For the vast majority of tennis players, walking onto the hallowed turf of the grass courts at SW19 is a dream that will never be realised. For five lucky members of Wrexham Lawn Tennis Club, that dream became a reality.
This year, the Club achieved the ripe old age of 100! The All England Tennis Club at Wimbledon , mark this feat with an invitation to attend their complex and participate in a days tennis based celebrations, along with five other Clubs that share this anniversary.
Sam Dawson, Kathryn Hughes, Alice Scott, Tom Hughes and Ian Hughes were selected by Club lottery to represent WLTC. Sam explains,
"The main focus of the day was a competition between the six Clubs but the All England Club ensured the whole day was filled with a variety of activities. It was a special experience. When we arrived, Wimbledon officials greeted us and invited us for drinks on the members lawn. There was a tour of the complex and a lunch was provided. Having settled in there was some match practice on the grass courts, the competition itself followed by a tour of Centre Court. Finally there was a formal dinner in the evening.
The All England Club couldn't have been better hosts and the whole experience can only be described as "Once in a Lifetime!"".
Ian Hughes gave a comprehensive run down of the days events:
On arrival all the invited players and guests were treated to coffee on the players patio, this is normally reserved for members of the AELTC, players of the championships and royal guests. Following a brief talk about the day, everyone was then escorted around the grounds and premises of the famous Wimbledon Tennis Centre. We were granted ‘Access All Areas’ and were treated to a full tour of the inner sanctum never normally seen by members of the public. We experienced the opulence of the members changing rooms, member’s lounges and restaurants. We experienced the difficulties that the ground staff endure during the championships with court preparation and maintenance and we were given a full run down of how the courts are meticulously prepared and maintained throughout the year (Wimbledon is not just for two weeks a year you know!!).
We were then taken to the players / guests restaurant where we were served a delicious selection of various foods. Salads, pasta, cold meats etc all presented exquisitely and in more than required quantities. Deserts were lovely gateaux, ice creams and Croix pastries. Cheese and biscuits, coffee or tea all finished a wonderful spread.
Then the moment we all were anticipating, we were allowed to change into our tennis ‘whites’ (it is Wimbledon after all!) using the members changing room. Imagine changing into your ‘Whites’ sitting next to Peter Flemming, Andrew Castle and even Tim Henman. On view to my left, Andy Murray’s locker, Boris Becker’s locker…. To name just a few. The facilities were beyond belief; a steward attends to your every whim… ‘a fresh towel sir’ .. no problem.
Then onto the famous hallowed turf, to play on the very courts that a few weeks earlier had seen the best of the best of the world’s tennis players compete on. No one, not even the members of the AELTC actually play on these courts, so to enjoy a game, to experience the quality of the best grass courts in the world…money can’t buy you this!
We played as two groups, each group had a team from Wrexham, Hoylake, Stavely Heath and a team representing the AELTC. The tennis was a good standard, each team sent players of a high standard and the close nature of the results demonstrated how even things were. On the day the AELTC players had the edge, being grass court experienced; their subtle use of slice enabled their players to have a small edge. In the final results table, Wrexham were edged into second place by Hoylake.
And so to the final act, after again using the wonderful changing facilities (showers that could grace the Ritz) we were escorted to the members’ dining room, eight tables were prepared for all the guests and players and a mix of each teams and AELTC guests were on each table. This encouraged a good range of conversation between players from each club and also guests of members. Were given a great speech by the chairman of the AELTC, he informed us of the plans for the championships and for the grounds during the coming decade. He thanked us for our attendance and in reply we all thanked him for a really fantastic opportunity to participate in a special day. There were prizes to the winners, gifts for each player and finally a presentation hardbound book detailing the past 100 years of the AELTC given to each club attending.
The dinner itself was truly sumptuous, waiters serving three special dishes all accompanied with wines and other beverages as requested. It was a really lovely way to finish an amazing day in a place that normally we can only imagine.
Special thanks go to the head coach of the AELTC, Dan Bloxham who pretty much ran himself ragged looking after everyone involved. He was on hand as tour guide, events guide and assistant to all the players. He was happy to show players the intricacies of grass court play, and ensured everyone had a good warm up before the main event started. It was he who ‘locked up and turned out the lights’ when we left.
In summary, this was a day that could never really be described properly. It was one of those things that you expect to come up for bidding on ‘Children in need’ and you know you can never ever afford. The staff and members of the AELTC were great fun, they participated in giving all of us a great idea of what it is like to be a part of the 2nd greatest tennis club (Wrexham being # 1 of course) in the world. It may be beyond the reach of most mortals, you only get in by invitation or by winning the biggie… but as a wondrous, fantastic place; Its right up there!
Geoff Scott is the current Club Chairman. He explained
"The Club celebrations don't stop there. This year the Club has given over £1500 worth of free coaching to encourage those interested in taking up the sport. On 02.11.13 the Club will host an Anniversary Ball open to current members but all any former members. If anyone is interested or has contact details of former members, please get in touch by email, website or Facebook.