Last week the club’s very successful Friday morning Ladies Group held their Christmas lunch at The Empress Hotel, with 25 guests enjoying an excellent three course meal (plus wine, gifts and good company). Organised by Jan Gaskill and Val Worth plus helpers, this event is one of many that the Ladies hold. It's nearly 30 years since the formation of the group and it has proven to be a very successful section of Albany – welcoming new residents, fund raising for various charities and helping at club events whilst enjoying a game of social tennis on a Friday between 10am-12pm. We think the group was formed in 1989 or 1990, so no doubt that will be an excuse for a party. Anyway, well done everyone – I really enjoyed it.
At last we managed to complete the club’s Junior championships last weekend thanks to a lot of hard work by our club coach and referee Ian Watson and the co-operation of parents, who seem to be a non-stop taxi service each weekend. Despite some heavy showers, the outdoor courts were playable and our promising youngsters played some excellent matches. The 8 & under event attracted 15 entries and was played in two groups; novice and more experienced. Some in group B (novice) have only been playing for three or four weeks but showed skills and eagerness beyond their years. There was the expected win for Charlotte Clarke in the Girls 14 & under and the Mixed 18 & under, but the other players love the challenge of playing the Road to Wimbledon Champion! Results Group B Mixed 8 and under novice winner Elias Parry, r/up Jack Sharples; Group A winner Magnus Benson, r/up Oliver Neagle; 9 & under Mixed winner Magnus Benson, r/up Sonny Shipley-Martin; 10 & under mixed winner Ryan Colquitt, r/up Guy McGuiness; 12 Boys singles winner Orry Farnworth r/up Greg Kelly; 12 Girls singles winner Ava Austerberry, r/up Lucy Clarke 14 Girls singles winner Charlotte Clarke r/up Aalish Kelly; 18&U Mixed singles winner Charlotte Clarke, r/up Jack Christian. Best performance award went to Oliver Neagle. The club’s Junior Silver Award this year was presented to Orry Farnworth, who is successful on court but always willing to help with umpiring the 8&U events. The club is grateful for the continued sponsorship for this tournament by Auxesia Ltd.
Saturday Mini Red coaching will be on this Saturday from 12 noon and 1pm. At the moment we have room for three or four new beginners – they can have three free “taster” sessions before being asked to become a member but once they join their membership fee covers Saturday coaching.
We now have in stock the new club Auxesia polo shirts and at £10 they would make an excellent Christmas gift for a tennis “star”. Also please support the Christmas Snow Flake competition – there are good prizes and funds raised will go towards more improvements in club facilities.