Lincolnshire Lawn Tennis Association held its first annual awards evening at the National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa on Friday 28 January. The event was organised to present the county’s winning teams with their trophies and recognise success on and off the court during the 2010 tennis season. The presentations were made by Andrew Castle, the former professional player and television presenter, who came up to Lincolnshire for the evening despite his busy Australian Open commentary schedule. Proceedings began with presentations to the winners of all the junior and senior Aegon Club League winning teams and the winners of the Lincolnshire Doubles Leagues. With teams from Under 8s to Veterans, this part of the evening was packed with around 200 players, parents and tennis club volunteers.
Around 120 people stayed for dinner and the presentation of the main awards. Nominations were invited prior to the event in various categories and all those nominated were warmly congratulated as their citations were read out. County colours were also awarded to Ed Allinson, Dave Williams, Will Mason, James Shacklock and Mark Thompson in recognition of their service to the main men’s county team.
The Junior Player of the Year was Harry Burley of Grimsby, who had a great season and was ranked number 5 in Britain under 16 during the year.
Best individual performance went to 12 year old Henry Beesley of Boston who won the UK Nike Junior Masters tournament and thereby qualified for the world finals in the Bahamas.
School of the Year was Priory Ruskin Academy in Grantham for its excellent tennis programme under teachers Rob Gough and Terry Plumb and its strong links with Grantham Tennis Club.
Coach of the Year went to Terry Hunt for his work in transforming the coaching programme at Lincoln’s Eastgate Club.
Volunteer of the year also went to Eastgate when Helen Scales was recognised for her immense all round contribution to the running of the club.
Team of the year was the Lincolnshire Ladies Over 35’s Team who won almost all their matches over the season and were promoted in their two main competitions.
The Lifetime Contribution award went to Frank Cammack of Boston in recognition of his outstanding service to Lincolnshire tennis from his junior playing days onwards. Amongst numerous areas he has been involved in, Frank was instrumental in the transformation of Boston Tennis Club from a grass court club to a multi-surface modern tennis centre with indoor courts, and he has also represented Lincolnshire at national level on the LTA Council for many years.
The final award was a Special Award for outstanding achievement which went to Dennis Hernaman, President of Grantham Tennis Club, who still plays three times a week and competes internationally at the age of 92, and he accepted his award to a rousing standing ovation.
The evening was a great success and thanks are due to Andrew Castle for making time to attend the event, and his patience in posing for so many photographs throughout.”