2012 SEASON --- HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY TO THE WALKDEN AND DISTRICT TENNIS LEAGUE !!
THE WALKDEN AND DISTRICT TENNIS LEAGUE WAS FORMED IN 1922.
Apart from a break during and following World War 2 the League has functioned providing many hours of competitive tennis and a great deal of pleasure to all those who have taken part over the last 90 years. Hopefully this will continue in 2012 especially as it is an Olympic Year and with the games being held in London. As Tennis is one of the chosen sports maybe there will be an increase in those wanting to play tennis and our League Clubs can benefit from it. Do your best to promote the game.
The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held on MONDAY 5th MARCH in Claremont Tennis Club, Doveleys Road, Salford. Looking forward to seeing you there.
WHAT A GREAT GIFT !
Monton Tennis Club have benefited from an anonymous donor’s generosity. The Club has been able to refurbish 3 of their courts which hopefully will attract more players to the Club enabling them to continue the success of the 2011 season. Marjorie Deakin who played at the Club until she was 83 was asked to perform the opening ceremony by cutting a ribbon. Last week’s Salford Advertiser contained a lovely photograph and write up of the event. The Members are now working hard to bring the fourth court up to the standard of the other three. All the Walkden and District Tennis League players look forward to next season on the splendid courts !!
WOW !! WHAT A NIGHT !!
ROE GREEN TENNIS CLUB was buzzing last night. The sides of the pavilion were bursting at the seams as the Walkden and Leigh Tennis Leagues held their joint end of season Presentation Dance. It was a great night with a very acceptable pie and mushy pea supper followed by the biggest cupcakes ever seen!
The entertainment was superb. The Group comprising four Roe Green tennis members (Paul, Jon, Jes and Jan) was real cool and for the night adopted the name "TENNIS RACQUETS". As well as dressing in tennis whites the lads sported bushy John McEnroe hair wigs with headbands and Jan (lead singer) came complete with tennis racquet ! There wasn’t much room to dance but that did not matter as everyone enjoyed listening to the music judging by the cheers, applause and whooping which followed each item.
Well Done !! Keep up the music and the tennis!
A raffle was held with lots of prizes and the profit from this will be shared between the two Leagues keeping team subscriptions down.
The business of the evening, the presentation of the various trophies of the two Leagues went smoothly. Derek Matthews, the Walkden League Treasurer and probably the oldest playing gent in the League after his appearance for Guildhall early in the season, presented the trophies for the Walkden League. Just remember if you claimed a trophy you have to return it next year so we can do it all again and have another good "DO"
Very many thanks to all the members of Roe Green Tennis Club for the vast amount of work they have put into this occasion for our benefit. It has been a real success and one they can be proud of .
You have won the ultimate accolade...........................
"GAME, SET AND MATCH"
TENNIS VETERAN DIES
ROGER BARON WHO PLAYED FOR WALKERS TENNIS CLUB DIED EARLIER THIS WEEK. Roger started playing for Walkers team when it joined the League in 1967. He soon became known as a player not to be under estimated in spite of his gentle manner. I was fortunate to play Mixed Doubles with Roger on many occasions and soon realised that he had a very astute tennis brain. In 1971 he played in a Juniors V. "Old Crocks" Match. I think Alan Simms ( the Secretary at the time) thought that Roger posing as an "Old Crock" would teach the uppity Juniors a thing or two. The "Smash" Magazine of the time reported that Roger took the match very seriously. The story goes that he actually came out of the pub 15 minutes early in order to warm up on the court. But I suspect it’s just a story Roger would never compromise a match. Over the last few years Roger’s health has not been good and he died on September 13th.
The Funeral is at Overdale on Tuesday 20th September at 3.00p.m. Our thoughts and prayers go to Roger’s wife, Laura, and the family at this sad time. Roger will be remembered as a real gentleman and a true friend.
WHAT A MARATHON MATCH !!!!!
TRY ! TRY ! TRY ! and TRY ! again. That’s what the men of CULCHETH and CLAREMONT C are doing in order to claim the THIRD DIVISION TROPHY. They started their CUP FINAL on the designated night 24/08/11 but unfortunately the match was "rained off". They tried again on the following Wednesday but could not finish the match because the rain came down yet again. They continued on the following Friday and finished the Match (Hallelujah !!)
Only problem.... You’ve guessed it!! the result was a DRAW !!!
Armed with new balls and determination they took to the courts once again last night 7/09/11. The Match was completed but..
one more problem.... You’ve guessed it !! The result was ANOTHER DRAW !!!!
NEXT WEEK these undaunted, intrepid Tennis Heroes will battle it out once again. Will there be a Result?...... Who will Win?..... It couldn’t be another **** ?????????? Could it ???? WATCH THIS SPACE.
WHOSE NAME WILL BE ON THE TROPHY?
CUP RESULTS !!
Congratulations to GUILDHALL A MEN and LEIGH A LADIES on winning the 1st Division Cup Competitions. Commiserations to Tyldesley Men and Guildhall A Ladies who fought hard matches. Special congratulations on winning the 3rd Division Ladies Cup Competition to GOLBORNE LADIES. It is their first trophy and well deserved!!!! Better luck next time to Guildhall C Ladies. I will publish the other results as they come in.
See you all at the Presentation Dance and remember to let me know who is collecting the Trophy on your Teams behalf. No collector. No trophy!! Also don’t forget RAFFLE PRIZES.
PRESENTATION DANCE 2011 !!!
The Presentation Dance will be on FRIDAY 16th. SEPTEMBER 2011 at ROE GREEN Tennis Club. Tickets will be with Clubs shortly. Tickets not sold must be returned to Roe Green or you will have to pay for them. It’s usually a great "DO" so don’t miss out. Remember Clubs winning trophies MUST send representatives to collect them and notify the League Secretary who those representatives will be. REMEMBER CLUBS ARE REQUESTED TO DONATE A RAFFLE PRIZE FOR THE DANCE.
Good Start to the 2011 Season and Happy Birthday Bernard !
Fine weather got the season off to a good start! Some Clubs even played to EIGHT !!! as the sun shone.
CHAIRMAN BERNARD CELEBRATES HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK!!!!!!
On Thursday 19th May Chairman Bernard becomes an octogenarian. Happy birthday, Bernard, from all the members of the League. May you have many more and long continue as the Chairman of our League ( after all no one else could get through the A.G.M. as efficiently as you do !!!)
HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY
MARJORIE DEAKIN will be 90 on 6th April 2011.All the members of the Walkden and District League send their best wishes for a happy, enjoyable and special day. Many of us have great memories of hard fought games against Marjorie and her partners. Marjorie played for the Monton Club, which joined the League in 1959. It is recorded that in 1962 and 1963 Marjorie won the League Ladies’ Singles Title and for winning the League Ladies’ Doubles her name is engraved on the Trophy ( can you believe it ) SIX times !!! - in 1967 with Jennifer Ridgeway as her partner and in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973 with Jane Gerrard as her partner. Marjorie was selected for the Walkden Inter-League Team several times and was very successful. Monton could rely on Marjorie to play whenever she was called upon both in the Walkden League and in the South West Manchester League even when she was eighty !!! She is a wonderful role model both on and off the court for us all.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARJORIE. Love and congratulations from all of us along with best wishes for many more years to come.
DAVIS CUP AT BOLTON ARENA MARCH 4th - 6th 2011 GREAT BRITAIN V. TUNISIA
It was great to see so many members of the local Leagues supporting the British Team at this historic event and it was good to have the event staged so near to us. The three days provided a roller coaster of emotions. All the people I spoke to were playing every point with the players on court and willing them to win. Every member of the team did their best and the successful result delighted everyone.
Well Done G.B.!!! Good Luck for the next match in July.
More Sad News
It is with deep sadness that I report the death of Ann Waltho after a short spell in hospital following two operations. Ann was a long standing member of Astley Tennis Club who played at first with Chris Brown and then for ten years or so with Gillian. Both partnerships tested the skills of many opposition ladies pairs each season. Ann worked hard for the Club trying to get grants to help improve facilities at the Club particularly for the younger members. She will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy go to her husband, Adrian, also a playing member of the Club, and to her two daughters, Nicola and Sarah.
Details of the funeral are not confirmed yet but it will probably be next Tuesday.
Jean Pennington's Funeral
This will be held on Friday 17th December at Howe Bridge Crematorium at 3.00p.m. I know that many of you will want to pay your respects and support Bernard at this sad time. Donations in lieu of flowers to KidsScan, the charity supported by Jean and Bernard.
SAD NEWS
It is with very great sadness I have to report the death of Jean Pennington, the wife of our League Chairman Bernard. Jean suffered a stroke and was admitted to hospital but treatment was unsuccessful and she died at 5.00a.m. on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers with Bernard at this devastating time. On behalf of the League I have sent a card of condolence. I will post the funeral arrangements as soon as they are to hand.
Presentation Dance Report
What a super "DO". Well Done Parrfold Tennis Club. Great Music! Good Food ! Excellent Raffle Prizes !.......... AND Turkish BELLY DANCING !!!! What more could we ask for. A great end to the season. Well Done and very many Thanks.
PRESENTATION DANCE 2010
Tickets for the Dance on Friday September 17th at Leigh C.C. are now with Club Secretaries. Make sure you get one. Only £7.00 for a good night out including Supper.
Don’t forget a raffle prize is expected from each Club. Look forward to seeing you there !!
INFORMATION WANTED URGENTLY !!
Is there anybody out there with information about the original Walkden and District Tennis League - when it was formed and any information up to 1940?
It is hoped to gather as much detail about the League over the decades to the present day in order to compile a history. The Minute Books from 1948 are available but it would be good to have some personal memories. So Senior Members of the League now is the time to reminisce and let me ( Marjorie) have your anecdotes. Dig out any old photographs you may have. I’ll take good care of them and will return them. Let’s discover our roots before it is too late !
It is hoped to have a few chapters ready for the A.G.M. next March.
More Sad News
It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Joan, the wife of Arthur Radcliffe. Arthur played in the Walkden League for many years at Club and Inter League level. Although Joan did not play tennis she supported Arthur at many of our social functions. Our thoughts and sympathy are with Arthur at this sad time.
END OF AN ERA FOR GUILDHALL........
During this season the three Guildhall teams will play at the Ellesmere Sports Club. Guildhall members have been playing their matches on the courts beside the Guildhall in Walkden for nearly 60 years. In 1952 two teams called Guildhall were accepted into the Walkden League. The teams ended up at the end of that first season in the bottom positions of Division 1 and Division 2 respectively. In 1956 a team called Nalgo entered the League only to resign in 1957 still owing money to the League which was eventually written off! Some of the players (Ben Marsh and the late Frank and Bess Cooke) joined the Guildhall Club. Ben still tells the stories of those early days. I ( League Secretary Marjorie) joined Guildhall in 1962 having married, settled in Worsley and been persuaded by Ben that Guildhall needed me! I’ve played in every season since then!!! Over the years many teams have battled it out on the Guildhall shale courts!! (Public courts owned by Salford Council). The Guildhall Club obtained sole use of the courts several years ago by agreeing hire and maintain them. Unfortunately major work is now required which the Club is unable to undertake and sadly has had to terminate the contract and leave their long standing venue. GUILDHALL will play at ELLESMERE SPORTS CLUB from now on. The third team played there last season and were made very welcome. The Members of Guildhall look forward to playing there and to the future.
A VERY,VERY BIG THANK YOU TO.........JOHN ROBINSON .......
JOHN ROBINSON has been the Treasurer of the League for 25 Years. A member of Parrfold T.C. he became League Treasurer in 1985 and each year since has kept the League finances in excellent order, producing clear and concise balance sheets for the Annual General Meetings. He carried out his League duties very efficiently even when working abroad. Sometimes Clubs did not make it easy. There were always those who forgot to pay their dues on time but John chased them up making it possible to keep League team subscriptions as low as possible and thus benefiting everyone. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his service to the League for such a long period of time. John is moving away from the area but we hope he will return from time to time to visit and perhaps have a game or two of tennis on Parrfold Park with friends. We wish you all the best for the future and hope you find good tennis wherever you are. THANKS FOR BEING A REAL TREASURE OF A TREASURER !!
PRESENTATION DANCE GET YOUR TICKETS!!
You know all the winners now. Come and support the Presentation Dance Friday 25th September. Put on your glad rags and see if we can recognise each other when we’re not in tennis gear!!! Monton are working hard to make it a really good night out. Let’s have FUN !!!
CUP FINALS DRAW for 19/08/09
Div.1 Ladies Astley A (home) v Leigh A
Men Tyldesley A (home v Leigh A
Div.2 Ladies Leigh B (home) v Monton
Men Claremont B (home) v Leigh B
Div.3 Ladies Claremont C (home) v Golborne
Men Golborne (home) v Winton
Note Cup Match Rules.(v.League Rules 11.1 - 11.9 on Website)
In particular Rule 11.1 " No player may play in a Cup Match until he or she has played in three league matches in the current season, unless permission has been received from the Secretary."
SHALL WE DANCE ??? YES !!! ON SEPTEMBER 25th AT MONTON !
Tickets for the Presentation Dance at Monton Tennis Club on Friday 25th September should be with all Clubs now. Make sure you get yours. Don’t miss out. Last year the Dance was huge success. At £10.00 a ticket including your supper it’s not an expensive night out.You’ll know most of the people there - that’s if you can recognise then dressed up!! Everyone will be in the mood for a knees up and a "reet good do" Formalities will be kept to a minimum. Put the notice up in your club and give it your ATTENTION. Clubs are asked to provide a Raffle prize. You can bring it on the night or let Monton or Marjorie have it beforehand. Come along whether your club has won anything or not.Remember it’s the taking part that’s the important thing. Take part and I’ll see you at the Dance.
SAD NEWS
During the closed season we were very sorry to learn of the death of Eillen Gee. Our deepest sympathy goes to her husband Derek. Eileen was a playing member of the League along with Derek for many years. Eileen and Derek donated a Trophy to the League some time ago and were asked to be our guests at the Presentation Dance two years ago to present the trophies and prizes. Many members of the League attended Eileen’s funeral.The church was full which showed how much Eileen was respected by her work colleagues,tennis friends and church members, She will be missed.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and WEBSITE UPDATE and e-mail address
The Annual General Meeting was held on Monday March 2nd. 2009 at Claremont Tennis Club.Eight Clubs were represented. Reports and accounts were presented and adopted. Subscriptions remain at £8.00 per team. Lowton resigned from the League due to lack of players. League Formation - 3 Divisions of 8 teams. Matches start 22nd April 2009 at 6.30p.m. PROMPT. Presentation dance to be organised by Monton and details will be given later. The Website is activated.
Click on www.walkdenanddistricttennisleague.co.uk to gain access. There is also an E-mail address info@walkdenanddistricttennisleague.co.uk Only names of Club Contacts have been put on the Website for the moment as not all data permission forms have been returned to date. HAVE A GOOD SEASON ! LET ME HAVE YOUR NEWS TO POST ON THE WEBSITE.