Tennis Seniors New South Wales P.O. Box 4803, North Rocks, NSW, 2151

Phone: 61 2 9624 7075 Website: www.tennisseniors.org.au/nsw

Email: tennisseniorsnsw@bigpond.com Print Post Approved PP229550 / 00003

President: Mick Bruton Secretary: Robyn Castle Treasurer: Arthur Olsen

ABN 50 206 056 964

Editor: Robyn Castle - Email: tennisseniorsnsw@bigpond.com Deadline for next Vetscore - May 1st, 2018

Newsletter of Tennis Seniors New South Wales. March 2018

D ear Members, Happy New Year to all our members, I trust 2018 will bring good

health to all and I look forward to seeing many of you on the court this year. We began the year in great style at the Gold Coast with NSW having 28 teams who all seemed to enjoy the Teams' Carnival experience. The weather was kind to us on most days. We had three Gold medal winning teams. In the 2nd week we had many winners in the Championship Events. See the winners' list, on page 4, NSW players are in BOLD. Our Representative players did a fantastic job overseas last year with many winning World Titles and showing they can match it with players from any Country in the World. I take this opportunity to wish this year's overseas Representatives the best of luck, play well and have a safe and enjoyable trip. It is significant to note our membership has remained steady the past year, but I would like to see our numbers increase this year. If anyone has any suggestions on ways to do this, then please contact me. All State bodies are in negotiations with TSA and TA at the moment to consider having closer ties with TA. You can be assured that your Committee will not be approving any changes unless they benefit our members. Ulladulla celebrated 20 years this year, with festivities including Market stalls on Saturday Feb 17.

Program of Events for 2018

Dates Event / Venue Contact Phone

Mar 3-4 Tennis Macarthur, Leumeah NRT 6 Michael Jackson 0413 632 632 Mar 2-4 Walcha Seniors R/Robin Betty Sweeney 6777 2120 Mar 9-11 Narooma Round Robin Brian Carmichael 4473 6669 Mar 9-11 Central Coast, Wyong R/R Katrina O’Callaghan 0414 973 751 Mar 23-25 Goulburn Tennis Club Dave Ridley 0418 162 252 Apr 14-15 Howe Park Grasscourt, Singleton Craig Miles 0417 265 066 Apr 20-22 Gloucester Seniors NRT 6 Ruth Johnson 0418 763 041 Apr 28-29 Jim Elphick TC, Wagga Wagga Matthew Hort 0458 766 334 May 18-20 Picton Seniors R/Robin NRT 6 Alison Radford 0412 308 381 May 18-20 West Port Macquarie Carol Daniel 0413 481 942 May 26-27 West Tamworth Seniors John Ball 6765 8072 June 9-11 Newcastle Mixed Teams Brian Loader 0435 828 469 June 16-17 Lake Macquarie Seniors NRT 7 Keith Williams 0412 157 757 June 29-Jul 1 Tweed Heads, Pro-One Tennis NRT 6 Natasha Kersten 07 5524 3541 July 7-8 Batemans Bay R/Robin * NEW * Hans Wesseling 0475 512 977 July 13-15 Manning River, Taree Elaine Brockett 0423 138 490 July 27-29 East Port Macquarie Peter Coe 0400 998 917 Aug 3-6 Forster Seniors R/R NRT 6 Judy Halpin 6554 9120 Aug 17-19 Muswellbrook Park Seniors Val Angel 0408 436 443 Aug 24-26 Moruya R/Robin Brian Carmichael 4473 6669 Sep 1 Cessnock R/Robin Doubles Sonya O’Neil 0433 782 284 Sep 8-9 Northern Suburbs R/Robin NRT 7 Graeme Sticka 0418 402 415 Sep 15-16 Orange Ex-Services R/Robin Chrissie Kjoller 0403 845 945 Sep 22-23 Gunnedah Seniors Laurie Boag 0407 899 536 Sep28-Oct1 State Championships ITF Cat 2 Robyn Castle 9624 7075 ETDTA – Pennant Hills

Oct 12-14 Kiama R/Robin *NEW* Dave Graham 0413 546 339

Oct 19-22 Merimbula Annual Seniors NRT 6 John Rheinberger 0438 928 516 Oct 27-28 Dubbo Paramount Seniors Glenn Armstrong 0428 536 336 Nov 3-4 Raworth, Hunter Tennis Resort TBC Nov 10-11 Bathurst Carillon City R/Robin NRT 7 Andrew Mitton 0419 499 467 Nov 25 Springwood Challenge Robyn Castle 9624 7075 Nov 30-Dec 2 “Dave Matthews” - Nelson Bay NRT 6 Steve Taylor 0466 154 580 Dec 9 AGM and Social Day – Cintra Park CONCORD

Robyn Castle 9624 7075

Congratulations to Milton-Ulladulla

Tennis Association on conducting their

20th Annual Seniors Tennis Tournament!

Julie Hankin was there again, selling her (Tennis Jewels) Women’s and children’s gear, with one lucky female player (Yvonne Irvine) receiving a $250 voucher to spend (courtesy of TSNSW). A Coles/Myer voucher of $250 was won by another player (Darrell Johns) – courtesy of Whittakers’ Pharmacy St Marys. Yours in Tennis, MICK BRUTON PRESIDENT

2

Merimbula - October 2017

M erimbula

Tennis Club

held its 36th

Annual

Seniors’ Tournament over

four days from the 13th

October with around 120

visiting players coming from

Sydney, Canberra,

Melbourne and all towns in

between.

Although the district

desperately needs rain, the

tournament was blessed with

full sunshine and no wind

for the four days.

The tournament offered 28

events with singles, Men’s &

Ladies doubles and

Combined doubles & Mixed

ranging in ages from 35 to

75 years.

Many locals performed well

with Dennis Love winning

the 60 Singles and teaming

with Bob Warren to win the

combined 120 Men’s

doubles and with May

Howard for the combined

110 Mixed.

Club members Keith

Murdoch and Malcolm

Clune were runners-up in

the Combined 150 Men’s

Doubles and John

Rheinberger partnered with

Bill Sale to win the

Combined 140 Doubles.

Tournament Director John

Rheinberger thanked the

many players who have

continued to support the

tournament for more than

20 years and the club

members who give up their

time to assist with running

the event by providing

lunches and refreshments,

court maintenance,

photography and the trivia

night.

The club appreciates the

support it receives from the

Merimbula business

community and in

particular those providing

accommodation &

restaurant services.

John Rheinberger

NOTE: For 2018, the tourney

will be conducted by Arthur and

Robyn, with cooperation from

Merimbula Tennis Club

Teams’ Carnival

WINNERS!

Men’s 75s,

Women’s 35s and

Women’s 70s.

March 2018

Robyn’s Moat How’s this for dedication? For Q18.... Hi Sandy, Don’t forget to bring your ice pack. Judy xx Hi Jude, I have a heat pack and cold pack, Voltaren Gel, knee guard, water spray bottle, neck tie thing, bandaids, blister pads, sunscreen and plastic bags to get ice in. Do you think I have everything covered??? Love, Sandy

Ulladulla opened its doors for the Twentieth time this year! The club has grown from humble beginnings with only 8 courts (no landscaping or decks), to boast an incredibly beautiful centre with TWO decks and 12 well-maintained synthetic grass courts – one of which can be referred to as the “Show Court”. Lawns and gardens are impeccable, and the facilities inside the clubhouse include a well-stocked kitchen, a Pro Shop and the very popular “Bar” – open all weekend. An added excitement this year was the presence of World-class Victorian player Andrew Rae, ranked #1 in both 65 Singles and Doubles, who was visiting with his cousin Ian Rae (one of our members, who lives in Epping). Julie Hankin, as usual, brought her beautiful selection of clothing called “Tennis Jewels” for the ladies, offering lots of opportunities for the girls to “shop” for tennis outfits. Catering, as usual, was outstanding—provided by a loyal band of volunteers, some of whom have been doing it from Day 1 in 1999!

Congratulations to Betty Sweeney of

Walcha for receiving the Senior

Sportsperson of the Year award!

B orn in Auburn in 1942

( Valerie Staples), Val

went to school at North

Auburn Public School,

then to Auburn Home Science. She

went to play tennis for sports day

and didn’t particularly like it because

there was no control over the ball (it

went up in the sky almost every

shot….not real good). She then

chose basketball (now called netball)

comp for the school.

After school Val wanted to be a

Policewoman…how sad, “I was told

I was too short”, she said. “ I then

got an office job with Rodney’s Self

Serve Store until I got married.”

Married at Parramatta on 12th

January, 1963, Val had 2 boys, who,

at the ages of 8 and 7 years old,

decided to have tennis coaching.

They made enquiries and went to see

Frank Stewart at Epping and whilst

he was coaching the boys, Val was

sitting in the grandstand thinking,

“that doesn’t look too hard and

decided to make enquiries with

Merce Books at Rockleigh Courts in

Epping.” She said to come down on

Thursday with her sister, who

wanted to play as well, and they hit

between themselves for over an

hour. They were then invited to

come down on Tuesday when the

ladies were there. Subsequently

after being put with 2 other ladies,

they ended up in a team to play

Tuesday Midweek Comp.

Soon they formed a Saturday

Afternoon Mixed and played that

until they moved away. Val and her

family moved from Carlingford to

Muswellbrook in 1977 and joined

the tennis club. She joined the

committee in 1981, as Treasurer,

then assumed the role of Secretary.

In 1978, her third son arrived, and

now she has five grand daughters

and two grandsons.

Thanks to Norma Dawson, from

Newcastle, she joined Tennis

Seniors in 1993. This was the best

thing that ever happened in her

tennis life. “Couldn’t think of

anything better than the friendships

gained through Tennis Seniors, not

only NSW, but interstate as well.”

Val’s association with the tennis

club in Muswellbrook includes a

long-time friendship with Noel

Fraser, who has been a huge

supporter for many years. Val and

club stalwart Pam King have

forged a wonderful friendship

(whom many Vets would know), as

well as Frank and Jan Kitcher, Len

and Elaine Jarrett, Bev and Geof

Hayes, Glenn and Karen

Armstrong, Ken and Sue Smith,

Liz and Garry Potter and many

others from interstate.

Apart from tennis, Val is also

heavily involved in Red Cross,

holding the position of Treasurer

for Muswellbrook Branch.

Val’s favourite Tennis Player

Female: Evonne Goolagong - such

a lady and played the game in the

right spirit.

Male: Roger Federer - what can

one say, such a wonderful

ambassador for tennis. Seniors:

Margaret Wayte and

Mick Dunn.

What an Angel! 3

2017 Senior of the Year

Val Angel

EVENT WINNER/S FINALIST/S 35MS Agim Kurti [VIC] Ben Longridge [VIC] 6/4 6/3 40MS Michael Craig [QLD] Naoki Arimoto [JPN] 4/6 6/3 6/4 45MS Jarrod Broadbent [VIC] Martin Richards [SA] 6/1 6/2 50MS Patrick Flynn [QLD David Evans [QLD] 6/0 6/2 55MS Simon Arms [VIC] Philip Seeman [NZL] 7/6 6/7 7/5 60MS Glenn Busby [VIC] Stephen Myers [VIC] 6/0 6/2 65MS Wayne Cowley [VIC] Andrew Rae [VIC] 6/3 6/0 70MS Graham Wurtz [VIC] Terry Smith [VIC] 6/4 2/6 6/4 75MS Alan Walsh [NSW] Gordon Waygood [NSW] 6/3 6/2 80MS Peter Froelich [QLD] Kevin Crump [QLD] 6/2 6/1 85MS John O’Brien [NSW] Claude Wenzel [QLD] 6/2 6/2 35-40WS Ding Ekstein [QLD] Monika Biernat [AUT] 6/2 7/5 45 WS Simona Fairclough [QLD] Stephanie Bowler [NSW] 6/3 2/6 6/4 50WS Kerryn Cyprien [QLD] Karen Pearce 6/3 6/1 55WS Narelle Raftery [ACT] Leanne Swaysland [NSW] 6/4 6/4 60WS Ros Balodis [ACT] Lyn Mortimer 6/0 6/0 65WS Kerry Ballard [NSW] Helen Worland [NSW] 6/7 7/5 6/4 70WS Jan Maddison [VIC] Carol Campling [NSW] 6/2 6/3 75WS Heather McKay [ACT] Judy Hancy [VIC] 6/3 6/1 80WS Nola Collins [QLD] Joy Rigter [QLD] 2 wins / 1 win 35MD Agim Kurti [VIC] Tony Struple [VIC] Richard Dodson [VIC] Ben Longridge [VIC] 7/6 7/6 40MD Naoki Arimoto [JPN] Masahiro Sato [JPN] Benoit Coppens [BEL] Arjun Varma [SGP] 6/1 6/1 45MD Alfonso Sammassimo Morgan Young [VIC] Peter Elliott Ivan Stride [NSW] 6/4 6/2 50MD Franz Grimbergen [NED] Garry Nadebaum [SA] Matthew Ilott [QLD] Jade Pike [QLD] 6/4 6/2 55MD Simon Arms Bruce Ferguson [VIC] Eddie Myers [VIC] Malcolm Pearson [VIC] 6/4 6/4 60MD Glenn Busby [VIC] Mike Ford [QLD] Stephen Dance [TAS] David Tunbridge [TAS] 6/6 ret. 65MD Andrew Rae [VIC] Graham Wurtz [VIC] Allen Hooper [QLD] Howard Nielsen [QLD] 6/1 6/1 70MD Terry McLellan Alan Walsh [NSW] Terry Smith Graham Wurtz [VIC] 7/5 6/2 75MD Bob Howes [VIC] Bruce Rehn [SA] Don Biddle [NSW] Gordon Waygood [NSW] 7/6 7/5 80MD Kevin Crump [QLD] Ron Hambleton [QLD] Peter Newman [QLD] Ed Tonkin [QLD] 6/3 6/2 85MD Adrian Alle [QLD] John O’Brien [NSW] Bert Barwick [NSW] Barry Headland [QLD] 3 wins / 2 wins 35-40WD Nicole Pinchbeck Monique Wakefield [NSW] Simona Fairclough [QLD] Sakiko Ormes [QLD] 6/3 6/7 10-6 45WD Julie Dybendahl [QLD] Anabela Novas [QLD] Simona Fairclough [QLD] Kaylene Tunny [QLD] 2 wins / 1 win 50WD Brenda Foster [VIC] Jill Meggs [VIC] Kerryn Cyprien [QLD] Linda Roberts [QLD] w/o 55WD Ros Balodis Leanne Swaysland [NSW] Gillian Brook [GBR] Narelle Raftery [ACT] 6/1 7/6 60WD Suzy Ellis [NSW] Rosemary Everett [VIC] Judy Buzza [VIC] Sara Goddard [NSW] 6/2 6/4 65WD Kerry Ballard [NSW] Sue Walter [VIC] Adrienne Avis Helen Worland [NSW] 2 wins / 1 win 70WD Julie Pratt [NSW] Jan Maddison [VIC] Carol Campling Denise Leavens [NSW] 5/7 6/4 10-6 75WD Heather McKay [ACT] Jill Taylor [QLD] Mary Gordon Margaret Wayte [NSW] 6/7 7/5 10-6 35-40XD Ding Eckstein [QLD] Steven Eckstein [QLD] Monika Biernat [AUT] Morgan Young 6/3 6/1 45XD Sharon Hoole [QLD] Ian Malpass [QLD] Dyan Williams[QLD] Stephen Williams [QLD] 4 wins / 3 wins 50XD Franz Grimbergen [NED] Cathy Benson [NSW] Chris O’Mara [QLD] Kerryn Cyprien [QLD] 7/6 6/7 10-6 55XD Brenda Foster [VIC] Stephen Myers [VIC] Wanda Howes [VIC] Roger Grant [WA] 7/5 6/4 60XD Ros Balodis [ACT] Col Holgate [ACT] Wendy Harrison [VIC] Stephen Dance [TAS] 6/2 6/3 65XD Adrienne Avis [NSW] Ajs Chhatwal [IND] Vicki Perlic [QLD] Ian Somers [QLD] 7/5 7/6 70XD Denise Leavens [NSW] Ray West [QLD] Julie Pratt [NSW] David Cadman [VIC] 6/0 6/4 75XD June Simpson [VIC] Don Biddle [NSW] Mary Gordon [NSW] Bob Hall [NSW] 6/4 6/2 80XD Nola Collins [QLD] Ron Hambleton [QLD] Joy Rigter [QLD] Ollie Smith [QLD] 2 wins / 1 win 110CMD Peter Dighton [QLD] Paul Donovan [QLD] Bert Faux [VIC] Gary Stanton [VIC] 6/2 6/3 140CMD Henry Michael [WA] Gordon Gregory [WA] Rob Haling [NSW] John Cameron [NSW] 6/4 6/3 150CMD Mick Bruton [NSW] Pat Moloney [ACT] John Williams [NSW] Ian Fisher [NSW] 5/7 6/4 10-3

120-130CWD Judy Cousins [NSW] Margaret Wayte [NSW] Denise Martin [NSW] Loretta Funnell [NSW] 3 wins / 2 wins

Australian Championships

4

Monique and Nicole Winners 35+WD

Julie and Jan Winners 70+WD

I have just returned after a long road trip to the Gold Coast. I went on this trip to

play in the TSA National Championships for my age group 45 and Over. I entered the Singles, Doubles with my long-term partner Roxanne Davies (nee Keating) – we were partners as juniors, at the tender age of 12. Then we went the whole way though 14s, 16s and 18s having so much fun along the way. Like most of us, Rox had a family and a job and walked away completely from the sport. I can’t tell you how much joy it brought to me to see some of her old characteristics come back as we played the tournament. I also played the 35/40 Mixed with AJ Hook. This is a man who plays me Singles every weekend, so I can practise (hats off to you Antony – I appreciate it so much more than you know.) Anyway, in the Women’s doubles, we went down to one pair 6/0 2/6 10-7 in Super Tie Break. IN our final match we lost 4/6 6/7. Although not wins, it’s very encouraging to think what we might achieve if we practise a little more. AJ Hook and I won a couple of rounds to

make the semis March 2018

Report on Q18

of the XD, but unfortunately met our match against a lady who came from China (once #2 to Li Na). She played with her South African hubby and beat us 6/2 6/0. I must tell you that before the match, AJ Hook had played a marathon Singles - won the first 7/6, went down 6/0 in the second and in the 3rd, saved 6 match points! I was thinking he was Harry Houdini when he faced 2 more match points, but he finally went down 7/5 in that set. Watching him with all his ups and downs made me realise what my Mum goes through. I was having kittens to say the least! Then finally I played the 45 & Over Singles Final in which I went down 3/6 6/2 4/6. We were out there for over two hours! We had a really good match and I have learnt things from the loss. Also, I need to shout out to my Mum, Mary Gordon, who turned 79 this year and played in the Over 75 Singles, Doubles and Mixed. This year she was Runner Up in the Doubles and is a legend amongst her peers...that is very evident to me when I

Warren Hall, Joe Attard and Bob Bow relaxing at the Motel.

5

walk in and start telling people that I am her daughter. I can’t begin to tell you how many people know my mum... she has supported all the senior tournaments forever, and everyone seems to love her. All up, I had a great time while we were away. Most importantly – our highlight wasn’t the tennis we played, for me it was the reconnecting with a long-time family member, Kevin who I hadn’t spoken to for years. For Rox, who on the way home shared a little about herself, taking us to an old family holiday destination called South West Rocks. Needless to say, we got a lot out of this week. It has been good vibes for me to reflect on the week and I am so thankful for the memories, which will stay in my heart forever. Thank you Roxanne Davies and AJ Hook, you are very special to me. xx Stephanie Bowler

Sincere condolences to former President Greg Vaughan on the loss of his darling wife Marguerite on July 16, 2017. Also to the family and friends of Cliff Harvey, Picton, who passed away on November 18

W hat exceptional weather we enjoyed for our 20th Anniversary Summer Games NSW

Seniors Tennis Tournament. Not only was the weather perfect but the tennis was also

exceptional with 190 players participating. However, some players underestimated the

afternoon wind!!!!

A highlight was the Saturday night

dinner with special guest Councillor

John Wells, who gave a most

interesting address about the history

of the Summer Games. These

evolved as part of the Shoalhaven’s

contribution to the Sydney Olympic

Games Tourism campaign,

developing into the Seniors

Tournament run by Val Crook for

17 years.

Presentations were made to the

oldest players and to those who

have participated in the most

tournaments over the years. Mick

Bruton, President TSNSW

presented Keith Bonser, President

Milton Ulladulla Tennis Club with a framed acknowledgement of this event. All players received their

own bag of jelly beans as a small memento, which were quickly gobbled up by several players,

obviously needing an extra sugar hit!!!!

Tennis Seniors NSW also provide 2 extraordinary raffle prizes; a $250 Coles/Myer voucher which was

won by Darrell Johns and a $250 Tennis Jewels voucher, which was won by Yvonne Irvine. Our 1st

prize for the club’s raffle; a week’s accommodation at the Big 4 Bungalow Park on Burrill Lake was

won by Helen & Ian Worland. How lucky are they??!! (They owned and managed the Mollymook

Caravan Park for fourteen years!)

A wonderful weekend was had by all, proving to be another highly successful tournament. A huge thank

you to all the volunteers who helped throughout the weekend, your tireless efforts were much

appreciated.

Mary Lou Barclay

Ulladulla - 20th Anniversary

6

Pictured here is Bill Hallam, 90

years young, at his party held re-

cently at Oatlands House, Dundas

with 70 of his Family and friends.

Daughters Kaye and Kerri re-

ported that Bill is planning to con-

tinue festivities in his home town

of Wagga Wagga shortly!

“Hot on his heels” - on May 14,

Greg Vaughan will be celebrating

his 90th also! Congratulations to

both of these gentlemen. They join Doug Corbett, Col & Marge Luck,

Beth Lown, Beryl Rocavert and Jim Willet in the exclusive

“NONOGENARIAN Club” - Hip Hip Hooray!! To ALL of them!

Welcome to

these

new members!

Jin Choi

Tracey Coleman

Clive Dye

Justin James

Lance Lin

Ross Montgomery

Murray Paciullo

Rorque Poisson

Alan Pycroft

Lisa Rollins

Robyn Sharpley

Grahame Stilwell

Vishnu Thaniarasu

Stephen Thornton

Tania Thornton

Garry Tye

John Visser

Jillian Woolbank

Simon Yeowart

T here have been changes to the 2018 program for the World Championships!

Miami, Florida is not in a position to host the Young Seniors in April, but has deferred until October, TBC. Super Seniors (65+ - 85+)will feature in Umag, Croatia Teams: Sept 16 - 21 Individuals: Sept 22 - 29

Nominations close May 18

Seniors(50+ 55+ 60+) in Ulm, Germany Teams: Aug 12 - 18 Individuals: Aug 19 - 25

Nominations close April 14

A cute Oesophageal cancer has afflicted Ian King – a discovery that was made late last year – and Ian

was told about possible treatment on his 80th birthday. (Not a great birthday present!) However, it was

gratifying to see Ian (and Merilyn) at their new apartment, having responded to treatment, and since

then, he has had further chemotherapy, unpleasant, but so far successful in arresting the disease. We

saw Ian (our Vice President) recently at our February meeting, and it was great that he had felt well enough to

drive himself to Sydney and back. We wish him well in his continuing battle.

Norm Richardson has been in and out of hospital since discovery of his heart condition last year which has

required several operations. This stopped him from going overseas to represent Australia, which was most

disappointing. His wife Marg has been his most ardent supporter – and we wish them both well as his treatment

continues, in spite of a setback – we trust he will soon be able to get back on the court!

Liz and Garry Potter have been supporting each other in their respective struggles with illness, and we send them

our love and best wishes.

Carolyn Wills has been out of tennis action recently, after an operation, and it was great to see her out and about

last week, well on the road to recovery. Best wishes, Carolyn.

Raworth’s Linda Bullent needs our moral support as she fights another battle against brain cancer. Linda has had

a second operation recently, and is posting her efforts on Facebook – what a trooper! She is undergoing continual

chemotherapy during which time she and her supporters dress up in various costumes at hospital – causing some

great light-hearted frivolity to help her through! We’re with you, Linda – so kick cancer’s butt!

To Gail Gorman, wife of Bob, we share your delight at the clear bill of health, after a recent “cancer scare” – it’s

great to see the wine glass travelling with you Gail to help you celebrate! (On Facebook)

Kris Renneberg - we’re glad to hear there’s been a heartening discovery of what’s been causing your funny

“turns” - best wishes on continuing successful treatment - best to wife Myra as well!

Cheerio Corner

7

ITF World

Championships

You know you’re a

Tennis Fanatic

when........

You go to New

York, Paris, London

and Melbourne

every year, but you

have never seen any

of the sights!

March 2018

Australian National Teams’ Carnival

Gold Coast 2018

A cloudy day is

no match for a

sunny disposition

Terry and Alan Winners 70+MD

Alan also won 75MS

Nat Welsh and Mel Legend in action!

8

T eams’ Week at the Gold Coast 2018 began with an Opening ceremony at the indoor Sports Complex at Carrara, which will be the venue for indoor events of the Commonwealth Games in April. What an amazing setup! The grandstand seating folds back towards the walls..... and the space is

incredible. Our lovely first-time representative Cathy Benson was selected as Flagbearer. It was an honour that Cathy graciously accepted with appreciation. The courts at Headquarters consisted of two Clubs – with a total of 28 synthetic grass courts, separated from each other by a carpark. Gold Coast Seniors has a clubhouse with a bar, a popular spot for Post-match celebrations. Miami Tennis Club has a two-storey clubhouse which provides excellent viewing from upstairs. Other centres were: KDV – a phenomenal Russian claycourt centre at Carrara where players could avail themselves of the sensational facilities which included a Cafe, a pool and a Pro-Shop – all with fabulous air-conditioned comfort. Some snippets: A certain man – belonging to a rather effervescent team staying at Miami, behaved several times in an unusual manner, and was caught one day “with his pants down”! While giving a brief glimpse of his buttocks to team mates, he discovered that the cleaning lady was coming up the stairs and could see all!!! Fun & Games at the airport: During the mandatory drugs and banned substances search, one NSW lady was pulled aside for testing. Another had her nail scissors confiscated... amid much hilarity from the guys who accompanied them. Audible comments and questions about the drug test results were rampant and the entire group was in fear of also being “pulled aside” as a result of “guilt by association” – the gentlemen were all passed as innocent, and the plane took off on schedule. “W’s propensity for exaggeration is one of his many endearing qualities”, said JH. “I was admittedly beckoned over for further investigation, as the officer noted that I was an associate of the scissor smuggler.”

“To tell the truth I would have been disappointed if I was to get both of these ladies home without incident.” WH

“Roommates extraordinaire”!!! JA taunted RL on the way he made his bed, fixed his clothing ready for the day’s tennis, etc etc..... They proved to be the “odd couple”. Joe felt the need on many occasions to take pictures of the way Rey packed the fridge, made his bed and laid out his tennis gear for the day. See the pic - the way Joe “ran his legs off!”

Today it costs more to entertain a grandchild

than it did to educate his parents

March 2018

Mel Legend - pictured above left, with friend Natalie Welsh, returned

home to Nambucca Heads to discover that she’d been awarded local “Sportsperson of the Year”!

What a thrilling surprise! Congratulations Mel!

Gold Coast 2018

TSA Championships

The secret of happiness is not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do!

9

A few characters in this team!

Rebekha Fisher, Kat O’Callaghan, Kirsten

McDonald, Rae Rudd, Zenda Haggarty and Pauline

March 2018 9

Nelson Bay

A record number of 229

players competed in the

annual “Dave Matthews

Seniors Tennis

Tournament” over the weekend 1– 3

Dec across 5 venues utilising 19 courts

with Friday being Singles and

American Doubles whilst Saturday /

Sunday were Men’s, Ladies and Mixed

doubles events. In total 71 individual

events were contested with 593

matches played across the three days.

The weather forecast leading into the

tournament had us all nervous that we

would be washed out for the first time

in many years. Thankfully the rain

stayed away however Friday and

Saturday saw challenging weather

conditions with strong north easterly

winds blowing, making it tough for

players and spectators alike.

Thankfully the wind abated for Sunday

and it was bright and calm sunny day.

80 new players competed for the first

time at Nelson Bay which was great to

see. The quality of tennis across the

weekend was outstanding with many

events struggling to get finished in

time. A field of 229 players certainly

pushed the boundaries in terms of

court space but we made it work.

Saturday afternoon and Sunday

morning were at capacity whilst the

other 4 sessions still had room for

more players.

The winners of the Dave Matthews

signature event were George Penney

and super coach Michael Raymundo

who defeated Greg Scott and Pat

Staunton in a close final, winning 6-5.

Once again it was great to see the

majority of people wearing white on

our “themed” Wimbledon day.

Nelson Bay Tennis Club wishes to

thank the players for their continued

support of the Dave Matthews

Tournament. The sportsmanship on

the court was outstanding, the

understanding, attitude and patience

shown towards the tournament

committee and volunteers was

exceptional and was appreciated

particularly when I was feeling a little

stressed.

Over the last few years this

tournament has continued to grow in

popularity, the feedback received on

the 2017 tournament indicates 2018

will be bigger again. The 2018 event

is scheduled for Nov 30-2 Dec

inclusive. The tournament committee

have already started planning.

A couple of the ideas that have been

discussed include:

· Conduct a modified fast 4 round

robin on the Thursday afternoon

preceding tournament - start

with all entry fees being donated

to charity

· A gold coin donation for the

themed Wimbledon day, all

proceeds to charity or draw a

name from a hat and someone will

go home with extra dollars in

their pocket.

As I travel around to the various

tournaments don’t be surprised if I

ask you what your thoughts are on

the different ideas we have. Our

aim is to improve on last year’s

tournament and make this year

bigger and better.

Thank you to our Major Sponsors

Bellarose Boutique and Maitland /

Port Stephens Toyota for their

support. Thank you to all the other

businesses in the local area who

continue to support our tournament

in various ways. No matter what

type of support is provided it all

makes for a successful tournament.

To the players both new and old, club

volunteers and spectators who gave

up their time to participate, lend a

helping hand or just watch the

tennis. I as tournament director

cannot thank you enough for your

part in what was a great weekend.

Without your support these

tournaments would not be the

success they are.

If anyone has any feedback on this

year’s event, please feel free to

email me at

stephen_taylor4@bigpond.com with

your thoughts.

Stephen Taylor

Shepparton

2019

M onday February 26th saw Mick, Elaine, Arthur and Robyn in Shepparton liaising with the Greater

Shepparton City Council and others, to ensure that arrangements are proceed-ing well for January 2019. We were addressed by Vijay and David from Riverlinks Function Centre in the Council Chambers - where the Teams’ Carnival Dinner will be held (as in 2016) – and we were very impressed with their expertise and promise of excellent service. GSCC’s Sam and Jess will be keeping us informed of proceedings throughout the year in all aspects of their involvement from Player Pack bags to important is-sues like sponsorship and social events. Sam Saracino, along with Ian Grose from Shepparton LTC accompanied us to the “Woolshed” where we are booked for our State Dinner. The venue is sensa-tional and our hosts are very accommo-dating, we think our dinner will be excel-lent or dare I say “better than ever”! We had an on-site meeting with curator Trent on the playing fields at Mooroopna, and we were convinced that the condition of the grass courts will be world class. The area that players disliked in the centre of the circular field will not be scheduled for play. We are also working with the council with re-gard to an increase in the amount of shade and refreshment areas on the grounds, (in the hands of the “infrastructure team”.) One exciting social event may be a Night at the Trots on the Saturday after the Teams’ Carnival. (Watch this space). RC

March 2018

It would be great to have MORE teams than

at Q18! Let’s blitz it!

From the

Secretary’s Desk

Your committee has changed

slightly since the the 2016

AGM, with newbies, Katrina

O’Callaghan and Brian Loader

replacing Julie Pratt and

Craig Edwards. We thank

Jules and Craig for their

help over the years.

Moving forward, we are

working towards Shepparton

2019, seeking to increase

our membership, and hoping

to reward our loyal members

for their years of

participation on the Country

Circuit. Please make your

ideas known by approaching

a committee person at any

time!

Wedding Bells

K oh Samui, Thailand set the scene for the much-anticipated wedding of Craig Edwards and Sharon Mitchell. The day was a cracker, in the

presence of family and friends from Oz, who witnessed a very beautiful, colourful ceremony on the beach. Each of them was accompanied by a son and daughter, with an arch of flowers adding an elegant touch. Craig and Sharon have settled in Rosny, Hobart, and are promoting

Seniors’ tennis at Glenorchy Tennis Club. Their first attraction is an Open Day on February 18, and they hope to see many of their NSW friends in April at the Seniors’ Round Robin tournament to be held there.

It’s posted on our Home Page.

At TSA’s AGM in January, those officers who gained selection were: Clive Wilkinson (Pres), Pat Moloney

(Sec), Peter Froelich (Treas) with the following members elected as Committee: Di Cassel, Leanne Scott

and Ian Worland. The Vice President is yet to be confirmed.

We need to build a sustainable future for TSA and to grow participation in seniors’ tennis. As a conse-

quence, TSA is about to commence formal discussions with Tennis Australia to see what help can be

provided. Balancing the negatives and positives will be our biggest challenge. Looking positively, TA will

offer Tennis Seniors access to:

Facilities and Resources, Expertise in Marketing and Media, People and Programs, Funding and Spon-

sorship, Systems and Processes. These will enable TSA to have access to more players and will alleviate

the issues with dwindling numbers of volunteers.

Any such changes will have little impact on TSNSW as we have enough volunteers to run tournaments

on our own, and until such time as we are unable to do so, we will continue on our own.

Transitioning TSA - TA ?

11 March 2018

Shaz with friend, Jo

Clarke

Join Judy Dalton in conjunction with Advance Olympic Travel

who will be conducting a 19-day spectacular Tour to Spain. Part

of the tour, and under the auspices of Jenny Hoad, the

tournament will run from Sunday 9th to Friday 14th, inclusive,

concluding with Finals and a Gala Dinner at night.

The Tour runs from September 6 - 25, 2018. Contact Sherry

Feng for more info: sportstours@olympictravel.com.au

Tennis Seniors NSW Dec 2017- Dec 2019

Executive:

President Mick Bruton Phone: .................................... 9679 0355 Mobile: ............................... 0416 219 656 Vice President Ian King Phone ..................................... 4283 3617 Mobile: ............................... 0416 036 815 Secretary Robyn Castle Phone: .................................... 9624 7075 Fax: ........................................ 9838 9236 Mobile: ............................... 0400 389 234 E-mail: .. tennisseniorsnsw@bigpond.com Treasurer Arthur Olsen Phone: .................................... 9816 4196 Mobile: .............................. 0400 525 591

Committee: Bob Bow Mobile ................................ 0430 470 161 Carol Campling Mobile: ............................... 0401 057 866 Brian Loader Mobile ................................ 0435 828 469 Katrina O’Callaghan Mobile ................................ 0414 973 751 Monique Spiller Mobile ................................ 0400 050 881 Graeme Sticka Mobile ................................ 0418 402 415 John Whittaker Phone ..................................... 9680 2090 Mobile ........................................... 0417 200 761

State Selectors

Men Mick Bruton ........................ 0416 219 656 Arthur Olsen ...................... 0400 525 591 Graeme Sticka ................... 0418 402 415 Women Carol Campling ................. 0401 057 866 Monique Spiller .................. 0400 050 881 Robyn Castle ..................... 0400 389 234 National Selectors Terry McLean ..................... 0414 711 875 Di Cassel ........................... 0426 227 946 Alan Walsh ......................... 0421 871 003

E njoy some great tennis at the newly renovated Wyong Tennis Club for the 9-11 March Tournament. Ten newly upgraded surfaces, comfortable seating and an upgraded car park plus more.

A liquor licence will provide you with the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages from 12noon and the Wyong Ladies will provide delicious sandwiches, BBQ and those famous slices with a cuppa for you to enjoy between sets. The Swimming pool is just next door for those who would like to take a dip. President Leoni Baldwin and her team of club members will assist Kat O’Callaghan to conduct this highly successful tourney - a stone’s throw from both Sydney and Newcastle. Entries are already more than 80...... The Entry Form is in “Tournament Entries” on our website.

Geoff Hayes and friends making use of the new seating under the

gazebo. (The carpark behind has been re-surfaced!)

Lew Hoad Memorial

Tennis Tournament

Central Coast Seniors