Back in May this year, Sandra Phillips, Linda Hill St Austell Tennis Club and Heather Doble from Redruth Tennis Club were lucky enough to be asked along to the Volunteers weekend at the NTC. We knew that Hilary Webster and Sue Eames would also be there.
It was very exciting to be going to the hub of British Tennis!
The three of us went in Linda's car and duly checked in at the Richmond Hill Hotel very nice too. It was a fabulous drive from there accross Richmond Park through the herds of deer to the NTC.
After a delicious breakfast we were welcomed at the center and given a weekend programme. Coffee ,tea and goodies greeted us.
We then went into the big meeing room and Roger Draper gave us a talk.
There were various other talks about Allplay, club insurance and getting players on the courts.
We had been told the food was fabulous and boy was it ! After a healthy lunch it was time for a wander round. There is every kind of tennis court there, grass, hard, clay indoor and more. Gyms, rooms for players to stay, and all so ultra modern. The canopy over the clay courts is in itself an award winning design. All quite stunning to us Cornish maids.
The day passed pleasantly and we were given another nice meal in the evening.
Sunday was the highlight for me. Son Tim Hill gave a very amusing talk on the ABCs of the day in the life of a Tennis Performance Co-ordinator.
When it got to L he said L is for Linda Hill........ have you met my mum? If so, have I still got a job? If you knew me I think you'd understand, at least I think it put St Austell on the map! I did offer free B&B to any LTA person wanting to deliver 'How to gain more players at our Clubs'.
The other highlight was the Cardio Tennis trial session on the indoor courts. It was brilliant...I stayed for the second session too....regretted it the next day though.
All in all a worthwhile trip for us giving us much food for thought to bring back to our clubs.
Thank you for sending us.
Linda Hill