TAVISTOCK Tennis Club held its annual meeting this week and chairman Mike Prout told members that last year had been a good one with a full programme of activities which included participation in the Plymouth & District League competitions, Club tournaments, friendly matches and social events. He expressed thanks to vice president Bill Smyly and president Norma Woodcock, president for their continuing interest and for the strong and dedicated committee. Mike was pleased that honorary membership had been bestowed on Ray Lewis, who had been a member for 35 years dating back to the days when the club was at Whitchurch, with his major contributions as chairman and committee member. The courts had been well used which included play during the day and as part of the maintenance programme courts six, seven and eight had been cleaned and re-painted. Visitors were impressed with the club facilities which had attracted new members. Officers gave reports on activities. The club is sound financially but with general increases due to inflation and repayment of the interest free loan to the LTA for the major expansion programme in 2001, a moderate increase of four per cent in subscriptions was necessary. In the P&DL overall results were somewhat mediocre for the seniors, even so with some good matches, as team captains had difficulties at times fielding sufficiently strong teams. The juniors did exceptionally well with some resounding wins. There had been a good entry for the club tournaments with new members participating and 16 enjoyable friendly matches were played. There were four social events — a pre-season skittles match, a barbecue, the annual dinner and a a bowls match against the Tavistock Bowls club. Good relations had been maintained with the Tavistock Town Council which had improved the surrounds of the courts and considerable maintenance was required during the year. Club membership now stands at 243. Richard Stafford, club coach, reported that there had been an active programme for coaching the juniors with some 75 participating and a high proportion of youngsters. He expressed thanks for all the adults who have encouraged the children — especially for the help from Sara Lucas, Mike Webb and Simon Thomas with matches and training sessions. The club again hosted the Tavistock Junior Open Ratings Tournament, LTA sanctioned, with 78 entrants and made the Club facilities available for the Tennis Festival junior event with 100 entrants. Norma Woodcock continues as president and Bill Smyly as vice president. David Isaac stood down as officer for 'house' and was replaced by Mike Illes. David was given a special vote of thanks for all he has done over 22 years for the club. Ray Hinton, officer for tournaments, is to be replaced by Richard Hendin. Rick Read, secretary, is to continue but may have to relinquish the post in a few months time. Events are being planned for this year and anyone wishing to join the club call 01822854162 or for coaching on 07795632841.
