On Monday 8th February Michael Downey paid a short visit to Norfolk, accompanied by John Golding, the Head of Region for the LTA Field Team in the East. Unfortunately rain and wind curtailed the proposed programme and a planned visit to the Eaton Park community courts in Norwich did not go ahead. Instead Michael made a quick stop at East Anglia Tennis & Squash club and said hello to some of the coaching team and Head Coach, Derek Perry. Michael then met Matt Breese, tennis manager, and had a whirlwind tour of the Easton Tennis Centre facilities, opened over 5 years ago by Judy Murray following major investment by the LTA, Norfolk LTA and Easton and Otley College.
Downey said on his visit: “It was a honour for me to not only attend but participate in the Norfolk AGM. I received excellent feedback on the BTM proposal that will be taken into consideration. The visit to Norwich was well worth the travel time!"
The main event was an Open Forum which was held in the conference centre at Easton and Otley college. This was very well attended with over 50 people from all corners of the County and many different parts of the tennis community. The main topic was the background to and consultation on potential changes to the British Tennis Membership scheme. A charge may be brought in for some of the benefits with the proceeds used to support further measures to increase participation in tennis - the LTA’s overall mission. Michael’s presentation was followed by a lively question and answer session. Michael was grateful for the feedback received, which will be added to feedback from other sessions which are being held all over the Country.
Michael then presented the inaugural Aegon British Tennis Awards to the worthy recipients, before being presented with a copy of Jeremy Cameron’s book “How to be President (of Norfolk Lawn Tennis Association)” as a thank you for coming.
However, the final British Tennis Award, for Volunteer of the Year, was presented by Jean Harris, the widow of Jolyon Harris, a great supporter of tennis in Norfolk and GB across 50 years, who passed away in April 2015. The award is given under Jolyon’s name, so it was fitting that its first award could be made by Jean, accompanied by son Nick.
The 2016 Norfolk Award Winners are as follows:-
Volunteer of the Year – Keith & Sally Arnold
Young Volunteer of the Year –Sam Alcock
Young Volunteer Commendation – Ruhi Chitre
Club of the Year – Great Massingham Tennis and Multi Sports Club
Outstanding Achievement – Arthur Allen
Coach of the Year – Chris Stocker
Disability Programme of the Year – Donna Andrews
Education Venue – College of West Anglia
The evening concluded with the AGM of Norfolk LTA, at which Honorary Life Memberships were bestowed on Sue Bradley-Watson and Mike Huggins for their many years of dedicated volunteer service to tennis in the County.