I was very excited to be invited to the volunteer weekend, and so on the evening of Friday 27th April I find myself on the train leaving Cornish drizzle behind only to arrive in London in more rain! It rained all weekend, but apart from preventing us from getting to see the outside courts (except through the windows!) it didn’t dampen our spirits at all.
It was obvious that lots of planning and hard work had gone into making this weekend a success. We had some really inspiring and informative speakers and sessions, with lots of time to share our own ideas and experiences with other volunteers. The interactive sessions got quite lively at times!
The on court sessions on Saturday afternoon were challenging and fun. I played tennis with Alan who is blind, and was thoroughly thrashed! Much the same happened when I tried the wheelchair tennis. This was my first hands–on disability awareness, and it really highlighted the fact that a person with a disability can still enjoy sport to a high standard.
I was well looked after - delicious food and good accommodation – and the weekend programme was inspiring and stimulating. I think we all came away with great plans for our clubs. But by far the best, and most unexpected, thing to come out of the weekend for me was getting an overview of what British Tennis is all about – the bigger picture, and where we all fit in; sometimes we are so involved in our own clubs that we forget about the others out there, but to spend the weekend getting to know other volunteers and LTA staff from all over the country, all with a slightly different view of tennis, was an amazing, thought provoking experience. I thoroughly recommend anyone who gets offered the opportunity, to go and experience this weekend for themselves. You won’t regret it!
Sally Lobb Menheniot Tennis club