​The Gloves are off but the Hats are on…
The annual Silly Christmas Hats Tennis Tournament at Salcombe Tennis Club took place last Thursday. The weather was remarkably kind after storm Darrah had waged his way over Devon last weekend and ten players rolled up to play in the draw. As always, a
competitive but fun time was had by all. Each lady played with and against the other entrants in her group. The winner of the tennis
competition was Nicola Baker winning 19 points with Fran Gifford in second place with 16. Each year it is compulsory for all entrants to wear a Silly Christmas Hat – needless to say these creative players turned out in some very interesting ones from handmade festive
chocolate box creations to off the internet turkey toppers. Whilst a buffet lunch was happily being demolished by the players Lynn Gledhill came along to judge and declared Jo Grant the winner of the ‘Best Silly Hat’. Jo was awarded a bottle of wine kindly donated by Luscombe Maye.
Hopefully the weather will remain calm over the Christmas period so more tennis will continue to be played in one of the loveliest tennis locations in the South Hams.
Happy Christmas all you players – in Salcombe we are leaving our gloves off for the next game!

​​​This year we rang out the changes for our Christmas meal by hiring Salcombe Rugby Club and bringing in local caterer, The Galley Girls. The recently refurbished venue was warm, welcoming and a comfortable space for us to get together and have a party. Christmas decorations and table settings established the festive mood and there was lots of excited chatter as our members and non playing partners caught up on the chat that there is no time for on court. How great everyone looked in their finery – some unrecognisable out of their tennis kit! During the meal Chris Coles, the Chairman, said a few words and Bridget Lafferty, Treasurer, thanked Chris and presented her with a seasonal floral arrangement on behalf of the Committee and Club members. A jolly time was had by all and we look forward to the next get together. In the meantime we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Great fun was served up by tennis coach Mike White at Salcombe Tennis Club as part of the Regatta week. The club hosted an Open Day where non members where invited to come along to see the club and try their skills on court. Mike, who is the club's coach, organised activities including tennis tag, ball control, games against the club's practice wall and short matches of tennis doubles. The ball machine provided a competitive opportunity for the visitors who thought they might beat it! Of the 22 juniors who joined in the activities, the short doubles tournament was won by brothers Borne and Jasper Browne. Borne and Jasper have discovered a passion for tennis and as Mum,  Liz,  said “ the boys had a great time - I think they would have stayed there all afternoon “. A small entry fee was charged as a donation to Salcombe Regatta Fund and the tennis club was pleased to host the event providing squash & biscuits for the participants. Proud parents enjoyed one of the loveliest views of any tennis club, sitting in the sunshine, whilst supporting their kids. The evening held a picnic and play social and the sun continued to shine. Salcombe Tennis Club is a members only club with lovely courts, mini court and practice wall which is all run by volunteers. There’s tennis played most days throughout the year and regular coaching with Mike White.

Details of membership are on the club’s website www.Salcombetennis.club

May tennis continue to be a big hit!

On your marks - the courts look fabulous
Ready - the weather’s good
Go -  the ladies are here
 
How lovely to see the sunshine this week and it couldn't have been more perfect for  Salcombe Tennis ladies. On Thursday 8 ladies entered this fun tournament all of course looking to win! And over the 5 rounds there were many very close and long rallies. Players mixed round to play with and against others within the group and a 2nd deuce sudden death approach was used to ensure that the courts finished each round at similar times. Lisa Latham who hit the ball solidly and was steady in her approach was the winner by 3 points showing the other entrants that, in these tournaments, concentration and playing every shot to count is the way to win.  A lovely lunch rounded off the event with the players bringing along their tasty contributions. Good tennis and a lot of bonhomie.
 
The Salcombe men get their turn to compete in a tournament on Wednesday 19th June which will be run by Salcombe coach Mike White.
 
Mike is also busy with “Rusty Returners” coaching in which he works on strokes, doubles play & tactics. There's also Ladies’ coaching available on a Wednesday and Salcombe Primary Schood are once again benefitting from Mike’s coaching on a Friday. To promote girls’ tennis there is also coaching for slightly older girls later in the day.

Eight members competed in the American Doubles Tournament on Wednesday organised by Mike White. The competition was fierce and congratulations go to Fran Gifford on accumulating the most points to win the tournament!  All agreed it was a thoroughly enjoyable competition and we should hold more.   

Despite the forecast the night before saying sun and cloud, the organiser woke to grey skies and pouring rain! She quickly packed her bag with Christmas nibbles, an alternative form of entertainment along with tennis balls and racket, and optimistically headed up to the courts. The players arrived at the club with their fab silly hats but with the expectation of no play today. By the time they had meeted and greeted and played 2 quick rounds of charades, the weather was dry and brighter and play commenced. This event is as much about fun and laughter as it is about tennis skills but as always everyone is keen to get their best results so hats were momentarily put aside when battle commenced. The Draw of 5 rounds with players playing both with and against their competitors made for some close matches, and sudden death deuces finished quite a few games. The scores were close with most rounds ending 3-2. Once the tennis play ended Christmas refreshments as always were enjoyed. A couple of members unable to take part bowled up for mince pies and cheer, and judged the best Silly Hat. The winner of the Fun Tournament was Heather Bennett-Earle and close on her heels was Nicola Baker. Heather really should have gone to the casino in the evening as on a roll she also won the best Silly Hat.
It was all great fun, happily played in fine weather and in good spirit. Merry Christmas to all other tennis players may the snow not fall on your courts!

In the New Year, Mike White will be starting a weekly group aimed at men returning to tennis as well as at improvers, focussing on doubles play, tactics and strokes. The cost will be £25 for each session, divided by the players attending, with a maximum of 8.

The sessions will be from 11:30 to to 12:30 on Mondays, starting on 8th January.

Please contact Mike White to book your place:
M: 07484 392557
E: [email protected]
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The Christmas Supper at the Winking Prawn was a great success, and here's the proof ...