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Issue 25 / Winter 2014

GAME SET MATCH

WINNERS INSIDE

SPRING 2015 / ISSUE 29

THE MAGAZINE OF BUCKS TENNIS

TIEBREAKER

P3 P5 P7

Team England Boys, represented by Reed’s School in Surrey, have been crowned World Schools Tennis

Champions in Doha, Qatar. The boys’ team, consisting of Jack Molloy

and Barnaby Smith (both Bucks boys) along with Ben Draper, Louis Newman and Damien Rodriguez defeated Chinese Taipei in the final, winning 14 straight points in a row to take the title 4-2 in the best of six matches tie.

They had previously finished top of their group, with convincing wins over Chile and

Belgium, followed by a close 3-3 draw with Australia. They defeated Germany in the quarter-finals and Turkey in the semi-finals, before defeating Chinese Taipei in the final.

Three schools from across Great Britain competed at the prestigious World Schools Tennis Championships in Doha. As well as the gold medal success for the boys, Team England Girls, represented by Talbot Heath School in Bournemouth, finished in an impressive fourth place.

The event, staged by the International School Sport Federation, was hosted by

the Qatar Tennis Federation at the Khalifi Tennis Centre. It attracted entries from 16 nations in each category from across the globe, and included a strong educational and cultural element, with opening and closing ceremonies, cultural visits and a focus on friendship and fair play.

The next World Schools Tennis Championships will take place in Brazil in 2017 and Team England will be represented by the winning schools of the Team Tennis Schools National Championships Finals in 2016.

BUCKS BOYS WORLD SCHOOLS TENNIS CHAMPIONS

BUCKS LADIES TAKE ON ALL ENGLAND LAWN TENNIS CLUB

National Champions Bucks Ladies took on a very strong All England

Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) team recently, losing 3-1.

During the post match meal within the AELTC Clubhouse Helen Adams was presented with County Colours by Keith Dewick

(Bucks LTA’s President).The teams were Jemima

King, Claire Webb, Alice Patch and Helen Adams (with Alison Longfield as non-playing Captain) for Bucks, and Anne Keothavong, Melanie South, Abigail Tordoff (Captain) and Kate Gowar playing for the AELTC.

Left to right: Alice Patch, Jemima King, Helen Adams, Claire Webb, Kate Gowar, Abigail Tordoff, Melanie South and Kate Gowar. Helen Adams presented with County Colours by Keith Dewick.

SPRING 2015 / ISSUE 29 2 // TIEBREAKER

Congratulations to Joe Sherwood-Smith, Life President of Bucks LTA and also one of the founder members of Iver Heath Tennis Club, who celebrated his 90th Birthday on April 28th along with his wife Betty who also turned 90 on April 23rd.

Jo is also an Honorary Life Councillor of the LTA and was Chairman of Bucks LTA for a number of years. Joe and Betty are both in good health and reside at Burnham Lodge Nursing Home, Parliament Lane, Hitcham Vale, Burnham where visitors are most welcome.John Stephenson (Iver Heath LTC)

LIONEL COX 2015 COMPETITION REPORTThe 10u competition this year promised to be a really exciting one for Bucks; aside from the pre-event hype and excitement from the team, there were also Bucks County debuts for Louis, Alex and Kiera - all of whom wanted to leave their mark on one of the most prestigious and enjoyable inter-county events of the year.

The boys got off to a fine start, with a 3 rubbers to 0 whitewash over Oxfordshire and not to be outdone, the girls followed suit with a victory of their own against Oxfordshire.

That momentum carried on for the girls in their second match of the weekend against Cambridgeshire which left the boys to take on old foes Herts in a contest that proved to be one of the highlights of the weekend with three exciting games, although sadly only one ultimately won by Bucks.

The final fixure of the day was for the girls to keep their tremendous run of form going against an extremely beatable-looking Norfolk team, and win they did by two matches to one, setting up proceedings nicely for the Sunday.

The Sunday started with the now traditional Lionel Cox early morning downpour! After taking part in an impromptu ‘inter- county’ tennis quiz, chaired by Justin Chacksfield to pass the time, the team were ready to take on the day.

The boys were up first and were confident going into their first fixture against Bedfordshire. Their excellent

form from the previous day continued with a 3-0 clean sweep. Meanwhile, the girls entertained Herts in what would decide the final group placings, unfortunately losing all of their matches.

Still, the mood remained positive ahead of their next fixtures. The boys’ task against Berkshire looked tough after learning Berkshire had impressively overturned Herts but bucks won all three matches meaning a final against Essex beckoned, because Herts were edged out as a result of ‘games won’.

The girls unfortunately had to settle for the 3rd/4th play-off against Suffolk, although they were already more than happy with their overall result, eventually taking fourth place.

This left the boys to cap off a fantastically encouraging weekend when they took on the mighty Essex in the final of the 10u boys, sadly losing all three matches but ending in a highly creditable third place.

So a hugely enjoyable county team experience now bodes well for the upcoming County Cup. The belief in the Bucks camp has grown fantastically now that all the 10u players know they can be a match for even the strongest counties.By Tom Edis, Bucks 9u/10u Captain

BIG 9-0 FOR JOE

// TEAM

CALUM FAIREY / DJ MENTIPLY / LOUIS BESNAYAKE / ALEX PENNYCOOKE / ANNIE TOWNSEND / YI-TOONG YEE / KIERA FOSTER

CHESHAM 1879 PLAYERS REACH REGIONAL LEVEL

Congratulations to Chesham 1879 players Charlie Berens and Oscar Lawson who were both selected to attend regional training camps in their respective age groups. The boys both took the day off school to travel to Gosling tennis centre to mix it up with the best players from around the East Region.

Players worked on a variety of different tennis skills as well as taking part in some introductory S&C sessions. Both players loved their time there and looked totally at home in a high standard of play. It was a great experience for both boys and a great reward for all the hard work they and their coaching team at Chesham 1879 have put in over the last 18 months. James Goodchild, Director of Tennis, Challenge Tennis. James@challenge-tennis.com

SANCHEZ-CASAL ACADEMY WORKSHOP AT HALTON

Halton Tennis Centre are hosting a workshop run by Sergio Casal, Director of the Sanchez-Casal Tennis Academy on Friday 5th June 2015. The workshop will include tennis drills “The Spanish Way”, and doubles patterns.

Sergio Casal is the former Doubles No. 1 player, who won both the French Open and US Open mens doubles titles and US Open

mixed doubles title, as well as being a top singles player, beating both John McEnroe and Boris Becker during his long tennis career.

This will be a great opportunity to get tips from a “master”.

For more information, contact Guti at guti@everyball.net or book by going to www.haltontennis.co.uk

SPRING 2015 / ISSUE 29 TIEBREAKER // 3

For 12 years, we have had 3 hard courts but in April, the courts were resurfaced to advantage pro synthetic grass and everyone has been very excited about trying them out. It is a new surface which is durable, comfortable, play is able to continue in wet weather without slipping and is good on the knees! It has been a big step for our club but everyone is now really enjoying this new surface and many new players have come to try out the courts.

We run a ‘rusty racquets’ session, which runs on Monday

afternoons by our fabulous coach Geoff Higginson and it is extremely popular. Wednesday morning social tennis is often very busy, with over 20 players most weeks, even though we have 3 courts, 2 of which are floodlit. With the courts being resurfaced only a couple of weeks ago, we have already seen a huge increase in the number of players participating at our club.

Our junior are doing very well this year in their matches, with the under 9’s off to a great start. We run Saturday

morning coaching for juniors age between 5-16. The coaching is run by level 1 and 2 coaches, as well as tennis leaders. This is free coaching and is very popular, so if you have a child who would like to be involved, please contact our junior organiser. All contact information can be found on our website at: www.stokepogestennisclub.co.uk. By Grace Whittam

Please visit our facebook page for the latest information regarding upcoming events, news and key dates for your diary: www.facebook.com/stokepogestennisclub

STOKE POGES TENNIS CLUB COURTS RESURFACED

Well known LTA Licensed Coach, Luke Du Casse, who is highly regarded for providing quality tennis coaching to hundreds of children and adults around Buckinghamshire, runs Tennis4Kids.

Tennis4Kids is a local tennis academy that provides a whole program of quality tennis coaching at low prices to children from aged from just 3 up to 18.

Tennis4Kids provides the huge benefits of no membership fees, free taster sessions and the option to grow your tennis ability with 1-2-1 sessions on superb local tennis courts in some of the most beautiful environments in Bucks.

With 11 courts (of which 5 are floodlit) based around Great Missenden, The Kingshills, The Lee, The Chalfonts, Chesham and surrounding villages, Tennis4Kids provides after school and weekend Tennis squads, as well as holiday camps throughout all school holidays that range

from 2 hour sessions for the little ones up to full day sessions.

Tennis4Kids also provides free taster sessions in junior and infant schools during PE lessons and in school playgrounds straight after school - so just ask your school if Tennis4Kids is coming to your child’s school soon?

Parents can easily find all information online at Tennis4Kids.co.uk and can register and pay online easily or just register to be notified when new camps or squads are announced.

And if you’re all grown up and not in that 3-18 age bracket but want to progress your own tennis or even start from scratch, you’ll be pleased to know adults can play too in the associated Rusty Racket group sessions as well as in private lessons on a 1-2-1 basis.

For more information check online or contact Luke Du Casse at Luke@tennis4kids.co.uk

TENNIS4KIDS

SPRING 2015 / ISSUE 29 4 // TIEBREAKER

“LAST TERM WE

DELIVERED OVER 70

DISABILITY SESSIONS INCLUDING

FREE SESSIONS”

MK INCLUSIVE TENNISMK Inclusive Tennis continues to grow its numbers through the four main disability groups, participation via satellite clubs in Milton Keynes and also using local community venues to offer tennis to socially and financially deprived areas.

Last term we delivered over 70 disability sessions including free sessions at the special schools in Milton Keynes with thanks to funding from The Tennis Foundation.

We were delighted to welcome new players to our wheelchair, deaf, VI and learning disability sessions through the early part of the year and now have 34 weekly players in the programme. The wheelchair players are showing such dedication that 5 of them now own their own sports wheelchairs and are gearing up to enter local and national tournaments around the country. With further funding now available, we are looking to increase the number of weekly sessions we run

from 6 to 10.This term sees funding

from local parish councils and the MK Community Foundation enabling us to deliver sessions in deprived area schools and community centres with over 300 children benefitting from the opportunity to have a go at tennis, most for the first time. By Emma Maitland

If you would like any more information about our sessions, please visit our website at www.mkinclusivetennis.co.uk or contact Emma Maitland – emma@mkinclusivetennis.co.uk

Coaches at Chesham Bois Lawn Tennis and Squash Club have been concentrating on Juniors this Spring. This month they trialled a Mini Tennis month which included free tasters in a number of local schools. On the day we had 35 U10s attend our free sessions with 20 of them girls!

We have taken part in a Taster Session at Amersham

and Wycombe College and we are building a link with them. We have also started a session at The Amersham School this term.

In addition Millie Day got to the final of another grade 3 over Easter at Rickmansworth. She also entered her first grade 2 (national level) tournament and won 2 out of 6 of her matches.

Junior night with food kicked off on Friday with about 50 juniors joining in the free fun sessions with the coaches. The coaches were assisted by our older teenagers that have all started on the coaching pathway and for those that want to we will be running a tennis leaders course in June for them.

Chesham Bois Lawn Tennis

and Squash Club are hosting their Open Day on Saturday 16th May and they have made plenty of facilities available for children including a Bouncy Castle, a Junior drop in session, a squash give it a go session and a Barbeque. By Amanda Pearce

Enquiries: Amanda Pearce, M: 07833 591001, www.cbltsc.com

NEWS FROM CHESHAM BOIS

SPRING 2015 / ISSUE 29 TIEBREAKER // 5

BUCKS GIRLS – NUMBERS SOARING AND HITTING WITH THE PRO’S!

220 girls from Bucks aged between 5 and 18 years old have participated in four Bucks fun sessions over the last five months. A girl’s only mini red and green match play took place last month and the feedback from the girls and parents was very positive.

In the last fun session we had 76 girls attending,

it was amazing to see so many girls training with smiles on their faces and being active. Bucks player Laura Deigman current WTA ranking of 786 hit with the girls and joined in with the session. The younger girls loved it and Laura can now act as a role model to these girls.

The Buckinghamshire Girls Group started up by Jemima King with

support from Bucks LTA is an exciting new initiative that has been set up to encourage more girls to participate and compete in tennis plus helping them see it is a game for life. Female coaches and volunteers are invited to bring along their players to the fun sessions and competitive events, and it is hoped that the sessions will help to

create a wide network of female coaches and players.

Do you know the ratio for boys and girls playing tennis? 4:1!! 40% of girls drop out of sport by the age of 18. In recent years, nowhere near enough girls have been taking up the sport and Jemima and her colleagues are passionate about reversing this trend.

A fun session is currently being planned for the summer and we are hoping to get all clubs in Bucks involved – imagine every club in Bucks running their own girls only fun session!! By Jemima King

Coaches and players please email jemima@everyball.net if you would like to get involved with the scheme.

ROY’S RETIREMENTRoy Sawyer has retired after two decades working as receptionist at the Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre.

Roy gave this speech at his retirement luncheon.

“My 20 years service at the Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre began on November 28th 1994. I still have my original contract signed by Keith Dewick. At that time the centre was in the capable hands of Rosemarie Badman and Doris Marsh. After

Rosemarie and Doris there were several short-term managers before Bernard Ford was appointed. He was followed by Win Tennis in 2007. GMB Leisure took over in 2010 and introduced Junior Camps which have proved very popular.”

“Amongst the receptionists were Steve Bell and Joe Rylett. A few years ago I ran into Joe at Farnham Park Golf Club. Since then we have played golf together whenever weather and travelling

permit. Joe is now chairman of the High Wycombe Lawn Tennis Club.”

“One of the pleasures of working at the Centre has been the opportunity to meet many old friends (or should I say adversaries!) from the days when I was the Veterans League Secretary, and talking over old times. Several of the patrons have been coming to the Centre regularly for many years and have become like friends.”

“Yes, I can say I really enjoyed my days involved with the Bucks L.T.A. and the Indoor Tennis Centre. However, after 20 years and well past the age of retirement, I reluctantly

decided it was time to say game, set and match.”

“Thank you all for contributing to my 20 happy years with the Bucks L.T.A. and the Indoor Tennis Centre.”

SPRING 2015 / ISSUE 29 6 // TIEBREAKER

RICHINGS PARK TENNIS CLUB HAS A NEW HOMERichings Park Lawn Tennis Club has moved into a new home within a brand new development called Richings Sports Park.

Built alongside the location where the old courts used to be, the courts are part of a £1 million development, with the club having four brand new macadam surfaced courts and a new clubhouse inside the main building. The new clubhouse offers more modern facilities with access to changing rooms and shower facilities which are also

available. Our courts are floodlit making all year round play possible.

Richings Sports Park offers the sports that Richings Park Sports Club used to offer as well as a new fully equipped Gym; an “endless Pool”; a holistic suite offering yoga and pilates classes and a full bar and function rooms.

We welcome players across all levels and we have regular social nights. By Graeme Jenner

www.richingsparkltc.org.uk

Aylesbury Tennis, Squash & Racketball Club held a free parent and child open event as part of the National Mini Tennis Month on Saturday 25th April. From 1to 5pm the courts were flooded with players who were new to tennis. The registration desk was quickly up and running signing everybody in, recording 84 people who had never played before. There was a great

atmosphere for four hours straight with no lack of energy across the four mini tennis courts, games area and three full sized courts. A ladies team match was also squeezed in on the newly refurbish courts!

The JWT coaching team had been promoting the Highland Spring sponsored event within the local community and enjoyed a fantastic week at Bedgrove Infant

School, delivering a 45 minute lesson to all form groups. Head coach James Woodwards, with his assistant Sam Frost, were greeted with great enthusiasm from all pupils and teachers alike. Invitations were snapped up by the children all wanting to play more tennis. The final figures for the free play event showed over 120 participants had been on the courts during the day.

Aylesbury LTS&RC are hoping to build on the success of this event with the fast approaching Great British Tennis Weekends with some surprise attractions this year. One being a huge Zebra! By James Woodwards, JWT Head Coach

To find out more please come along and see for yourself on May 16th, June 13th and August 2nd (Aylesbury Vale Park Tennis Courts).

NATIONAL MINI TENNIS MONTH AT AYLESBURY

SPONSORS REQUIRED!

Bucks Tennis relies on sponsorship to fund various activities. If you are able to assist the development of Tennis in Bucks by providing some financial support please contact Andrew Petherick, Chairman of Bucks LTA on 07779579674 or via chairman@buckstennis.com

Along with other benefits, sponsors are entailed to purchase Centre Court tickets at Wimbledon!

SPRING 2015 / ISSUE 29 TIEBREAKER // 7

TENNIS FOR EVERYONE AT MKTCMilton Keynes Tennis Club has been a hive of activity in April, the club’s calendar has been full of exciting new events. The club has had events on for everyone with the success of the Easter Holiday Multisports camps kicking things off, which ran from the 30th March- 10th April and saw over 10 children each day attending and learning new tennis skills, playing some competitive matches and taking part in many different games such as hockey, football, cricket, handball, ultimate frisbee, dodgeball and of course tennis!

All kids under the age of 10 were invited to take part in a Mini Tennis event on Saturday 18th April where these children could come and experience the Tots, Mini Red, and Mini Orange sessions that our coaches deliver

on the programme. We were extremely pleased to see over 30 new kids in 2 hours, learning how to perform a warm up, practicing ball and racket skills, hitting over a mini net and playing loads of fun games in the sun. The coaching programme benefited from this event with 5 kids signing up to the programme on the day and many more interested in coming back.

We then had our Open Day on Sunday 19th April and this gave a chance for the adults to come down and experience the social side of the club on what

turned out to be a wonderfully sunny day, many members baked cakes and bread to be enjoyed throughout the day in between lots of playing, buzzes of conversation and laughter, and new members experienced some coaching taster sessions.

With the success of these events, we are now looking forward to our next event

on the calendar. Our Great British Tennis Weekend event which will fall on the 13th June from 10am-3pm, all are welcome to come down and enjoy playing in social matches, experience some great coaching sessions and indulge in some brilliant homemade food! We can’t wait to see as many new and old faces as possible!By Josh Golding

OPEN DAY AT WINSLOWWINSLOW HELD AN OPEN DAY ON 18TH APRIL ATTRACTING 12 PAIRS WHO COMPETED IN THE QUORN FAMILY TENNIS CUP.

FEMALE COACHES URGED TO SIGN UP FOR MISS-HITS DAYThere are spaces left for female coaches to join the Miss-Hits course at the NTC in London on 8th June 2015 created by Judy Murray.

Miss-Hits is an all-girl indoor programme delivered by female coaches and designed by Judy Murray. The NTC event is a six hour course which aims to get more young girls aged 5 to 8 playing tennis and acts as a feeder programme for Highland Spring Mini Tennis.

Female coaches will receive 6 coach license credits for attending the course which focuses on the delivery of 2 x 6 week blocks that are based around 6 characters who take the girls through the basics of tennis through active play.

Each character has their own shot, dance and magic symbol that helps to teach the girls all they need to know each week

With dancing, games and much more, Miss-Hits is the perfect introduction to tennis for girls where they can build friendship groups and develop basic tennis shots and motor skills

It includes tailored content to create a fun and sociable environment to make girls feel comfortable and involved. Specialised equipment is provided and activities are design to facilitate learning of basic tennis shots and skills.

The course costs £60 for the day and is open only to female coaches who must be a minimum of an accredited Level 2 coach.

All attendees will receive a free bag of Miss-Hits equipment worth £150, access to Miss-Hits resources, dances and music and can look forward to increasing the number of girls playing tennis at your club!

More at: www3.lta.org.uk/Courses/Course/?courseId=1-33AFPVH

8 // TIEBREAKERSMALLS

SPRING 2015 / ISSUE 29

UPCOMING HALTON TOURNAMENTS

Halton Tennis Centre are again hosting the Everyball Grade 2 tournament (12 & Under and 14 & Under) 25-30 May and Nike Junior International tournament (12 & Under) 14-20 June part of the Tennis Europe tour, featuring some of Europe’s top junior players. Entries are open for both events and spectators are very welcome. By Cailla Hayward

LTA BUCKS FORUM PROVES

POPULAR

There was a fantastic turnout for the Bucks Venue

Forum on 17 March

at Aylesbury Holiday Inn with a total of 78 attendees representing 40 venues!

Highlights included Michael Downey LTA CEO on the new LTA Strategy, Rob Dearing LTA Head of Participation on new LTA Facilities Funding, Sarah Simmons from Leap (Bucks Sports) on funding opportunities, Rosemary Badman on Bucks LTA funding, Venetia Cosier on Bucks Junior Teams and Leo Tutt LTA RTPM on Great British Tennis Weekends 2015

Every venue that attended received free GBTW banners, postcards & posters.

This issue of TIEBREAKER was brought to you by Dominic Killinger and Patrick Thorne.

The next TIEBREAKER will be published in February, if you have any articles you wish to be included please send them to dom@tennis4kids.co.uk by 20th July 2015.

Published by: Tennis4Kids Designed by: YOTE Design.com

This issue can be viewed in full on the Bucks web site: lta.org.uk/In-Your-Area/ Buckinghamshire

CONTACT WITH BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LTA:

Chairman // Andrew Petherick Tel: 07779579674 Email: chairman@buckstennis.com

Secretary // Mary Crowshaw Tel: 01494 726931 Email: mscrowshaw@gmail.com

Or via // Bucks LTA County Office, Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre, Holmer’s Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4QA

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Buckinghamshire LTA. The association accepts no liability for the accuracy of information provided by contributors.

CONTACT WITH LTA REGIONAL OFFICE:

Tel: 01494 471238 Email: East@LTA.org.uk East Region Tennis Office, Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre Holmer’s Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4QA

GET PUBLISHED!Make sure not to miss the next publication deadline for articles and photos on the 20th July.

It is important that your article has the following: • no more than 200 words• full event name, participants’ names and

labelled photo files so that everybody gets attributed correctly

• high-resolution photos (set your digital camera to the ‘biggest’ setting)

• please include your full name at start/end of a report if you want to be credited as the author

Send your files to dom@tennis4kids.co.uk We look forward to reading all about you. The TIEBREAKER Team

NEXT ISSUE AVAILABLE IN AUGUSTAT YOUR LOCAL CLUB

NEW CLUB HOUSE FOR WOOBURN PARK LAWN TENNIS CLUBWPLTC is delighted to announce that our new Club House is now open, completing phase one of our development plans. The design of the Club House has been carefully considered to complement the natural beauty of Wooburn Park. Our members, prospective members and visiting clubs can now all benefit from the excellent facilities provided, including our enviable outside decking patio offering a perfect view to watch the tennis, comfortable indoor seating areas, a contemporary well equipped kitchenette as well as spacious, modern changing rooms and cloakrooms. The Committee would like express grateful thanks for the generous financial

support from the LTA and Wooburn & Bourne End Parish Council.

WPLTC is keen to welcome new members to join our active diary of club play, social events and tournaments. To coincide with the Great British Tennis Weekend, all age groups are warmly invited to come to our Open Afternoon from 2.00pm on Saturday, 16 May (17 May, if the weather is inclement). This will provide an excellent opportunity for players of all levels to enjoy a game of social tennis, complimentary refreshments and to learn more about the Club.

Phase two will be starting soon with the installation of a fourth court with floodlights, due for completion towards the end of 2015,

at which time there will be a formal opening ceremony to celebrate the major enhancements to the facilities offered by the Club.

WPLTC has senior, junior, mid-week and family membership options. Summer

coaching is included in the junior membership and adult coaching is available on a pay as you go basis. Regular open Club sessions take place throughout the year. By Liz Austin

www.wpltc.org.uk