Lianne Tapson, who chairs Grantham Tennis Club, is being awarded the MBE for services to sport and the community in Lincolnshire. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-38459636
Lianne was introduced to the management committee of Grantham Tennis Club (a facility which manages seven tennis courts and associated facilities) in 2004.Within months she was asked to become chair and due to her vision and determination she pursued plans to expand the club vigorously. clubspark/granthamtennisclub
Her drive resulted in a £3.2 million facility that is on a par with any tennis club in the country. In light of this, however, she wished to ensure that the new tennis club remain a true community facility, accessible to all, not just an elite training facility. Thus she got as many groups involved in the Club as possible, facilitating groups of all ages playing together whilst opening a café run by Mencap. This café recently won the best not for profit organisation at the 2015 Grantham Business Awards.
The club now has wheelchair members and it is hoping to be able to support those with learning difficulties at the Special Olympics in 2017. https://www.facebook.com/granthamtennisclub/
She personally ensured external funding to the tune of £2.5 million. In addition, she has vigorously pursued relationships with bodies such as the LTA, worked behind the bar on a Friday and assisted with coaching the juniors. After this continued regeneration, she refused the proposal of the GTC committee to have the facility named after her and instead got every member’s name to appear on the GTC logo.
She personally oversaw the development of a branch within her organisation, Totemic, called Totem Giving which has donated £1.5m to local and national charities over the last three years. As a result of her efforts, Totem Giving has become an established branch within the company and was instrumental in setting up Inspire and an independent sports charity supporting local schools develop PE, Sport and Leadership for the benefit of young people.
Lianne told Lincolnshire Reporter: “I’m totally gobsmacked and very humbled. I appreciate I’ve done good things but only with the help of good people. It really is amazing. It’s been a fantastic journey and this honour leaves me breathless.”
John Copsey, new Lincolnshire LTA County Chairman ‘I’m sure you’ll all join me in congratulating Lianne on this much deserved honour. Excellent news for GTC, Lincs Tennis and tennis in general.’
We wish a Happy new year to all of our tennis venues and members. Here’s to an outstanding 2017!