Quiz Night

Good food, fun, laughter and some cerebral exercise, were on the menu at ALTC’s Quiz Night in February.

Close to 50 quizzers in six teams, vied to answer questions posed by stellar inquisitor, Jeremy Hann, and his assistant Mark Williams.

A delicious supper of chilli and baked potatoes, followed by apple crumble, was cooked by tennis club members and universally applauded. Wine, beer and soft drinks were on sale at the bar, while tickets for the impressive raffle prizes, collected by Linda Penn and sold by Jane Laborda, raised £255 for the club.

The outstanding team of Bill Stuart, his son Alex, Jane Laborda, Alex Seal and Louise Martin won the quiz and the coveted luxury Easter eggs prizes. All in all, the evening was a great success – here’s to the next one later in the year. Watch this space for the date and details.

ALTC Coaching Update

Following on from the recent announcement about Joe Revelle resigning from the club, I am pleased to announce that James McIntosh is appointed Head of Coaching at ALTC from 22nd April. A handover will take place between Joe and James during April and both will work hard to avoid any disruption, so it's business as usual for everyone.

Many of you will know James as he is both a coach at the club and a parent on Saturdays at the junior coaching sessions.

James is currently employed at the West Hants Tennis Club as Head of Adult Programmes and Junior (12+) coaching. James is a Level 5 Master Club Coach and is also the Head Coach of the GB Learning Disability Team (he is taking the GB team to the World Championships in May).

James lives in Andover.

James will introduce some new coaching programmes and these will be communicated in March.

So many thanks to Joe for his hard work in building a strong coaching programme and welcome to James.

REMINDER - ALTC AGM - Thu 20th Feb 6pm @ The Clubhouse

The focus of the meeting will be on two things:
Firstly, proposing a new structure and electing those who are standing into these roles - everyone is a volunteer, prepared to give up their time and so thank you all for standing.
Once everyone is in role, the focus will be implementing plans to grow the club  and engage all members with a busy year of tennis and social activity.
Secondly, the Finance Report, which will be a brief look at the previous year and then the forecast for the year ahead.

All adult members are invited and we very much hope you will be able to attend.

Brian Stuart's 90th Birthday

Happy 90th Birthday to Brian Stuart!
Brian is one of our honorary member at ALTC. He was a very accomplished team player and also served on the committee for many years in several roles, including chairman. He is also Dad and Grandad to our club member’s Bill and Harvey, respectively.
Many congratulations and thanks, Brian
From all of use at ALTC

2024 Club Championship Finals Day

This is Andover Lawn Tennis Club’s biggest day of the year. Championship rounds have been played over the preceding months. There is much anticipation of close-fought, entertaining finals.

Fingers were firmly crossed for the good weather, we normally get at the beginning of September as the schools go back.

The weather turned out to be changeable and the indoor courts proved invaluable in enabling the completion of all matches.

The quality of play, however, shone brightly and entertained a large group of spectators for the whole day, as the weather outside varied from torrential rain to warm sunshine.  Delicious food and a raffle also helped.

The club’s special Guest of Honour was multiple Championship winner and very successful team Captain, Jennie Pope. Jennie presented awards with head coach and junior championship organiser, Joe Revelle.

Prizes were first presented to end of year club award winners and then to the championship winners and runners up.

Junior Club ‘End of Year’ Award Winners

Most Improved Saturday Juniors, The Coomer Award- Ivor Elliot-Smith, Henry Browne & Alexandra Browne

Most Improved Mini, The Margaret Winnett Cup- Imogen Fry

 Most Improved Junior, The Wakeham Cup- Amelia Martin

 Most Outstanding Club Junior, The Joan Reeve Cup- Leo Crewell and Amelia Martin

Junior Club Championships Winners

 Under 8 Winner - Benjamin Ibbotson, Runner Up - Imogen Fry

 Under 9 Winner - Liliana Mawo, Runner Up - Serena Mawo

Under 10 Winner - Liliana Mawo, Runner Up - Sebastian De Marco

Under 12 Boys Winner - Henry Browne, Runner Up - Sebastian De Marco

Under 12 Girls Winner - Connie Soon, Runner Up - Alice Martin

Under 14 Boys Winner - Xander Martin, Runner Up - Ryan Crewell

 Under 14 Girls Winner - Connie Soon, Runner Up - Amelia Martin

Under 16 Boys Winner - Xander Martin, Runner Up - Isaac Robinson

Under 16 Girls Winner - Karolina Miller, Runner Up - Amelia Martin

Under 18 Boys Winner - Hari Putt, Runner Up - Ned Barnett

Under 18 Girls Winner - Maria Sharova, Runner Up - Karolina Miller

Under 14 Boys Doubles Winners - Xander Martin & Ryan Crewell, Runners Up - Arav Pareek & Barney Barnett

Under 14 Girls Doubles Winners - Alice Martin & Tabathan Hann, Runners Up - Meredith De Marco & Madison Tuffrey

Under 16 Boys Doubles Winners - Leo Crewell & Ryan Crewell, Runners Up - Sam Putt & Luca Sangiorgio

Under 16 Girls Doubles Winners - Meredith De Marco & Sorina Zamfir, Runners Up - Molly Putt & Tilly Wilson

Under 18 Boys Doubles Winners - Leo Crewell & Declan Cann, Runners Up - Hari Putt & Ned Barnett

 

The adult finals were generally later in the day.

The men’s Singles final was a particular highlight with a very high standard of play from two young players. Tom Lee and Kyrill Kennett were both serving and returning so well that there were several breaks of serve both ways before Kyrill made crucial breaks, confirmed by service holds, to win both sets 6-4, 6-4.

The men’s doubles final was another exciting affair with Graeme Ellis and Joe Revelle made to work hard to retain the trophy they won last year. The tennis was highly competitive as Ant Brown and Andrew Winnett showed the skills and experience that made them past winners.  Crucial breaks of serve, however, were made by Graeme and Joe towards the end of each set as they won 6-3, 6-4.

In the mixed final, just one break gave Martyn Isherwood and his partner the first set against Claire Reid and Ant Brown. The second set saw Claire and Ant take an early lead only to be overtaken at the end as Martyn and Martha took the trophy 6-3, 6-4.

The ladies final saw Maria Sharova’s consistency win the trophy against Luciana Salazar-Lewis.

The senior men’s final was closely contested as two former winners met. Al Williams lost the first set to Andy Winnett, but won the second set and the deciding tie-break, 4-6, 6-2, 10-5, to take the trophy again.

The ladies doubles was awarded to Claire Reid and Kate Gailey as Jen Fleet’s partner was unwell.

Plate Competitions were run for those who did not win their first rounds.

The men’s plate singles went to George Beare against Adam Cavalier and the mixed plate went to Maria Sharova and Isaac Robinson against Sedona Jamieson and Alex Boldis.

Thanks are due to all those who worked to make a very enjoyable celebration of our beautiful game and the skills of our very talented players.

Trevor Blake 09 2024

2024 AGM - Wednesday 20th November 2024 *** POSTPONED***

The Club will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 20th November 2024 at 7pm in the clubhouse.

All adult members are invited and we very much hope you will be able to attend.

In accordance with our Articles of Association, you are able to propose a resolution. This should be given by e:mail to the Club Secretary, Christine Pickford, christine.pickford1@gmail.com before midnight on Wednesday 16th October 2024. 

At the AGM various roles are elected.  This year the officer role up for election is Chair which also has Director status (3-year term), along with up to 7 Management Committee roles (1-year term).  If you would like to become Chair, Director or member of the committee, proposals can be submitted to Christine, as above, or on the notice provided in the clubhouse by no later than midnight on 29th October 2024.

Shortly after the 29th October, the agenda including any resolutions being proposed and nominations for roles will be confirmed - The Agenda and supporting documents will be released soon.

This is your Club so please do try to attend the AGM.

2024 Club Championships Final Days - match schedule

After weeks of matches, many of them close, exciting affairs, we have arrived at Finals Day, our biggest day of the year. 

Play will start on Sunday 8th September at 9am with a mixture of Junior and Adult Finals...more Junior in the morning and Adult later. All will be highly competitive as players seek to become club champions.

All matches and times are subject to possible change. It is highly likely that it will be wet and matches will move to the indoor courts. Some matches may then have to be played on another day. 

Refreshments will be on offer all day from bacon butties and sausage rolls in the morning to  a BBQ at lunch time and then afternoon tea. No food or drink is allowed in the indoor courts, apart from rehydration. 

Our Guest of Honour is multiple Championship winner and many times winning Team Captain, Jennie Pope. 

Our junior leaders will be running a Tuck Shop on the day! Bring your pound coins to choose from a selection of classic sweets!

There will be a Club Raffle for lots of prizes. Cash only for the raffle tickets.

A designated photographer will be taking photographs throughout the day. If you would prefer not to have your photo taken or for it to be used on the club's website, social media or local media, please inform us in writing.

I hope all who took part in the Championship rounds will be there and all members, their families and friends are invited to share this celebration of our beautiful game and those who excel at it, in our beautiful surroundings.

We look forward to seeing you.

Club wins the Sarum League

Andover Lawn Tennis Club’s Sarum League team, under Captain Jennie Pope, have regained the Division One Title. Last year they missed out by the smallest margin to long term rivals, Salisbury Tennis Club, so it is very satisfying to hold the trophy once more.

The final match of the season was appropriately against Salisbury A.

Ant Brown and Ros Hursell had a tough match against the Salisbury first pair, losing 6-2, 6-1.

Jennie Pope and Graeme Ellis levelled the match with a 6-0, 6-1 win over the second pair.

The men then combined to beat the Salisbury men 6-4, 7-6, and the ladies drew with their opposition 2-6, 6-2.

The result was a 5-3 win on the day and an emphatic title win.

Others who have played in the team and made the win possible are Martha Folkes, Kate Gailey, Clare Thain, Kyrill Kennett and Alex Boldis.

Big Tennis Weekend - Saturday 20th July- Come and try tennis for FREE

🎾🌟 Join Us for the Great Big Tennis Weekend Open Day at Andover Lawn Tennis Club! 🌟🎾

Sessions for all the family. Beginners through to team players.

Please pop in to see our outstanding facilities (including indoor courts) and try tennis for free.

Keeping the momentum of Wimbledon, it's time to channel your inner champion and hit the courts! Whether you're a seasoned player or a complete beginner, there's something for everyone at the Andover Lawn Tennis Club's Great Big Tennis Weekend Open Day!

It’ll be a great day of tennis for everyone at Andover's modern, purpose built facility, with indoor courts. The weather doesn't matter!

What to Expect:
✅ 4yrs to 8yrs from 9:00 - 10:00.
✅ 9 yrs and 10 yrs from 10:15 - 11:15.
✅ Juniors from 11:15 -12:15.
✅ Adults - Cardio 11:15 to 12:15.
✅ Adult mix in session - 13.30 to 15:00. 
✅ Refreshments and Snacks available

No equipment? No problem! We'll provide everything you need.

👉 Register Now

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to improve your game and sample the vibrant tennis community at Andover Lawn Tennis Club.

Let's keep the Wimbledon spirit alive and make this a day to remember! Coaching and Membership enquiries available on the day.

For more information, please contact info@altc.net

2024 Junior Club Championships ... Under 8s and 9s 'round robin' match summaries

‘8’ years & under

 On Saturday 22nd June we hosted this year’s Club Championships for the 8 years & under category.  It was a fantastic event in which players from different squads all came together to compete, for some of them their first time ever!

Matches are played Tie Break to 10 points with the children put into 2 round robin groups with the top 2 in each group going through to the finals.

The sportsmanship awards were awarded to Calum Thomas & Oliver Derbyshire for their performance and attitude on the day.

The conclusion of the event is a repeat of last year’s finalists:

 Freddie Bawden vs Benjamin Ibbotson

Serena Mawo vs Imogen Fry

 The semi finals will be played on Finals day, 8th September.

 

‘9’ years & under

Following the conclusion of the younger players we welcomed the mini orange players – 9 years & under. We moved outside into the sunshine and carried on the day!

Matches are played Tie Break to 10 points with the children put into 2 round robin groups with the top 1 in each group going through to the finals.

 We had a mixed experienced group with some children playing their first orange event to national level players - smiles all around!

 After the matches were finished 2 finalists emerged who will contest to be a fiery encounter on finals day in September.

 Liliana Mawo will take on her younger sister Serena Mawo for the trophy.


Congratulations to all of the players on the day.

The Club and your coaches are very proud of you all…

Liliana at her first 9U National Tour event

Result - 6th out of 32 on debut.

Playing the #1, #2 & #3 in the Country.

Liliana had a great time at her first 9U National Tour event. The event was split into a Round Robin then into a compass draw. Liliana started with the #3 in the Country losing her first match but playing well, she went on to win her next 2 matches to qualify for the Main Draw.

The Main Draw started with a match vs local rival from Dorset Valentina which Liliana won 4-2 moving to the Quarter Finals against the #1 girl in the country on Day 2. The match produced lots of highlights with Harriet winning. Liliana finished with another win to meet the #3 in the country which turned out to be the match of the tournament with lots of applause from the watching crowds.

Liliana finished in 6th place and earned herself the “Big Server Award” from the LTA National Performance coaches.

Well played Liliana!

Congratulations to Sebastian

Whilst on a family holiday during half term, Club ‘mini’ player, Sebastian Fitzjohn De Marco competed in the 9&U Boys Singles at the 2024 ARC Tennis Summer Open (Grade 4) tournament in Bideford, Devon.

 

Sebastian was awarded the Junior Sportsmanship Award as well as chosen for the ARC ‘Star Player’ in their monthly newsletter for great determination.

 Well done Sebastian – everyone at the club is very proud of your achievements.

Liliana takes part in her first ‘National’ tournament

This weekend, Liliana (a mini club member) is taking part in the 9 years and under Lexus Junior National Tour tournament.

Liliana will join 31 other girls at her first National level event at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.

 The National Tour is for the top players in the country and runs over 2 days. A round robin is played first followed by an elimination draw totalling 6 matches.

 Liliana has seen a steady rise from first being invited into county training, selected for the county team, followed by regional training now into her first Nationals.

 This is an excellent achievement – well done Lilianna – everyone at the club is very proud of you. Also, congratulations to Joe for coaching Lilianna – his first player to reach a National tournament.

The Jamie G Sporting Trust gives Andover Lawn Tennis Club a generous donation to enhance learning opportunities for children

Andover Lawn Tennis Club proudly announces a generous donation from The Jamie G Sporting Trust. This is earmarked for tennis nets and equipment, aimed at elevating the learning experience for children and fostering a welcoming environment for players of all ages.

The handover of a presentation cheque took place on the 13th of January, as Jacqui Gentleman, representing The Jamie G Sporting Trust, presented the donation to the Chairman of Andover Lawn Tennis Club, Trevor Blake. 

Tennis inclusivity is at the heart of Andover Lawn Tennis Club's mission. The Jamie G Sporting Trust's support aligns seamlessly with this vision, emphasising that tennis is not just a game for children but a sport that transcends age boundaries, promoting an active and positive lifestyle for everyone.

The Chairman of Andover Lawn Tennis Club, Trevor Blake, expressed his gratitude for the donation, stating, "This generous contribution from The Jamie G Sporting Trust is wonderful for our club. It will allow us to enhance our facilities, making tennis more accessible to players of all ages. We believe in creating an environment where families and individuals can come together to enjoy the sport, share experiences, and build lasting connections."

For more information about Andover Lawn Tennis Club, upcoming events, and membership details, please visit www.altc.net. Don't miss the chance to be part of a thriving tennis community that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels.