Author: Gillian Sanderson

Our next project – new LED floodlights on courts 4, 5 and 6 – gets a mention in the Echo.  After damage occurred recently to the existing lights between courts 4 and 5, those lights have been removed so courts 4 and 5 are safe to play on though with reduced lighting around the net area between these courts.  Installation of the new LED floodlights will commence on the Tuesday after the Easter weekend (mid-April).  Thanks to Bill and Mark for all their hard work so far on this project.

Southend & District Winter Tournament successes on finals day for Tim Willcock and Gill Sanderson in the Mixed Senior Doubles, plus Jason Watkins with partner Richard (Westcliff Hard) in the Mens Senior Doubles. Commiserations to Dan Thrale who was defending his Mens Open Singles title but lost in a close fought two sets. Congratulations to our winners and thanks to tournament referee Steve for another well organised finals day.

December’s social events were very well attended.  The Tuesday social tennis evening and chilli supper saw all the floodlit courts in action and nothing left in the big pots of chilli by the end of supper! The weather was so mild that eating outside was even possible!  Thanks to Jane for organising and making chilli along with Andrea, Linda, Sheila and Ashley. Plus thanks to Andy for running the bar yet again.  There was another excellent turnout for the pre Christmas Monday morning social tennis with mulled wine and mince pies available plus the added bonus of Mark Eldridge’s popular bacon rolls!

Excellent morning at the club making Scandi Christmas gnomes and Christmas tree hanging decorations. Thanks to Sheila and Tash for organising the event and to all those who came along and joined in the fun.

This year, trophies were presented to winners following the American Tournament by club president, Bob Guthrie.  Anthony Weingarten received the Mens Singles cup for the second year running.  Full list of winners can be seen on the Club Tournaments page and all the photos from the presentation can be seen on Facebook (no account needed to open the album).

Following the presentation of this year’s club championship trophies, chairman Bez surprised Steve with a birthday present from club members.  Generous contributions resulted in a substantial sum of vouchers for Steve which he intends to spend on a new set of golf clubs.

Twenty eight members competed in end of season American Tournament over seven rounds. Congratulations to eventual winners Nicola Hopkins and Gary Reynolds. Nicola received the Deb Saund Memorial Trophy whilst Gary received the Beresford Marshall Memorial Trophy. Special mention for Sheila Kerr who scored the same points as Nicola but lost out on the count back. Well played everyone and thanks to Steve for organising.

Many thanks to Martin for hosting a very successful games night as an addition to the usual Tuesday social tennis evening.  The event was  enjoyed by over 30 members including some newcomers to the club. Various on court games played with mini tennis rackets and orange balls alien to the majority of competitors! Team A led till the final game, “wipe out”, which it certainly was with Team B taking the 5 points on offer to secure overall victory. Games were followed by a couple of sets of social tennis, snacks and drinks from the bar.

From 20th September, there will be  a new weekday social tennis session at the club on Mondays from 10.00am till 12 noon.  All members welcome for a set or two of social tennis and/or tea or coffee and biscuits.  A good way to start of the week!  Even if the weather isn’t suitable for tennis, or you are just a social member, pop in to see your tennis club friends for a drink and a chat.

Congratulations to our Mens Leigh & Westcliff team who won the final of the Mens Jubilee Cup competition against Rayleigh. Our first pair, Alex Goldhawk and Tim Willcock, won their rubber in straight sets, whilst second pair, Neil Attwood and Will Bailes, took the opening set of their rubber to ensure a victory overall for Westcliff Lawn. A great end to the summer season!