Great Britain's rather untimely exit from this year's Davis Cup competition did not deter local tennis enthusiasts from turning out to see the large, iconic trophy and joining in tennis related activities accompanying the events.
First up was De Montfort Hall on a Wednesday afternoon in late September. Those attracted to the event reflected Leicester's diverse multi-cultural population as organisers hurriedly tried to find the plaques for Serbia, India and the Czech Republic...it wasn't just GB's 2015 win that interested visitors ! A party organised by a nearby care home overlooking Victoria Park were keen on seeing the Fred Perry era plaques....a period in which Great Britain appeared in five consecutive finals, winning four.
The following Saturday morning saw the cup arrive at Rothley Ivanhoe Tennis Club with organiser Anne Mumford overseeing a highly successful event, attracting nearly 400 hundred people, many with no tennis background. A whole range of activities was on offer, including some junior exhibition matches, 'mini' tennis for all ages to pick up a racket, bouncy castle and barbeque etc. The atmosphere was akin to a village summer fete with local dignitaries and many other organisations within Rothley and Loughborough also in attendance.
Then on to The Leicesteshire Tennis and Squash Club on Saturday afternoon. The club had arranged for one of its members who is a professional photographer to be in attendance for the long four hour display session. Despite heavy rain delaying on court activities early on, coaches were on hand to welcome visitors who were new to the game. Members were keen to locate the 1978 plaque which included life long club member and Tennis Leicestershire President, Mark Cox.
Here's hoping it's not another 79 years before the county hosts its next Davis Cup display!