The 14th Northumberland Tennis Awards were held at the Northumberland Club in Jesmond as part of the week-long Northumberland Open - one of the largest tournaments of its kind in the UK. The awards recognised the achievements of Northumberland players, coaches, officials, volunteers and schools over the past year. This year’s ceremony was extra special as it included a lifetime achievement award and a meritorious service award - as well as the annual Ann Horler Memorial Salver and the Gordon Brewis Service to Tennis Awards.
%20receives%20the%20Lifetime%20Achievement%20Award.jpg)
The Lifetime Achievement Award, the first ever given by the County, was presented to Robin Robinson.Robinson enjoyed a remarkable playing career in County tennis spanning 55 years including Junior, Senior, over-45s, over-55s and over-65s representation.His last triumph was to win theInternational Tennis Federation’s over-70s Singles title in 2015.The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Keith Whitfield. Whitfield this year celebrated his 50th year as honorary secretary of the Northumberland and Durham Inter-Club Tennis League. Northumberland Lawn Tennis Association's Chris Lott said: “The County association and all the Northumberland clubs involved in the league owe Keith a huge debt of gratitude for the commitment, dedication and time he has devoted to ensuring the smooth running of the league over the last 50 years”. In addition to his tenure as league secretary, Whitfield also had a considerable playing career, representing the County senior team for many years - including a spell as captain.
The Ann Horler Memorial Salveris awarded each year to a player who has shown exceptional improvement or displayed real potential.This year’s accolade went to Aimee Knowles, who during the year has been a regular tournament winner or finalist. Lott added: “This award recognises Aimee’s future potential as well as her current achievements”.
%20receives%20the%20Gordon.jpg)
The Gordon Brewis Service to Tennis Award winner was Graeme Manwell, founder and current chairman of the North East Visually Impaired Tennis Club. The LTA awards committee received two separate nominations detailing why Manwell should receive this award. One said: ”He was responsible for starting this club and goes above and beyond to provide superb opportunities for all the club members. He attends weekly training sessions where he takes on a voluntary coaching role to assist the players. He organises transport for events and works so hard behind the scenes to secure funding and sponsorships-without which the clubwould not be the thriving club it is today. Graeme’s efforts in what is a voluntaryrole are outstanding”.
The awards were hosted by Lott and Jo Cunliffe, the LTA’s North Region Participation Manager. Trophies were presented by Ian Brown, president of the Northumberland Tennis Association.
FULL list of award winners - Most Improved Junior Boy: Sam Knowles (Cullercoats Tennis Club), Most Improved Junior Girl: Teodora Prisadnikova (The Northumberland Club), Individual Performance of the Year: Abby Kelliher (The Northumberland Club), School of the Year: Grange First School, Team of the Year: Ponteland Ladies First team, Young Competition Organiser of the Year: Jack Lakenby, Adult Volunteer of the Year: David Pope (Collingwood Tennis Club), Junior Volunteer of the Year: Chris Jeffery (Ponteland TennisClub), Coach of the Year: Tracy Smith (The Northumberland Club), Club of the Year: Beverley Park Tennis Club, Ann Horler Memorial Salver: Aimee Knowles. Gordon Brewis Service to Tennis: Graeme Manuel (Chairman of the North East Visually Impaired Tennis Club), Lifetime Achievement Award: Robin Robinson and Meritorious Service Award – Keith Whitfield.