Author: Gillian Sanderson

An excellent return to social events tonight with a Penzance Pasty and Polgoon night proving very popular. Over sixty people were at the club to enjoy delicious pasties supplied by Lavenders in Penzance washed down by Polgoon cider! Thanks to the ladies who helped serve the pasties piping hot and to Andy for looking after the bar so efficiently, plus Steve for organising the tennis. Great to see all the courts in use and the club so busy once again.

Great end to the Westcliff Lawn Summer Open Tournament with club member Stefan Protic winning the Mens Open Singles title, winning a close fought final in the third set championship tiebreak. And earlier in the week, Freddy and George Ward contested the 18&U Boys Singles final with George coming out the victor, whilst George also won the 16&U event. Well done to tournament referee Graham and thanks to all club members who helped in various ways to make the tournament a success.

Another enjoyable trip to Cornwall for a number of club members to play in this year’s Penzance Open. Success for Dan & Mike in the Mens Handicap Doubles final and also for Marg & Sarah in the Ladies 55 & Over Doubles. Dan with partner Mats Colling (Southampton) were also runners up in the Mens Open Doubles, . Very well done to them all!  A big thank you to Steve for refereeing the tournament for the 25th consecutive time, and to Hazel for her behind the scenes support. For any club members interested in making the journey to Penzance in 2022, the planned tournament dates are Sunday 24th July to Saturday 30th July 2022.

Congratulations to three of our teams who finished top of their divisions. Mens 3 were runaway winners of Division 5 with 50 out of a possible 60 points, gaining a very well deserved promotion to Division 4 next year. Ladies 3 and Mixed 4 were also champions of their respective divisions though with club teams in the divisions above, they remain in the same divisions next summer. Runners up spots for Mixed 2 and 3, Ladies 2 and 4, and Mens 1.  Well done to all our players, and thanks to the captains for their hard work organising teams for 10 consecutive weeks.

Thanks to our coach Martin, four youngsters got a good introduction to tennis when they attended an 8 & Under LTA Youth Start (formerly Tennis for Kids) course at WLTC.  Six hours of coaching, games and activities, with parents joining in the fun at the final session.

Great week for WLTC member Aaron Hilsum at Parklangley Club Spring Tournament. Aaron won the Boys 18&U Singles defeating his opponent 6-1, 7-5 in the final. Aaron also reached the semi final stage of the Mens Singles before losing a close match in the third set championship tiebreak. In the same tournament, Stefan Protic reached the quarter finals of the Mens Singles having knocked out the top seed in the second round plus finished runner up in the Boys 18&U Doubles event after a semi final clash against fellow club members, Aaron and Jack Wallace. In another half term tournament at the Ipswich Sports Club, Freddy and George Ward were victorious in the Boys 14&U Doubles. Well done to all our players!

Great to see the club open for play once again.  Glorious weather for the first three days and the club was busy with members playing arranged games and Graham’s holiday coaching camps proving popular.  Social tennis sessions are underway again – Saturdays from 1.45pm, Sundays from 9.45 am and Tuesday evenings from 6.30 pm.  Welcome to a number of new members and looking forward to our Essex and Leigh & Westcliff teams restarting matches soon.

In accordance with Government and LTA guidelines, the club will be reopening on Monday 29th March.  Singles and doubles are both permitted so please organise your games and use the online booking system as before.  Graham will be coaching from this date, both individual sessions, adult and junior group coaching, plus Easter school holiday camps.  The courts are looking pristine ready for our return and the patio area has been improved to provide more space.  Many thanks to Bill, Mark and Andy for all their hard work at the club during this lockdown.

Following the PM’s announcement last night that England is again in a national lockdown, the club unfortunately is closed once again with immediate effect. The LTA’s confirmation of this is available here

Our club captain, Steve, will keep members updated by email on club matters during the closure.