Bewdley Tennis Club served up a 24 hour tennisathon in aid of charity as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations.
More than 70 members competed in the round the clock tennis match which ended 199-198 in favour of those representing Team A.
L-R: Paul Bennett, Penny Marchant, Nancy Sylvester and Alfie Sylvester at the conclusion of the tennisathon.
Money raised will go towards the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust which raises funds for people with disabilities and was named in honour of the legendary BBC commentator.
In addition nearly 200 members and guests, including its oldest member, 91 year old Gwen Rosoman, gathered for a commemorative photo at the Stourport Road club with a handful stepping backing in time by wearing clothing from the era.
L-R: Pete Mauger, Phil Watt, Audrey Bradley, Hilary Baker and Mike Rosoman
It was part of a week’s worth of activities to mark the 90th year milestone including a number of competitions and a Wyre Forest schools tennis festival.
Jenny Frow, the club’s president, said: “It’s a special year for the club and the tennisathon was a great way to not only mark the 90th anniversary but also raise money to help disabled tennis.
“When I first joined the club a lot of the members didn’t actually play that much but now more than 80 per cent of members are active and playing at least once a week and the fact 70 members took part in the tennisathon reflects that.
“We are fielding 16 teams in the Worcestershire leagues and there is a vibrant atmosphere at the club both on and off the court and we can look forward to a bright future.”
Key to the club’s success have been the efforts of head coach Geoff Barrie who runs weekly sessions for all age groups including adult beginners and he is also familiar face in local schools bringing tennis to new generations.
It’s all a far cry from 1924 when the club’s first president, Alderman Neil Frost hit the first serve to mark its opening and there were just two grass courts to play on.
Fast forward to 2014 and the club has seven floodlit courts including three clay courts and has firmly established itself as one of the leading clubs in the county.
Anyone interested in playing tennis at Bewdley can find out more at www.bewdleytennisclub.org.uk