Two members from Frome Selwood Tennis Club (FSTC) have been recognised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) for the excellent work they have provided to the tennis club and tennis in general.
Eve Berry will receive the prestigious LTA Meritorious award at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. Eve is one of those people that all clubs need if they are going to thrive, always prepared to help and willing to put themselves forward. She joined the club 40 years ago and played in many of the clubs teams, eventually becoming Captain of the Ladies First Team. However her nomination was for the voluntary work she has done at the club over the years and in particular the Annual Ratings tournament. This competition has had an unbroken run of 23 years. Eve first became involved in running it in 1998. The tournament has become a focal point for the club and draws competitors not only from outside of the club but also outside of the county. It has a reputation for being well organised and also very friendly, a combination that ensures players return year after year. Without Eve’s dedicated involvement in publicising, organising and refereeing the tournament, it would not have continued as it has until the present day.
The LTA’s Volunteer Of The Year Award for the South West has been awarded to FSTC Chairman John Price. John is a relative new comer to the club only arriving 10 years ago from Bath. He has held the role of Chairman for nearly four years. During this time he has overseen the total refurbishment of the courts and floodlighting and obtained grants of £58,000. Under John’s Chairmanship, the Club has also forged links with the local primary schools, this is now flourishing with many children playing mini tennis at the club. James Deem the local LTA Development Manager said 'John has worked fantastically hard for the club over a number of years and is really enjoyable to work with'. In recognition of all the hard work the LTA have given John two tickets for the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2.
Only a limited number of these awards are given out each year by the LTA, so for a club as small as Frome Selwood to receive two is a fantastic reflection on the dedication of their members.