Change of Season at Andover Tennis Club

Andover tennis club provides match play opportunities in a number of teams promoting both excellence and inclusion. In summer thirteen teams are entered in three leagues; the Hampshire and Isle of Wight League, the Sarum League and the Basingstoke League.

Highlights of the Summer season were wins for Linda Penn’s Sarum Senior Ladies, Adrian Shapter’s Men’s A team in the Basingstoke league, and Ben Mead’s Men’s B and Louise Martin’s Mixed B in the same league.

All the teams had enjoyable competition throughout the summer from April to September. The Captains, including Mark Osmond, Claire Reid, Keith Robinson Sophie Annett, Jennie Pope and Reece Simpson are to be applauded for undertaking the organisation to ensure that matches happen.

Martyn Isherwood, Gregor Corcoran, Adrian Shapter, Alex Boldis, Ned Barnett, Harry Frisby, Mark Williams and Ben Mead.

The winter tennis season has started at the club and there are nine teams entered this year. In the Basingstoke League there are Men’s A, B and C teams, Ladies A and B teams, and Mixed A and B teams. Also in the Sarum League we have an A and a B team.

The first men’s match in the Basingstoke League was between the A and the B team, both of whom are in Division 1. The B team under Captain Ben mead had a great winter season last year and were promoted from Division two. This season will prove a greater challenge and starting with a match against the A team was a reminder of this. In spite of enjoying many good rallies, the greater consistency and stronger net play of the A team players gave them an 8-0 win.

Andover’s Men’s C team also started the season well with a 7-1 win against Sherborne, under Captain Keith Robinson. Keith partnered Richard Shipway and his son Isaac played with Declan Cann.

Jennie Pope’s Sarum A team managed a draw against Victoria Park, by dint of a fighting comeback in their last set by Jennie and partner Al Williams, changing a 5-1 deficit to a 7-5 win.

The team had lost their first match against a strong Winchester side playing at home.

Claire Reid’s Sarum B team had a 4-4 draw with Salisbury A and then a 6-2 win against the Salisbury B team.

Louise Martin’s Ladies B team opened their account with a 5-3 win against David Lloyd Newbury.

Adrian Shapter’s mens’ A followed up their win against the B team with another 8-0 win at home against Riseley, who are past winners. Singles champion, Kyrill Kennett and Phil Seys lost very few games in winning both rounds . New member Jack Lindsay- Charlton made a great debut with Alex Boldis, and they had a straightforward first round but met with real opposition in the second . They needed determination to win both sets on a tie break.

Tennis is a game for all seasons…especially with the luxury of indoor courts. Taking part is what matters. The season has started well.

Trevor Blake

The Wingfield Tournament

The Club enjoyed a lovely afternoon of tennis and weather, on Sat June 28th June, as it welcomed non members and members alike, to this year’s Wingfield Tournament. With 24 participants attending and a high standard of play throughout the afternoon, the mixed doubles partners were picked randomly and a handicap system was in place to take account of differing playing standards.

After 3 hours of mixed play, a riveting final was played between partners Harvey Stuart and Amy Roberts and their opponents, Bill Stuart and Christine Pickford, with Harvey and Amy victors in a closely fought match.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make the event enjoyable and fun, especially Claire Reid, our Head of Tennis, who organised and directed the day so brilliantly.

Pickleball has arrived at ALTC!

ALTC’s inaugural Pickleball taster session took place recently, led by Gary and Lucy, Pickleball coaches at Andover Leisure Centre.

The session was well attended by members and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience, prompting further discussion around the introduction of the sport into the Club’s regular programming - watch this space!

The session was rounded off with afternoon tea, and a profit of £80 was made for the Club.
Thanks to Linda Penn for organising the session and to all those who supported on the day.

Celebration Event for Bashir Kara

Please join us for a special event at the Club in memory of Bash.

This special event is open to all minis and juniors - please come along and enjoy a morning of fun tennis!

Bash's family will be presenting the new Bash Kara Cup to the Club with an inaugural presentation to its first recipient at around 9:45/10:00am.

This will be followed by a presentation of the memory book to the family.

The kitchen will be offering refreshments throughout the morning with all proceeds being donated to Naomi House & Jack's Place - Bash's chosen charity.

To book you place at the event, please contact Joe Revelle at  joe@jrtennis.co.uk

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

Match Schedule - subject to change

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!