In what felt like the first taste of spring Sidmouth Tennis Club hosted a successful social event last Sunday which provided something for everyone, writes Lesley Cranston.

It was very much a family friendly affair starting with tennis for all ages in the afternoon followed by a buffet supper and raffle leading up to the main feature of the evening, the awards ceremony.

The winners of last year’s tournament events were formally presented with their respective trophies as follows:

Ladies’ Singles Champion: Vivienne Bess; Runner- up: Louise Turley.

Men’s Singles Champion: Mark Heywood; Runner-up: Martin Truman.

Ladies’ Doubles Champions: Mary Dean and Linda Reynolds; Runners-up:Debbie Snelgrove and Nicki Keele.

Men’s Doubles Champions: Mike Fletcher and Greg Pepper; Runners-up: Peter Fung and David Thorneley;

Mixed Doubles Champions: Nicki Keele and Mark Heywood; Runners-up: Lesley Cranston and Martin Truman;

Rusties Champions: Frances Ianov and John Glover; Runners-up: Linda Palmer and Gordon Blood.

In addition, the evening marked the hard work and progress of the club in the last three years. A special award was made by David Thorneley to Grant Whillance, outgoing chairman, in recognition of his and his committee’s huge efforts. The most significant achievements during this time include: club membership more than doubling, in particular the junior section; the Clubmark award being obtained in record time; coaching at all levels expanded as did league competition; gaining funding and agreement for floodlighting, which is now in operation; and the crowning glory was recognition from Devon LTA in the form of Club of the Year. A truly expansionist period for the club, well done and thank you to all those who contributed.

The evening also offered some entertainment, pre-empting the rather larger occasion in Hollywood on the same night, the Club had its own “Toscars” awards.

Certain members were reminded of their more memorable moments on court and given certificates and replica oscars for their pains. Thanks to Vicki Topping for these particular presentations.

David Thorneley, the new chairman and MC for the evening kept everyone in order and, with his unique brand of wit, ensured that humour was very much in evidence throughout proceedings. He thanked the newly installed social committee for all their efforts and the smooth running organisation in their debut event.

Thanks too to those businesses who provided raffle prizes: Pea Green Boat; Seabreeze; Delderfields; Polka;Sidmouth Garden Centre; Roly’s Fudge; Costa Coffee; Humbug; Sidmouth Surf Shop; Pure Indulgence; Sports Republic; Regency Flowers of Sidmouth.

Your contributions are much appreciated.