Preparing for GBTW

Club Captain

Posted 10th May 2016

Results as follows:

Adult Results:

AEGON Ladies 1 beat DL Dartford.
AEGON Men’s 1 lost to A1 Pharmaceuticals.

North Kent Ladies 2 drew with Parklangley.

Kent Mixed 2 lost to Gravesham.

Junior Results:

AEGON Boys 16&U beat Catford Wanderers.  Walkover.
AEGON Boys 12&U beat Meopham.  Walkover.
AEGON Boys 9&U beat Old Wilsonians 5-0!  Well done to Ivan and Oscar.

Thanks to all members who represented the club over the weekend.  It was a scorcher!  3 more matches this Saturday, with 2 at home so the courts will be very busy. 

Presentation Time!

The club is looking forward to having the new entrance finished by the weekend, just in time for our presentation of our South East Regional Award for Club of the Year 2016 on Saturday 14th May at 10am.  Then we have our first Great British Tennis Weekend of the year on Sunday 15th May 4-7pm.  What a weekend!

(Please note, all 6 courts will be in use during the GBTW period as we welcome our local community and local schools to come along to try tennis for free).

Order of play for the presentation on Saturday is as follows:
9.30am:  Arrival of Stuart Smith OBE, former Preseident of the LTA, former Board Member of the ITF and Board Member of Kent LTA.

9.30 to 10am:  Introduction to Club Captain, coaching team, tennis leaders and members present and to observe the junior coaching programme in action.

10 to 10.10am:  Presentation of trophy on club viewing gallery, weather permitting. Club Chairman John Ratcliffe to introduce Stuart Smith OBE to all those present.  Stuart to say a few words about the aim of the LTA and Kent LTA in developing the LTA Awards and tennis across the country.  Presentation of award to Club Captain Phil Layfield.
10.10am:  Refreshments and bacon sandwiches all round!

I must just say how proud I am as Club Captain to be able to receive this award on Saturday on behalf of all the members of the club.  Just to let you all know the club was selected above other clubs from Middlesex, Surrey, Sussex and Essex for this year’s award.  The club now goes forward on Monday 17th May to the National Panel, who will consider the LTA Club of the year from a short list of 5 clubs from across the United Kingdom. The winners will receive their award at the All England Club in June during the Wimbeldon Tournament.  Fingers crossed!

On hearing the news was quoted as saying:  “This is an unbelievable achievement for the club to have won the award in front of so many established clubs in the South East.  It is a great credit to all the members from the 4 year old tots to those playing in retirement all enjoying their tennis at Shooters Hill.  It has put tennis on the map for the Royal Borough of Greenwich and with a membership of  549 across all ages lets see if we can find the next Wimbledon Champion.”

Great British Tennis Weekend (GBTW): Sunday 15th May 4-7pm.  Please note, all 6 courts will be in use during this period as we welcome our local community and local schools to come along to try tennis for free.  Fingers crossed we get good weather on the day.  If any members wish to come along to support the Board of Directors and coaching team, please let me know, as more help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Club Captain

Phil Layfield.