Tavistock Tennis Club held its annual dinner at the new venue of the Lamerton Village Hall last Saturday attended by more than 60 people. Guests included the Mayor of Tavistock, Robin Pike and his wife Diana, club president Norma Woodcock and her husband Gerry.
Mike Prout in his fourth year as chairman said that once again it had been an active year for the club despite the inclement weather. As well as the normal maintenance routines for the running of the club, the clubhouse had a facelift and courts four and five major re-surfacing. Mike expressed thanks to his strong and dedicated committee who do so much behind the scenes and to the president and honorary members for their help and advice.
In the Plymouth and District League competitions there were five men's teams and three ladies' teams. With the men results were fair to good holding their own with the A team fourth in division one, B third in division three, C fourth in division four, E fourth in division seven and D fourth and promoted.
With the ladies it was unfortunate that there was not a regular captain and difficulties in raising teams: A team were fourth in division two; B fifth in division three, C fifth in division four — both demoted. The juniors did exceptionally well with the A team first in division one, B second in division two, C second in division three, D third in division four and E fourth, also in division four.
Mike said that the club coach, Richard Stafford, was doing an excellent job with the juniors which is reflected in the league results and a good omen for the future.
There was a good entry for the club tournaments with a high standard of play and some new winners. Outstanding performances were by Sara Lucas who won the ladies' singles for the third year running and with Matt Smith winning the mixed doubles; Josh Brown beating his stepfather in three sets was a highlight of finals day.
A major event for the 13th year was the hosting of the Tavistock Juniors Open Tournament which attracts players from a wide area although numbers were down this year . There had been 11 friendly matches with juniors playing up to gain experience and like last year, there was an international flavour with temporary members over from France and Oklahoma.
Social events included a beginning of season skittles match, barbecue on finals day and of course the dinner. The outstanding member of the year award went jointly to husband and wife Barbara and Rod Watson for all they do for the club.
The mayor said that there were good working relations between the Club and Town Council regarding the administration of the public courts and that the Club is to be congratulated on its youth policy for both for coaching and the annual LTA tournament.
In the afternoon the traditional fundraising competition took place for the cup donated by Mike Blagrove in memory of his wife June and was won by Sue Parsons and Phil Harbottle. The event raised £283 for the Childrens' Hospice South West — in 11 years it has raised £2,723 for this charity.
The evening was rounded off with dancing to the band of club member Peter Rodgers, 'The Unstrung Rackets.'