TAVISTOCK Tennis Club held its annual dinner at the town?s golf club on Saturday.
Guests included Tavistock mayor and club president Norma Woodcock and her husband, Gerry.
Chairman David Isaac said although it was a mediocre year there had been some good matches. A presentation was made by Babette Jackson of chocolates and wine on behalf of the ladies to Phil Harbottle.
Club tournaments saw a good entry with some new winners. A highlight was Phil Harbottle winning four titles. There have been a series of enjoyable friendly matches, some with clubs outside the league area.
Club sessions had been well supported and courts were being used more during the day. David expressed thanks to the committee and others, who do so much behind the scenes, with special reference to Viv Iles who arranged the dinner.
David thanked Norma as president for many years for her support and advice on important matters relating to the club, then proposed a toast for the guests.
Norma gave an interesting overview of the development of tennis and how it had changed from the early days of amateurs through the transition to the professional era. She stressed the importance of the social side of tennis and with facilities like Tavistock for families to be able to play together.
Norma said it was an honour to be associated with such a thriving and enterprising club that had had good relations with the council over many years. She congratulated David, the committee and others for all the dedicated work they do in running the club.
The cup for outstanding member of the year went to Mike Jefferies for the second time in
appreciation of all he has done for the club over many years. Viv Iles, social secretary, presented a bouquet to the president.
For the sixth year running a feature was the fundraising competition held in the afternoon for the cup donated by Mike Blagrove in memory of his late wife, June, which was well supported. It was won by Sue Whitman and Alan Bruce.
The event raised £186 which is to go to the Children?s Hospice South West in Barnstaple. Over six years it has raised approximately £1,400 for this cause.
? Results of the finals of the Open Mixed Doubles traditionally played after the main tournaments: In the main event Kylie Martin and Phil Harbottle beat Viv Iles/Ray Hinton in an exciting and close match with a (12-10) tie-break.
In the Plate, Babette Jackson/Tim Jackman beat Barbara Watson/Mike Webb with one set going to a tie-break.
Recent friendlies: Crediton MDs at home drew 6-6. Okehampton MDs at home won 7-3. Bude LDs home lost 1-6.