On Sunday 4th September the Davis Cup Trophy came to the Atlantic Racquet Centre in Bideford as part of the celebrations for team GB's achievement in winning the Cup. The club put on a day of acitivities, free of charge, for all the visitors.
Over 600 people came of all ages and abilities and had a go at all sorts of tennis; minis, tennis express, touch tennis, cardio tennis and a speed of serve competition. In addition they could have a go at playing table tennis and try their hand playing squash in the inflatable court.
Entertainment was provided by Bideford Town Band, Teachers' Rock Choir, Chaos Theory Band, and soloist Rachel Woolmer.
Local sporting names were on hand to give their support: Sean Downing, from Bideford Football Club, Boxer Tommy Langford (soon to fight Chris Eubank Jnr), Gary Sawyer from Plymouth Argyle, and GB table-tennis player Chris Brown. For these four, just putting in an appearance was not deemed sufficient - they were all put on the spot when, each armed with a racquet, they were sent on court and, guided by a coach, demonstrated how their respective sporting skills could be transferred to tennis.
The speed of service gun attracted much, and increasingly competitive, interest! There were three champions in their respective age groups: Evie Norris-Bishop in the 9 and under (56mph), and there was a tie between Kieran Rattigan in the 16 & unders, and Ryan Andrews in the adults, who both achieved serves of 110mph.
Congratulations to all the club's volunteers who worked so hard to make the day such a success.