beck, simply that he should try his best. Losing is fine if you’ve tried your best and played well.” Kyla also enjoys making friends through the game although it hasn’t always been easy as Mum Sue describes her most memorable (and worrying) moment from Kyla’s first tournament
and healthy lifestyle and hope that this continues through into adulthood.” Some children are of course naturally coordinated and can play to a high level and others simply enjoy playing and the fun element on court on club nights; tennis offering a sport for all. Loren Nally, Mum of Beck aged 8, says Beck: “has always been ‘sporty’ and was able to connect with a ball, whatever shape and size, since he was little but it wasn’t until I enrolled him in a summer tennis camp at Newport Pagnell Tennis club in 2012 that we saw how much he enjoyed it, and how
“WHEN ASKED WHAT HE THINKS OF TENNIS HIS SIMPLE ANSWER IS “AWESOME!”
there are lots of games you play not just matches. It’s all about having fun, and trying your best!” Of course, tennis challenges children physically and mentally requiring courage and decision-making skills which these children develop on a tennis court as Kyla describes battling in difficult conditions and adapting as the court, and she, get bigger. Beck’s Mum describes how “Winning is great and Beck is very proud when he gets a medal or trophy but losing is also an important lesson to learn, not just in tennis but in life and tennis helps to teach him how to deal with disappointment. He gets knocked only temporarily and learns from it, striving to do better and simply looks forward to the next match. We don’t ask for
last year when during a match her opponent’s tennis ball whacked her in the mouth, because she stood still - this further dislodged her wobbly tooth! She carried on playing then about 2 hours later at home, the tooth fell out. Now whenever she plays against the same boy we always joke that she needs to keep moving or he will knock her teeth out! They are also now the best of friends despite their “unfriendly” start. So, it can be a tough challenge for parents managing the highs and lows but the children are active, learning a sport that can be a life-long passion and a healthy alternative to screen activities. Beck’s parents are “glad that he’s learning early on in life about a fit
good he was at it.” Beck has gone from strength to strength; “he’s become totally hooked and likes nothing better than hitting a tennis ball. He now plays or trains around 4 times a week and takes part in a number of tournaments dedicated to young players like himself all over the county. He’s been selected to try out for the Buckinghamshire 9U county squad for 2015. He was also part of the team that won the 9U division
1 this summer, having won division 2 during the previous winter season.” The tennis bug spreads too as the whole family can get involved; the Nally family are one of a number at the club who signed up as family members although Mum, Loren, feels “that Beck’s skills far outweigh ours! Tennis is such an inclusive game that the whole family can play and at our lovely little club in Newport Pagnell, there’s a close-knit extended family that share the love of the sport. I have to admit, I think I’m now hooked myself.” Talking with these families reveals a success story for these juniors; catching their interest at an early age and supporting them well is the challenge; for Sarah Cooper it all started with “a school letter that came home two years ago offering “after school tennis coaching” “ and has now progressed to “winning the club championship under 9 and under 10 this year, simply awesome!!!! We are immensely grateful to Gavin and everyone at the club.” The club continue to reach out to the local community and schools with great results. To join these enthusiastic children, parents and coaches at Newport Pagnell Tennis Club get in touch via our website newportpagnelltennis.net or find us at Willen Road, Newport Pagnell and on facebook. We’re on court playing and coaching all year round! Marie Walters, Newport Pagnell Tennis Club
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TIEBREAKER // 7
NEW ERA FOR MILTON KEYNES TENNIS CLUB Milton Keynes Tennis Club has seen many new and exciting changes in the past year and with that some brilliant achievements attained along the way. With an array of fresh faces now involved in the committee and some changes to the coaching team we have seen some brilliant successes in many areas. Since Dominic-Ross Hurst was appointed as head coach back in April 2014 the team have worked tirelessly to improve and increase the numbers on the coaching programme. When Dom arrived, the numbers on the programme amounted to a mere 35/45 people and at the end of the winter term the programme had more than tripled with 141 people booked on to either junior or adult coaching sessions! One of the reasons for the rise in numbers, is the accumulation of Kingston Indoor Table Tennis Hall where we have managed to use the hall for all mini red and orange sessions for this
term. The benefits of the hall include better conditions for the younger kids with it being much warmer, indoors (no chance of wind or rain), a viewing gallery for parents, use of hall’s facilities (i.e kitchen, toilets etc), great location (next to Kingston shopping centre). All these positives have meant a rise in group numbers, also meaning opportunity for improvement and growth of all players in the sessions. As well as the success of the coaching programme we have also had great success with the Men’s A Team who managed to win The Bucks Premier League Title for the 3rd time in 4 years! In the Aegon Team Tennis MKTC gained promotion from the county league to the regional league 2 seasons ago and continued that success by finishing mid table in the regional league and therefore securing themselves in the Regional League for the coming season! Lets see if we can win it next season! Onwards and upwards! Josh Golding
BIERTON TENNIS CLUB’S
FESTIVE FUNDRAISER The final kids’ coaching session of 2014 at Bierton Tennis Club was a particularly festive occasion. A few weeks earlier, one of the children had turned up wearing a cosy onesie and following on from this, had suggested that we might have a onesie week for everyone and could make it a charity fundraiser if everyone brought a donation. Having earmarked the final session of the year for the event and invited everyone to bring a friend, on the morning of Saturday 11th December, in glorious winter sunshine , we had eight children and four mums, plus me (in reindeer costume, naturally!), in a variety of festive onesies and hats. Good fun was had by all and having collected donations, plus the session fees already paid, we were able to send a donation of £57 to the children’s chosen charity, Cancer Research UK. Thanks to everyone for taking part in what I suspect may become an annual event at Bierton! Anne Piggford (Coach)
HOWARD POUNTNEY Bucks Tennis has lost one of its longest serving supporters with the death of Howard Pountney shortly before his 101st birthday on 13th November 2014. Howard, together with brother Stan, took up tennis in his late teens and spent his early tennis years playing at the Rio Club in High Wycombe. Like many he was unlucky to have his tennis career interrupted by the war.
When activities resumed in 1947 he became one of the founding members of the newly reformed High Wycombe Club and by the early 50s, although in his late 30s, he was making his mark in local tennis. In 1951 he and Stan reached the final of the County Doubles and he was on the verge of the County team. He continued to enjoy many successes in local
tournaments in the 1950s and was part of the successful High Wycombe team that won the County Shield in 1956. In 1959 and 1960 he helped Aylesbury to win the Shield.
Although he played at a number of local clubs, it is with High Wycombe that Howard will always be most closely associated. He will be remembered by many for the way he ran the Open American tournaments in their heyday making all competitors welcome with his friendly charm. At the time of his death Howard was still President of High Wycombe Tennis Club, a position he had held for over 40 years.
He was also still acting as Fixtures Secretary for the Lloyds Insurance Tennis Club, an organisation he founded over 50 years ago. The LTA recognised Howard’s contributions with a Meritorious Service Award in 1997. Howard was a lifelong supporter of Bucks Tennis and when he died he was one of only five remaining Patrons of the Association having begun his financial support in 1968.
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SMALLS
WINTER 2015 / ISSUE 28
BUCKS LTA ANNOUNCE
DOMINIC KING ACHIEVES
MINI RED U8 TEAM
AWARD WINNERS CTPS DESIGNATION TENNIS Dominic King, Head of Athlete Development at Halton FESTIVALS Tennis Centre has recently attained Certified Tennis
HELP
At the Bucks LTA AGM in November the following awards were made: The Meme Griffiths Award 2014 was presented by Meme’s daughter, Jill Newby to Mike Francis. (Aylesbury Tennis Club). This award is presented for outstanding contribution and commitment to tennis life in the County. Mike certainly fits the bill having been involved in County tennis since at least 1955 and is currently Chairman of Aylesbury Sports Club. “His selfless devotion to club and county is legendary not only as a player but as a loyal servant on and off the court, and is held in high regard throughout the world of tennis”. The Frances Charlton Trophy was awarded to Helen Lawson for showing 100% team effort and support of the up and coming juniors and her peers. A player, Alison Longfield as Ladies County Captain, “would always want in her team”. County Colours were awarded to Christine Bolton, Ladies’ O70s; Maria Lawton, Ladies’ O55s, Alison Longfield, Ladies O35s and Alec Spooner, Men’s O55s. The Ladies’ Shield was presented to Halton Tennis Club and the Men’s Shield was presented to Milton Keynes Tennis Club. Mary Crowshaw (Hon Sec BLTA)
Bucks LTA would like to set up a website to store an archive of its tennis records and possibly other memorabilia. If anyone in the Bucks tennis world thinks they may be able to help, please contact David Orchard on either docco1@aol.com or 01296486242
CONTACT WITH BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LTA: Chairman // Andrew Petherick Tel: 07779579674 Email: andrew.petherick@lta.org.uk Secretary // Mary Crowshaw Tel: 01494 726931 Email: mscrowshaw@gmail.com Or via // Bucks LTA County Office, Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre, Holmer’s Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4QA
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Buckinghamshire LTA. The association accepts no liability for the accuracy of information provided by contributors. CONTACT WITH LTA REGIONAL OFFICE: Tel: 01494 471238 Email: East@LTA.org.uk East Region Tennis Office, Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre Holmer’s Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4QA
Performance Specialist (CTPS) status by passing a 20 competency-based educational curriculum. The CTPS is considered the ‘gold standard’ and is based on indepth, evidence-based tennis-specific research. The International Tennis Performance Association (ITPA) is the worldwide education and certification organisation for trainers, coaches and specialists who are passionate about tennis-specific performance enhancement and injury prevention. In a statement, its Executive Director, Dr Mark Kovacs said, “Dominic has taken an important step in his career as a tennis performance specialist and has shown his dedication to tennis-specific knowledge, expertise & continuing education,” “The course was tough but interesting,” said Dominic; “the information learned has certainly enabled me to be more effective in training the specific demands of tennis, for players of all ages.” If you have any queries relating to tennis-specific strength and conditioning, you can contact Dominic on dom@everyball.net or 07779 023845
LuvTennis are staging a number of Mini Red U8 Team Tennis Festivals through the winter at Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre. Team and NEXT IS AVAILAB SUE individual LE IN entrants are MAY welcome with AT YO entry fees at LOCAL CUR LUB £40 per team (maximum 4 players) Make sure not to miss the next publication or £11 per individual, per deadline for articles and photos on the event. Individuals will 30th April. be formed in to teams by LuvTennis. It is important that your article has the following: Staged on Saturday • no more than 200 words afternoons from 2pm • f ull event name, participants’ names and labelled photo files so that everybody gets - 4:30pm, the next two attributed correctly Festivals will run on 21st •h igh‑resolution photos (set your digital camera February and 7th March. to the ‘biggest’ setting) •p lease include your full name at start/end of a To enter or request more info report if you want to be credited as the author call (01494) 448700, email Send your files to dom@tennis4kids.co.uk info@luvtennis.net or see luvtennis.net We look forward to reading all about you. The TIEBREAKER Team
GET PUBLISHED!
This issue of TIEBREAKER was brought to you by Dominic Killinger and Patrick Thorne. The next TIEBREAKER will be published in February, if you have any articles you wish to be included please send them to dom@tennis4kids.co.uk by 30th April 2015.
Published by: Tennis4Kids Designed by: YOTE Design.com This issue can be viewed in full on the Bucks web site: lta.org.uk/In-Your-Area/ Buckinghamshire