Horsmonden Tennis Club - Horsmonden Lawn Tennis ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Horsmonden
Tennis Club
2020
MISSION & CONTENTS WELCOME TO
Horsmonden Tennis Club aims to inspire and nurture HORSMONDEN TENNIS CLUB
a love of tennis in all members, whatever their age,
At Horsmonden we pride ourselves on being a thriving, friendly club and we
ability or background, enabling everyone to fulfil
hope that you will enjoy not just playing on our courts but also socialising
their potential and, most importantly, to enjoy
with other members and making new friends. Located close to the heart of
playing tennis, whether competitively or socially.
the village, we play an active part in bringing together children from many
The club will continually strive to be a flagship
different schools and people from varied walks of life.
village club at the heart of the community by
evolving and developing its facilities and policies A club for all seasons and ages, we offer numerous opportunities for match play
to reflect the changing needs of its membership. including a Singles Ladder, and a wide range of social events and tournaments to suit
differing abilities, often supporting charities such as Save the Children, RNLI and Hospice
Welcome 3 Junior Club Afternoons & in the Weald.
Social Calendar 4 Junior Coaches 25 We are incredibly lucky to have our own top Level 5 coach: Kent LTA Coach of the
Social Highlights 6 Junior Coaching 26 Year 2013 and Tunbridge Wells Sports Achiever of the Year 2016, Zane Cheeseman. Zane
Finals Day 8 Junior Tournament Days 27 is one of only 70 coaches in the country to have achieved this prestigious coaching
Finals Winners 2019 10 HOTSHOTZ Camps 28 qualification. He has now coached at the club for 18 years and his company HOTSHOTZ
History 12 Mini Tennis 29 runs an exciting coaching programme for players of all standards, offering group and
Club Sessions 13 Junior Profiles 30 individual lessons.
Court Etiquette 14 BTM & Wimbledon 32 Inspiring youngsters with a love of tennis is a club priority: half of our 650 members
Tennis Club Rules & Subscriptions 16 Cardio Tennis 33 are under 18 years old and enjoy participating in regular coaching sessions and
Club Information 18 Welfare & Safeguarding 33 tournaments, as well as the popular free Sunday Junior Club Afternoons.
Club Matches & Captains 19 Committee 34 We have amazing facilities that the Committee are constantly striving to maintain and
Match Reports 20 evolve, and this year saw the installation of a fantastic LED floodlighting system and the
HOTSHOTZ 22 Horsmonden Lawn Tennis Club, creation of a new website facilitating online booking.
Head Coach, Zane 23 Maidstone Road, Horsmonden, Tonbridge, We are thrilled that both our club and our
Coaches 24 Kent, TN12 8DA coach have been shortlisted for the Kent
LTA Awards 2020 and hope that this
For more information and the latest brochure encourages you to pick
club news, visit the club’s website: up your tennis rackets and
horsmondentennis.co.uk have fun!
For feedback on the club in general and
membership forms, please email secretary, Mimi Hoffman
Tracey Parrett: horsmondentennis@mail.com Chairman
Brochure Design: Clare Thorpe
Photography: John Sheppard & club
members
Editorial: Carol Ridge
3
SOCIAL CALENDAR
Social Events are held throughout the year and popular Club BBQ Nights
with all ages. The Social Committee tries to vary the The same format applies to all Club BBQ Nights: an
calendar to keep it fresh and always welcomes new evening of social tennis followed by a BBQ. Just bring
ideas. Please continue to support and help organise these your own meat. Salads and puddings are provided for a
get-togethers - we look forward to meeting you all in 2020. small charge and drinks are on sale. If you would like to
host an evening please contact Katy Arscott 07876 346116.
Horsmonden Tennis Club Open Day
Saturday 25th April 11am-1pm Club BBQ Night Thursday 14th May 7-10pm Club BBQ Night Thursday 25th June 7-10pm
Great fun for the whole family, with free tennis coaching from the HOTSHOTZ team and Club BBQ Night Thursday 28th May 7-10pm Club BBQ Night Thursday 9th July 7-10pm
the chance to enter the fastest serve competition and test yourself against the ball Club BBQ Night Thursday 11th June 7-10pm Club BBQ Night Thursday 23th July 7-10pm
machine whilst enjoying a delicious BBQ and cakes.
Club Finals Day
Hospice in the Weald Tournament Saturday 4th July 10am start
Wednesday 13th May Come along to support all the adults and juniors who have made it through to the finals
Doubles tournament in aid of the Hospice followed by lunch. Please join us for a great and enjoy some great tennis. There will be a BBQ from lunchtime and tea and cakes at
event to support such a vital part of our community - we would like to do even better this the presentation of trophies. Do bring a chair if you can.
year! Details to follow.
Save the Children Ladies Doubles Tournament
Spring American Doubles Tournament Friday 11th September 9am- 3pm
in aid of the RNLI This tournament is for ladies of all ages and abilities, from any club and no club: come
Sunday 17th May 9.30am start and play tennis, enjoy a super lunch, and raise money to help save and change the lives
Have fun playing tennis whilst raising money for of the world’s most vulnerable children. For further details contact Jan Cobley (01892
the RNLI. Twenty players pair up and play a timed 722476/jancobley.save@outlook.com). £20 entry fee all goes to Save the Children.
doubles match against another couple. After 20
minutes players are swapped around to play Save the Children Autumn American Doubles Tournament
with a different partner against another pair. Sunday 27th September 9.30am start
Refreshments provided. Entry fee £5. Same format as RNLI Spring American Doubles Tournament.
Save the Children Super6 Team Tennis Annual General Meeting
Tournament Tuesday 10th November 8pm
Sunday 14th June Join us for a drink, find out what’s happening
So-called because it revolves around the number 6, the at the club and have a say in what is being
Super6 Tournament sees teams of 6 doubles pairs (men, ladies, planned for the future.
boys, girls, man & girl, and lady & boy) each play their opposite numbers in a one set
round robin format. Each set is first to 6 games, and the tie break at 5 all is first to 6 points, Junior Tournament dates are listed on
with sudden death at 5 all. The Wild Card adds a touch of randomness which is all good page 27 but there will be other events
fun and for a great cause. Horsmonden will be defending the trophy this year so please throughout the year.
come and support the team!
4
SOCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
This year we hosted a wide variety of tennis events,
supporting many local and national charities – it’s
fantastic that playing tennis can generate so much
money for good causes.
Horsmonden Tennis Club Open Day
Always a popular occasion for members and visitors alike, this year was no exception as
we joined forces with Horsmonden Sports Club to give everyone the chance to try their
hand at different sports as well as tennis. Both new and current
members came along to enjoy free tennis coaching and
most had such a good time that they signed up for
membership and coaching sessions! A joint initiative
with HOTSHOTZ, the event is always well organised
by Zane and the Committee: a great energetic
Save the Children Super6 Team Tournament
family day out which gives a taste of what is on
Postponed from its original date in June, the Super6 was held on Sunday 22nd September
offer at Horsmonden Tennis Club.
with teams from Horsmonden, Bethersden and last year’s winners, Freedom Leisure
Maidstone. Rain threatened but didn’t come to much and in a close fought contest,
The Spring American Doubles Tournament Horsmonden finally won the trophy at the fourth attempt, making canny use of the Wild
in aid of the RNLI Card. Toby West supervised the tennis, ensuring it all ran smoothly. Players and spectators
As always the RNLI Doubles was another fun,
enjoyed the usual hot dogs and burgers and, thanks to the sponsorship of Starnes plc,
competitive morning of tennis, with inviting breaks
all the entry fees and donations, totalling more than £425, went to Save the Children.
of coffee and croissants interspersed between
matches! Well-deserved winners were Mary-Jayne
Save the Children Ladies’ Open Doubles Tournament
Bournes and Matthew Kellet and £100 was raised for the
The ninth Ladies’ Doubles tournament was held on Friday 6th September with, as always,
much-loved lifeboat charity.
lots of entertaining and competitive tennis. Tammie Lawson and her sister Sally Coles
won a well-fought final against Dawn Holland and her
Hospice in the Weald Tournament partner Rachael.
On 8th May we ran a tennis day for Hospice in the Weald, filling all five courts and even
Special thanks to the players who bring most of
though the weather was not on our side we still had fun. Tennis was played in between
the food for lunch, the raffle prize donors, the team
or even during the rain and a spectacular lunch was laid on by Millie Harries and Fiona
who ensure everyone is fed and watered, and
White. The club looked really special and we put our new gazebo to the test: the good
Starnes plc, whose sponsorship means that all
news is that our gazebo can fly, thanks to a gust
the income goes to help children in the UK
of wind! 54 members were involved, raising
and around the world. This year’s total was
£1,756.45 plus gift aid. Overall the Hospice
more than £1,550, bringing the cumulative
Day raised £5,796.45, plus gift aid. If the
proceeds from this event to £16,860 and the
sun shines next year it will be even
Club’s total fundraising for Save the Children
more fun!
since 2010 to over £20,000 - a wonderful
achievement.
6 7
FINALS DAY Finals Day is always a fantastic showcase for all the talent at Horsmonden Tennis Club and this year proved bigger and better than ever. The weather was wonderful, enabling all matches to be played on the day and encouraging a healthy crowd of spectators who were riveted by the on court battles. As always the Committee organised a wonderful spread of cakes and a tasty barbeque so no one had to miss a minute of play to go home and make a sandwich. Chairman, Mimi Hoffman, was full of pride: Ollie Ridge We had to manage without Zane running Finals Day this year, but coach Ben stepped up and did an amazing job. The tennis was top notch and the atmosphere was wonderful, which always contributes to it being one of my favourite days of the tennis year. Coach, Ben Morris, explains why Finals Day is always the highlight of the year for him: We had a great Finals Day full of quality tennis, fun and a brilliant BBQ. Each year it’s great to see how much the players have improved and the drama that Finals Day brings. 8 9
FINALS WINNERS 2019 ADULTS
Men’s Singles
Ollie Ridge
JUNIORS
(Jack Lusher)
Green Ball
Will Bradley
Ladies’ Singles
(Angus Reid) Ollie Ridge Elena Holland
Elena Holland
(Katie Howgill)
Under 12 Boys’ Singles
Liam Kingston
Men’s Doubles
(Angus Reid)
Jack Lusher & Ben Morris
Will Bradley Liam Kingston
(Mike Bellhouse & Ollie Spry)
Under 12 Girls’ Singles
Charlotte
Ladies’ Doubles
(Sophie Rawlings)
Jo Bradley & Arabella Brown
Jack Lusher & Ben Morris (Abi Angell & Katie Howgill) Jo Bradley & Arabella Brown
Under 14 Boys’ Singles
Alex Johnson
Mixed Doubles
(Joe Hilbourne)
Elena Holland & Jack Lusher
(Poppy Thorne & Victor Thorne)
Under 14 Girls’ Singles
Charlotte Alex Johnson
Daisy Angell
Over 50s Men’s Singles
(Louisa Thomas)
John Spurling
(Paul Smith)
Under 14 Doubles
Alex Johnson & Liam Kingston Jack Lusher & Elena Holland John Spurling
Over 50s Ladies’ Singles
(Joe Hilbourne & Will Smart-Molineux)
Lizzie Paler
(Emy Lucassen)
Under 16 Boys’ Singles
Rob Finn
Over 50s Men’s Doubles
Daisy Angell (Alex Johnson) Rob Finn
Simon Charlesworth & Fraser Moffat
(Paul Harvey & Ian Huckstep)
Under 16 Girls’ Singles
Daisy Angell
Over 50s Ladies’ Doubles
(Louisa Thomas)
Lizzie Paler Sarah Charlesworth & Mary Moffat Courtney John
(Lizzie Paler & Catherine Robinson)
Under 16 Doubles
Lucas Killick & Victor Thorne
HANDICAP SINGLES
(Rob Finn & Jack Groom)
Courtney John
Lucas Killick & Victor Thorne Jaden Yee (Matt Watts)
Under 18 Singles
Jaden Yee
COACH’S SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS
(Toby West)
Most improved boy – Liam Kingston
10 Runners-up in brackets Most improved girl – Jazlyn Yee
Fraser Moffat Sarah Charlesworth
& Simon Charlesworth & Mary Moffat
HISTORY CLUB SESSIONS
Horsmonden Tennis Club has changed a lot since a Club sessions are held throughout the year at the following times:
group of enthusiasts formed the club on the site we now
enjoy. For 20 years the club had only two courts and TUESDAYS Mixed session from 10am until noon
WEDNESDAYS Men’s session from 10am until noon
a builder’s hut, but there have been huge improvements
Pay & Play session from 7.30pm until 9pm (£10)
over the years, notably three further courts, floodlights, THURSDAYS Cardio Tennis 9 -10am (£5)
a clubhouse and improved landscaping. Ladies’ session from 10am until noon
Mixed session from 7pm with free
The club is thriving, with more teams and coaching sessions becoming increasingly floodlights
popular, and in 2008 the club proudly unveiled its fifth court, set against the stunning FRIDAYS Cardio Tennis 9 -10am (£5)
backdrop of the old quarry. The extra court has made a huge difference to members: Mixed session from 10am until noon
totally enclosed, it provides the ideal venue for junior coaching, and enables social SUNDAYS Mixed session from 10am until noon
play to continue when tournaments, matches or coaching sessions are taking place. Juniors 4-6pm
The grassy banking area has proved a great success, giving fantastic views for
spectators, and the gate through to the Sports Club allows walkers to avoid the busy Adult members of all ages and standards are welcome
Maidstone Road. The patio around the clubhouse has been extended to increase to join in any club play event without charge and balls and
seating for visitors and there is now a ramp for easy wheelchair access. Other recent floodlights are provided. All feedback and ideas on varying the
improvements include: extending the car park; coppicing surrounding trees; installing mix-ins are welcomed by the Committee – members can turn up and just pay on the
a new cesspit and improved lighting; replacing furniture and carpet in the day for Cardio and Pay & Play sessions.
clubhouse and benches on all the courts. Courts are available for privately arranged tennis throughout the year except during
The Committee is continually reviewing ideas to improve club sessions, when matches are being played, if coaching is taking place or when
the facilities for members and a Reserve Fund is held for this tournaments are being held. Court A is bookable for non-Club Night members on all
purpose. An important costly ongoing commitment is the Thursdays apart from BBQ Nights. The courts may be booked online via the website.
regular professional cleaning of the courts, which ensures Juniors have the same rights as adults until 7pm, after which time they may not book
that we have five top quality playing surfaces – a remarkable a court. An adult may not book a court to play with a junior after 7pm but may play
achievement for a village club with the lowest membership if others are not waiting.
costs in the area.
12 13
COURT ETIQUETTE
The following rules of etiquette are mostly general Close the gate behind you
courtesy and common sense, and should be Whether you’re coming onto the courts, or
followed on all tennis courts. Most of us know the leaving, it is common courtesy to close the
gate behind you. This will keep the balls
right thing to do; we just need a gentle reminder
inside the confines of the gate and they
every now and then. won’t roll outside.
Show respect and courtesy Pick up after yourself
To your opponent(s), your partner, and others on or near Don’t leave empty cans, bottles, sweet
the courts. Keep your voice down and confined to your court as wrappers or any other rubbish on the courts
much as possible so as not to disrupt players on adjacent courts. If you get into a loud when you leave. Dispose of any rubbish you have
dispute with your opponent, take it off the court and away from other players. in bins or take it home with you.
Do not walk onto another court during a game Monitor children (under 13 years old) on the courts at all times
Wait for the players to finish the game, or minimally the point, before walking onto their Everyone who plays tennis wants to encourage kids to play the
court. It is very distracting to have someone disrupt a game in progress, so if you must game as well, but children must also follow these rules. Since they
cross another court, do so after the game is finished, and go around can tend to get distracted, it’s up to the adults with them to assist.
the court, not through the middle. Stray balls, running around and yelling are actions that need to
be managed.
Do not retrieve your ball from the other court
As with the above, it is common courtesy not to disrupt Clubhouse
players on court during a match. If your ball rolls onto No dogs in clubhouse. Lights off and lock up if you are the last
an adjacent court, wait for them to finish the game and to leave.
kindly ask for “a little help” to get their attention. Under no
circumstances should you run over onto their court in the Car park
middle of a game to retrieve the ball yourself. Take care in the car park and turn car lights and music off so as not to distract play.
Always wear proper tennis shoes Have fun!
This is because black-soled shoes leave marks on the courts The entire objective of tennis, aside from being
that are difficult to get off. Some shoes can damage the good aerobic exercise, is to have fun. You can
courts. Make sure you wear tennis shoes or appropriate trainers follow these rules of etiquette and still have
onto the courts. The proper shoes also give your feet the needed lateral a good time on the courts – the players
support when running down balls, and making abrupt changes in direction. on adjacent courts will appreciate it.
Use the tennis courts for tennis And finally please lock the courts and
The courts are for playing tennis – no dogs, bikes or other non-tennis items on the court. be respectful of our neighbours and
Do not run into or jump over the nets. These activities can seriously damage the court avoid any disruption when you leave.
surface and the nets.
14
TENNIS CLUB RULES
The following are the rules to be adhered to as
agreed by the committee in December 2016: 11 On leaving the court
- Ensure all rubbish is removed and put
1 T his is a members only club in the appropriate bin (we operate a
2 Children under the age of 13 must be supervised at recycling scheme)
all times - Ensure the gate is locked if no other
3 Please show respect for other club members at all times players
4 Hours of play are 8am til 10pm 12 If using the clubhouse please leave clean
- Junior members may play up until 7pm, unless previously and tidy and if the last to leave turn the lights
agreed with committee or coaches off and lock up.
5 Dress code must be appropriate sportswear including correct footwear Do not pass the door codes onto non-members under
6 Mobile phones are not allowed on court any circumstances
7 Use the appropriate gate to access the courts with the court key 13 Drive with due care and attention in the car park
8 Please respect our neighbours eg keep noise levels down 14 Personal belongings are left at the club at the owner’s risk. Lost property will be held
9 Follow the court booking guidelines and periodically given to charity if not claimed
- Turn up on time – you lose the right to a court after more than 10 minutes late 15 No chewing gum
10 Visitors must be with a member and pay the appropriate fee. Visitors can play up 16 All injuries and accidents at the club must be recorded in the Accident Record Book
to three times in any one year; after that they will need to become a member 17 The Committee has the right to suspend/terminate membership as per the
constitution (clause no 15)
18 Dogs
- Must be kept under control at all times
Subscriptions
- Are not allowed in the clubhouse or on the courts
Family: £150 - Any mess to be cleared up and removed
Single adult: £90
Family over 65: £120
Single over 65: £70
Students: £30
Juniors: £25
Non-playing: £5
Joining fee – adults only: £25
After holding subscriptions at the same rate for 11 years, we have finally applied a
moderate raise to some categories to maintain high standards.
16 17
CLUB INFORMATION CLUB MATCHES & CAPTAINS
Access to the clubhouse There are numerous opportunities for those members keen to play in club
Adult members are given a code to the keypad on matches and we endeavour to give as many people as possible the
the clubhouse side door, which opens into the lobby
opportunity for match play. We have three teams for men, three teams for
with a disabled access toilet and floodlight meters.
ladies and one combi team in the Maidstone Summer League (weekdays)
Another keypad on the inner door gives access to the
clubroom, kitchen and bathrooms. and one mixed team in the Wealden League (weekends).
Balls and floodlight tokens We also have a Men’s team in the weekend Kent League, plus Over 45s, Over 60s and
Balls are supplied for all club sessions and floodlighting is free for Over 70s Men’s teams which play throughout the year during the day on weekdays.
Thursday evenings. A tub of balls is available in the lobby - please ensure Please contact Zane Cheeseman on 07932 573888 if you would like to play in matches.
that you return them after use. New balls can be purchased from Zane Zane also captains the Team Tennis League team for Horsmonden – the tennis in this
at £4 per tin of four. Floodlight tokens are available from Tracey Parrett league is of a very high standard as they are in the top division so please do come and
(07726 160539), The Heath Stores or the coaches at £2.50 each. support their home matches if you can.
Each token lasts for half an hour. The position of the token meters
corresponds to the position of the courts.
MATCH CAPTAINS
General information Maidstone League
First Aid Boxes are kept in the corner of the toilet for the disabled and in Men’s A Fraser Moffat 01892 722528
the kitchen. Please record any injuries or safety issues in the blue Health and Men’s B Richard Harries 01580 201733
Safety book which is on a rack in the lobby. A defibrillator is on the side of Men’s C Allan Robinson 01622 872081
the clubhouse for use at the Tennis Club, Sports Club and surrounding Ladies’ A Mary Moffat 01892 722528
area. The Club will be holding 1st Aid courses at different times
Ladies’ B Lesley Butcher 01622 812490
throughout the year. Please attend if you can - you could save
Ladies’ C Mary-Jayne Bournes 01892 836138
someone’s life!
Combination Allan Robinson 01622 872081
There is no public telephone at the club so it is advisable to
bring a mobile phone with you – however, please refrain from using Kent League
phones on court unless it is an emergency. Men’s A Ben Morris 07730 361345
Members are requested to make themselves familiar with the
regulations regarding court bookings and code of conduct. Copies of these regulations
are displayed in the clubhouse. If you do not turn up for a court booking within 10
Men’s Over 45s Peter May 01892 832355
minutes of your allotted time, you lose your right to the court and other members may
Men’s Over 60s Peter May 01892 832355
turn up and play.
Men’s Over 70s Peter May 01892 832355
Recycling Wealden League Alec Butcher 01622 812490
We now have recycling bins on all courts and by the clubhouse. Please use them for all
plastics, tins and paper only. Hundreds of tennis balls are also recycled – competition and Men’s Team Tennis
club session balls are re-used for coaching and then passed on to a firm that specialises Men’s 1st Zane Cheeseman 07932 573888
in recycling rubber for various industrial uses and rewards us with a small cash payment. Men’s 2nd Jack Lusher 07946 795277
18 19MATCH REPORTS
Our teams continue to have fun and perform well in their various leagues. In the Kent rest of the summer squad: Ollie Ridge,
League the Men’s Over 45’s remained unbeaten for a second year and did not even Simon Charlesworth, Phil Wilkes, Johnny
lose a set whilst the Over 60’s came third out of six, and the Over 70’s came second in Freear, Gary Carless, John Spurling and
their division. Kent Men’s Doubles are in Summer Division 4 and Winter Division 6 Leagues. Mike Bellhouse for their support.
The Team Tennis 1st team finished third in a strong Division 1 and the 2nd team struggled, Next time...!
losing some very tight matches but managing to stay in Division 3.
Men’s B, Maidstone League,
In the Maidstone & District League, the Men’s A team came second in Division 1,
by Richard Harries
Men’s B team came third in Division 2 and Men’s C team came fifth in Division 4. The
The B Team enjoyed a
Ladies’ A team had been promoted to Division 1 this year and came a very respectable
successful summer, winning seven
third, Ladies’ B came third in Division 3 and Ladies’ C team came second in Division 5.
matches losing two and one not played.
The Combi team came fifth in Division 2. The Wealden League team finished sixth in their
We came third in our league which I believe would have been first
league. All the teams have such great spirit and are an asset to the club and we are
if Howard Courtley and John Poore had not been injured. We had 11
very grateful to the captains for all their hard work.
players turn out for us with some new faces as well as the old stalwarts.
Charlie Ridge’s Tuesday night practice sessions ensured we remained competitive
Ladies’ A, Maidstone League, by Mary Moffat
through the season.
The Ladies’ A team had their first season in Division 1 after having
been promoted at the end of last season. There was some strong Men’s Over 45s Kent Summer League Division 4, by Peter May
competition in the league which at times was challenging but Having gained promotion last year by being unbeaten we expected
enabled us to improve our match play. We had a very successful a tougher set of matches but this didn’t happen and we remained
season finishing third in the league, with great wins over Bearstead unbeaten for a second year and this time we did not lose a set in any
and Headcorn. A big thank you to all the team for your commitment of the matches so we will gain promotion for a second year on the trot.
and your part in our success. We have a great team spirit and always stop at a number of hostelries
on the way home!
Ladies’ B, Maidstone League, by Lesley Butcher
Once again our B team played with enthusiasm and a sense of fair Men’s Over 60s Kent Winter League Division 1, by Peter May
play. We finished in the middle of Division 3, third out of five teams. The last time we gained promotion to this league we got relegated straightaway, but this
I was impressed with the way all players of varying ages played year it was a different story and we came third out of six, losing to a strong Canterbury
together, sometimes with a new partner, and enjoyed the experience. side and losing on games to Margate. Like the Over 45s team we had a great team spirit!
Men’s A, Maidstone League, by Fraser Moffat Men’s Over 70s Kent Winter League Division South, by Peter May
Summer 2019 was an ‘almost’ year for the A Team. We The top division in Kent is divided into North and South and we had to play as far afield as
finished in a respectable 2nd place on 75 points behind Maidstone Blackheath and Canterbury away. The end result was that we finished second and only
A’s on 86 points. We were leading until two pivotal games went losing to Canterbury on games. The team consisted of Peter May, Jeff Pearson, Francis
against us; we lost the head to head v Maidstone 8 - 4 and we lost v Trew, Mick Sunnucks and Godfrey Haslehurst. Let’s hope we can go one
Bearsted at home on a technicality, when rain stopped play: tennis better in the winter of 2019/2020.
version of Duckworth Lewis for the cricket fans! Great team effort
Wealden League, by Alec Butcher
and camaraderie, rotating a squad of 10 strong players. Chris Wilkes
Matches have been challenging this year and all players have
represented us for 8 matches (the most) and we were delighted to drag Mick Bull out
enjoyed playing in the relaxed atmosphere.
of retirement to partner David Newsom for our final match of the season. Thanks to the
20 21COACHING - HOTSHOTZ ZANE CHEESEMAN - HEAD COACH
The club has an active group coaching programme involving around 200 I set up HOTSHOTZ in 2015, having spent a lifetime playing and coaching tennis,
juniors and 100 adults each week, with many more having private lessons. and inspired to share all the knowledge I had accumulated over the years.
Junior group lessons are held after school or on Saturdays, while adult group I first picked up a racket when I was four years old and immediately loved the
sessions take place both daytime and evenings. game, going on to represent Kent, play in the British Nationals and achieve a
junior world ranking, taking on Andy Murray along the way.
Head Coach, Zane Cheeseman, who has been with the club for 18 years, set up his
own company, HOTSHOTZ, in 2015 and reports on a great fifth season at Horsmonden: With nearly 22 years’ coaching experience, I still enjoy every minute
on court, particularly seeing how quickly juniors can progress. I have
2019 was another fantastic year, with a further increase in numbers attending our been lucky enough to win some prestigious awards, including Kent
coaching programme and camps. Many of our coaches passed their next coaching Coach of the Year in 2013 and Sports Achiever of the Year in 2016
qualification and we have seen the highest membership numbers at Horsmonden in all at the Tunbridge Wells Love Where You Live ceremony. Highlights
the 18 years I’ve been at the club. I would like to thank all my coaches for their amazing of my career include playing for Kent against the All England
work and we are looking forward to a successful 2020. Club at Wimbledon, helping them to win promotion to the top
division and learning how to play wheelchair tennis in order to
HOTSHOTZ also stocks a wide range of rackets and coach talented youngster, Ian Payne, to become GB number four.
other tennis equipment for sale at discounted rates I continually strive to improve my expertise, and one of my biggest
and offers very reasonable prices for restringing and achievements was passing my LTA Master Club Coach qualification to
fitting new grips. become one of only 70 Level 5 coaches in the country. I am proud to have been
For more detailed information and the latest shortlisted for Kent Coach of the Year 2020 and my next goal is to look to improve my GB
news please visit hotshotztennis.co.uk or Over 35 rankings of UK number 3 and World number 68 in Singles and UK number 1 and
@hotshotztenniscoaching World number 16 in Doubles and to represent GB in a match.
22 23COACHES JUNIOR CLUB AFTERNOONS
Jack Lusher & JUNIOR COACHES
Age: 26
Junior Club Afternoons Sundays 4 - 6pm
Tennis: playing for 20 years, rating 4.1
Head Coach, Zane believes the Junior Club Afternoons
Coaching: full time for 8 years, assisting for
are so important for the club and its young players
10 years
because they get the opportunity to come along
Qualification: LTA Level 3, RPT instructor
and practise what they are learning with their
Email: jack@hotshotztennis.co.uk
coaches while socialising with their friends:
Mobile: 07946 795277
If your children are 10 years and older then bring
Jack says:
them down to the Junior Club sessions so they can
Tennis is such a great sport to teach; it’s practise what they have worked on in their group
a rare sport that you can play with family, lessons. Also by playing more than once a week your
friends and competitively and keep playing for children will pick up the game much more quickly… and
the rest of your life, almost anywhere in the world. it also saves you going through the pain
of trying to play with them!
Danny and Victor Thorne are running the Junior Club Afternoons
and hoping to attract even more young players to join them
Ben Morris
this year.
Email: ben@hotshotztennis.co.uk
Mobile: 07730 361345
Junior Coaches
Ben is an LTA Level 3 qualified tennis coach and active first team player who joined
Most of our junior coaches are home-grown talent, having
HOTSHOTZ in 2017. He is passionate about developing the skills and attitude necessary
come through the coaching system at our club, and they are
to succeed in the game amongst children and
keen to earn their professional qualifications. In 2019 Rachel West
adults. Ben enjoys coaching all ages and
and Eloise Emmerson passed their Tennis Leaders, Rosie Bignell,
seeing the players progress and improve.
Emma Coleman and Danny Thorne their Level 1 and Abi Angell, Katie
Ben says: Howgill, Tanya McCulley and Toby West their Level 2 qualifications. They are all invaluable
to the professional HOTSHOTZ coaches.
If you give it your all, a win will
feel deserved and a loss won’t
hold regret.
24 25JUNIOR COACHING JUNIOR TOURNAMENT DAYS
Encouraging and developing new talent is a The juniors are making excellent progress and we aim to
high priority for the club, which is constantly provide them with competitive opportunities as soon as
seeking new ways to inspire youngsters to they can sustain a rally. 13 years ago we introduced fun
take up the game from an early age and but competitive Tournament Days to give children of
develop their talent. Junior members form a all ages the chance to get invaluable match practice,
very important part of our club and talented before they start playing for the junior teams.
juniors are invited to join in club sessions with
adult members, who are actively encouraged to The events have proved very popular, attracting children as young
as four years old to the Mini Red category, before moving on though the
make them welcome.
older age groups so they always have a new goal to strive for, whatever their standard.
Around 300 juniors are members of the club: approximately a third are under 10 years
Zane says: After changing the tournaments to Sunday last year we attracted a lot more
old and the remainder between the ages of 10 and 18. We have an extensive coaching
players to our tournaments, with record numbers attending from local clubs such as
programme for juniors of all ages and abilities run by HOTSHOTZ Tennis, who offer group
King’s Hill, Hawkhurst, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. All matches are played in great
and individual coaching lessons.
spirit and it’s great to see the players learning how to compete in a competitive situation.
Zane says: We are looking to organise matches between different local tennis clubs so
Juniors also have the opportunity to play tournaments at Horsmonden which can
our juniors get to play different players but of a similar level. We still enter teams in local
improve their tennis ratings: some are by invitation and others are open to all, so watch
leagues for the better players. Match play is important for juniors to learn how to compete
the noticeboards and check your emails for further information.
fairly, learn to win and lose, as well as helping the coaches to target the areas they need
to improve. Why have lessons if you don’t compete?
Junior Tournament Days
19th January Horsmonden 3rd May Horsmonden 11th October Horsmonden
9th February Staplehurst 14th June Maidstone 15th November Maidstone
15th March Maidstone 13th Sept Staplehurst
Red Ball 10 -11.15am £6 Orange Ball 11.30am-12.45pm £6
Green Ball 12.45 - 2pm £6 Yellow Ball 2 - 4pm £8
Free Tennis School Roadshows
HOTSHOTZ also works closely with local schools, running
free tennis Roadshows - the playground is transformed into
mini tennis courts, enabling every child to have coaching
on a specific shot, movement and skills. Zane encourages
any children not yet involved in tennis to contact the club,
particularly those who show a great attitude to learning on the
day: These free tennis sessions are our way of offering all local children the chance to
give tennis a try because if you don’t try you won’t know if you like it.
26 27HOTSHOTZ CAMPS MINI TENNIS
Mini Tennis is a great way to introduce children to tennis.
HORSMONDEN MAIDSTONE STAPLEHURST
The full sized racket and court, with high bouncing
regular tennis balls are beyond a young child and the
February February Easter
Traffic Light System of low compression red, orange
17th -19th February 18th-19th February 6th-9th April
and green balls ensures that children play and learn
14th-17th April
with appropriate equipment on the right size of court.
Easter Easter
This enables children to progress through the different
6th - 9th April 6th-9th April May
court and racket sizes and ball compressions at their
14th -17th April 26th-28th May
own pace:
May
May 27th-28th May Summer LTA Red Ball Scheme covers the fundamentals of tennis including balance,
26th -28th May 20th-24th July movement, co-ordination and basic racket skills and is played on a court not
Summer 27th-31st July much bigger than the service boxes – for children born 2012 or later;
Summer 27th-31st July 3rd-7th August
20th - 24th July 3rd-7th August 10th-14th August LTA Orange Ball Players who have developed their skills sufficiently move on to
a larger court and develop technique, basic rules and tactics – for children born
27th - 31st July 17th-21st August 17th-21st August
in 2011;
3rd -7th August 24th-28th August
10th -14th August October LTA Green Ball Courses look at more advanced
17th -21st August 20th-22nd October techniques and tactics, using the mini tennis green ball
24th -28th August on a normal size court – for children born in 2010;
F ull Tennis Balls Once children have mastered all
October
these skills they move on to regular yellow tennis balls
20th -22nd October and rackets – for children born 2009 or earlier.
See HOTSHOTZ website for timings and prices
The coaches have picked out some
children of all ages who are working
hard and made particularly good
progress in 2019.
28 29JUNIOR PROFILES
Erin May Phoebe Soesan
Age: 5 Age: 8, nearly 9
School: Paddock Wood Primary School: Wadhurst Primary
LTA tennis ball colour: Red LTA tennis ball colour: Orange
Years at Horsmonden Tennis Club: 2 Years at Horsmonden Tennis Club: 2
Years playing tennis: 2 Years playing tennis: 2
Favourite shot: Forehand Favourite shot: Forehand
Most admired professional player: Zane Cheeseman Most admired professional player: My coach Ben
Best part about your lessons: Open Gate game, because I like running Best part about your lessons: Rallying
Tennis ambition: To be very good at tennis and to keep enjoying playing Tennis ambition: To learn to become a professional player
Greatest tennis achievement so far: Hitting the ball over the net and the coach catching it Greatest tennis achievement so far: Getting better at serving
I like playing at Horsmonden Tennis Club because I like the coaches and enjoy learning tennis by I like playing at Horsmonden Tennis Club because the lessons are always fun and I learn something
playing the fun games! new every time I play.
Coaches say: Erin turns up to each lesson with a big smile on her face and always gives 110% as Coaches say: One of our biggest improvers of the last year, her love for tennis makes it great fun to
we help prepare her for beating her grandad Peter May. teach Phoebe; she has to keep working hard to make sure that her brother never beats her.
Fraser Soesan Edward Arscott
Age: 5 Age: 10
School: Wadhurst Primary School: Horsmonden Primary
LTA tennis ball colour: Red LTA tennis ball colour: Orange
Years at Horsmonden Tennis Club: 1 Years at Horsmonden Tennis Club: 6
Years playing tennis: 1 Years playing tennis: 6
Favourite shot: Big Shot Forehand Favourite shot: Forehand
Most admired professional player: My coach Most admired professional player: Andy Murray
Best part about your lessons: Open Gate Best part about your lessons: Games at the end
Tennis ambition: To play really fast Tennis ambition: To be a professional
Greatest tennis achievement so far: Hitting the ball over the net Greatest tennis achievement so far: Doing a one handed backhand
I like playing at Horsmonden Tennis Club because it’s fun and we play fun games and I make new I like playing at Horsmonden Tennis Club because I love tennis and I want to be a professional.
friends and we get sweets! Coaches say: Having three sisters can’t be easy but Edward keeps his sisters at bay with his tennis
Coaches say: Fraser has improved so much in the last year, thanks to always listening and working skills. It won’t be long until he is beating his dad and pairing up in the Mixed Doubles with his mum.
so hard in each lesson; it won’t be long until he’s challenging his sister!
Millie Richie
Jack Barratt Age: 10
Age: 8 School: Dulwich Prep
School: The Mead School LTA tennis ball colour: Orange
LTA tennis ball colour: Orange Years at Horsmonden Tennis Club: 2
Years at Horsmonden Tennis Club: 1 Years playing tennis: 4
Years playing tennis: 4 Favourite shot: Forehand
Favourite shot: Forehand Most admired professional player: Cori Gauff
Most admired professional player: Rafa Nadal Best part about your lessons: The fun games that we play at the end
Best part about your lessons: Matches with Zane and fun games with Ben Tennis ambition: To beat my Daddy!
Tennis ambition: Wimbledon Final Greatest tennis achievement so far: Improving my backhand
Greatest tennis achievement so far: Reaching semi finals and winning 3rd/4th I like playing at Horsmonden Tennis Club because I play with my friends and I
play off in the Boys Singles Sussex U8 County Championship 2019 really like the courts.
I like playing at Horsmonden Tennis Club because I am coached by Zane, one of the best player Coaches say: Millie is such an easy pupil to teach, as all she wants to do is learn and improve
coaches in the country. He really encourages and gives me confidence. herself. She has made so much progress and we look forward to seeing her each week.
Coaches say: Bjorn Borg look alike Jack is a Sussex county player and has been great to work with
over the last year; he’s definitely a future Men’s Singles champion in the making.
30 31Charlotte
Age: 12 CARDIO TENNIS
LTA tennis ball colour: Yellow
Years at Horsmonden Tennis Club: 1 Cardio Tennis is sweeping the globe across more
Years playing tennis: 5
than 30 countries and it’s easy to understand why.
Favourite shot: Forehand
Most admired professional players: Roger Federer & Venus Williams In just one hour you can get an amazing workout
Best part about your lessons: My coach Zane is great fun and I learn loads in a sociable environment, play tennis, and enjoy
Tennis ambition: To play on a Wimbledon court exhilarating music with fast-paced games, all at the
Greatest tennis achievement so far: Winning the Kent Tennis U9 and U10 Doubles
same time.
Leagues and captaining a winning team in the Kent Schools Tennis
I like playing at Horsmonden Tennis Club because it is always a friendly place with great coaches. Players of all standards will be inspired by this high
Coaches say: Charlotte is great to work with. She may be small but she hits the ball very hard and energy, fun group activity, where they can improve their
will also ask you every silly question you can think of! game whilst simultaneously getting fit and burning up to 600
Louis Naish calories. Slower transition tennis balls facilitate the intense cardio
Age: 12 activity and upbeat music boosts your internal motivation and
School: Maidstone Grammar pushes you to work harder. Skilled coaches also ensure
LTA tennis ball colour: Yellow that players of mixed abilities all get an appropriate
Years at Horsmonden Tennis Club: 1
Years playing tennis: 6 workout for their fitness level and improve their tennis.
Favourite shot: Forehand Why not sign up today to reduce your risk of heart
Most admired professional player: Roger Federer disease, feel the beat and feel good?! Contact
Best part about your lessons: Match play
Zane for more information 07932 573888.
Tennis ambition: Winning – a lot!
Greatest tennis achievement so far: Between the legs shot
I like playing at Horsmonden Tennis Club because the coaches are fun! Sessions
Coaches say: Louis is always extremely focused and this has helped him to improve so much Thursday 9-10am run by Ben for Adults
within the last year. I’m excited to see his progress in 2020 and hope he can challenge his parents
Friday 9 -10am run by Zane for Adults
to a match soon.
BRITISH TENNIS MEMBERSHIP WELFARE & SAFEGUARDING
& WIMBLEDON The welfare of our juniors and vulnerable adults is
very important to the club. Our Welfare Officer, Mimi
One of the biggest benefits of British Tennis Membership (BTM) has always been a large
Hoffman, has attended courses to ensure that we
allocation of Wimbledon tickets for Horsmonden Tennis Club members. We usually
protect our members against any form of abuse,
receive around 50 pairs of tickets each year, including seats on Centre Court for every
bullying or misguided behaviour. It is critical that all
day of the fortnight.
our members feel safe and happy so please contact
To apply you need to be a member of British Tennis and to have opted in by phone or
Mimi if you have any concerns. There are further
via the LTA website by 14th February; you then pay your annual subscription by 1st April
details in the clubhouse or on the website.
before you can be included in the Club Ballot in early April.
Name Mimi Hoffman
Wimbledon is a fantastic experience for tennis fans of any age and countless club Contact 07739 535 284
Photo
members have benefitted from their Horsmonden Tennis membership by enjoying a visit Click to add photo
Email thehoffmans@btinternet.com
About Me
to the championships. It could be you this year! I am Horsmonden Lawn Tennis Club
Chairman, and Welfare Officer. Please
contact me with concerns or queries of any
kind.
32 33COMMITTEE
Mimi Hoffman Chairman 01892 722980 John Spurling 07771 701098
Dermot Drysdale Treasurer 01892 722523 Ben Wood 01732 467928/
Courtney John and family became club members in 2006.
Tracey Parrett Secretary 07726 160539 01732 471571
Courtney’s principle objective was to be able to give his son
Victoria Aldwinckle 07966 331107
a game: still work in progress on that one! His wife Cathy and
Katy Arscott 07876 346116
children Harrison (17) and Charlotte (13) all enjoy playing tennis.
Stuart Davis 01892 725571 Coaching Team
Courtney John 01892 724156 Zane Cheeseman 07932 573888
Tracey Parrett has been the Club Secretary since
2011 and all the family are keen tennis players having
Victoria Aldwinckle and her two boys, Charlie (8) and Harry (7) joined been members at the club for a number of years. 2019 saw a big
Horsmonden in 2017. Having played tennis since she was 6, Victoria change as they moved away from the village but they all remain
now really enjoys sharing her love of being on a court in all weathers members and Tracey continues as the Secretary.
with her two boys - both of whom seem to have inherited her
competitive spirit! When work allows, Victoria occasionally plays for John Spurling and his wife Caroline have lived in the local area
the Ladies A team. for some 20 years. He has had a life-long passion for most ball
sports and played some at representative levels, including trying
Katy Arscott joined the tennis club after moving to Horsmonden in to make it (and failing!) as a professional golfer many years ago.
2013 and plays tennis as often as her four children will allow! Katy He has played in various Horsmonden teams over the last couple
is keen to improve her tennis and get the whole family playing. of years.
Stuart Davis has lived in Horsmonden and been a Ben Wood joined the club in 2019 after recently moving to the village.
member of the club for 12 years. He joined the He really enjoyed tennis growing up and is keen to get his young
committee six years ago. A self-confessed fair weather family into the game. Ben is proud to be associated with this lovely
player, he is a regular at the club sessions during the warmer months club and always happy to have a hit!
and has occasionally been seen to come out of hibernation on
balmy winter days.
Coaching Team
Dermot Drysdale lives in Horsmonden and was bullied by his son Zane Cheeseman HOTSHOTZ Tennis Head Coach.
Patrick into the family joining the club 23 years ago. Patrick went on See profile on page 23.
to win the Under 18 Singles twice while his dad went on to be the
Treasurer – a fair reflection of their respective tennis capabilities.
Dermot plays most weekends.
Mimi Hoffman and her husband Phil have been active members of
the club for 16 years. Mimi plays for the Ladies B when injuries allow! Junior Coaches
Sons Barny and Luke grew up having coaching at Horsmonden and Abi Angell
represented the club along the way. Having been on the committee Toby West
for many years, Mimi is now in her seventh year as chairman.
34 35hors mon de n t e n n i s .co.uk
You can also read
