FAREWELL 2009
We say farewell with the news that the Courts have re-opened with new posts and new nets. The resurfacing cost £18,670.25 which included cement barriers, where appropriate, to prevent tree roots emerging on court which caused many of the previous bumps. The colouring of the Courts will not take place until late April/early May when we have warm weather to allow the paint to set in correctly. Naturally this painting will be an extra costing. I had a try out on the Courts on Sunday and found a good even surface and perfect bounce. The practise wall is also available to MOT your backhand and prove a very valuable coaching asset.

WIMBLEDON TICKETS
Many thanks to all those who recently took up the free offer of British Tennis Membership. As a result we now have 100 members which includes Juniors. Therefore all of those 100 are eligible to go in our Club draw for Wimbledon Ticket draw should they wish to do so of course.

WIMBLEDON TICKETS PART 2
Every year I get people enquiring where they can get tickets, usually around Wimbledon time. Yes, you are eligible to go in our Club draw and we normally get 8 pairs of Tickets. However, there is another way where you have a great opportunity to receive tickets and you can do this by becoming a member of Kent Tennis. This Kent Associate Membership costs £17 per annum or £32 for husband and Wife. This year for instance Kent Associates which included several of our members managed to get to Wimbledon. To become a Kent Associate please ring Rosemary Lee (Number from Denis). Also see Kent website for Kent Associate report under Kent Tennis report 2009. The Kent Tennis AGM, by the way, is at Newstead Woods School on Wednesday evening January 12th at 7:30 pm. The Kent website also tells you where you can play in individual Tournaments and those of you with competing children should enter them in various events. One of the biggest problems with British Tennis is that there are hundreds of Children being coached week in, week out, but very, very few competing in Tournaments.

ANORAK MAN (PART 2)
OK you didn’t ask for it, but you are getting it just the same. The following players have represented Catford Wanderers in Inter Club matches over the past 20 years and made the following appearances in brackets:
Clive Richardson (110), Kathy Aldridge (127), Rachel Brown (133), Adam Chapman (134), Dean Smith (143), Chris Gilbert (146), Janice Reid (150), Clive Birkhamshaw (157), Andy Hellier (157), Steve Roberts (158), Jim Short (168), Sharon Fisher (176), Steve Doyle (191), Angela Rezki (193), Nathan Smith (213), Mark Smith (242), Dorothy Hierons (283), Val O Brien (258), Denis Costelloe (514).
ANORAK MAN (PART 3)
Ever wondered who is the most successful club in North Kent? 1936, yes 1936 to date in winning overall. Trophies: Bexley with 149 are at No 1, Glenhurst (long long since gone) are at second with 131, and Hartley third with 124. Catford have won 38 by the way.

AND FINALLY
Looking for a good read for 2010? My local book shop are offering the following:
Yours till my Lobs Lose Their Glory - by Val O Brien.
Father, Son and the Winning Post - by John Allen.
My Little Book of Insults - by Steve Roberts.
Cupcake, Treacle and other Yorkshire phrases - by Stewart Walker.
Call me Blaster, not? - by Peter Bates.
Captain Relegation - by Eamon Martin (the true account of the 2006 losing Veterans side).
Short Stories - by Tony Barnes inc 'Me and my bicycle Clips' and 'I met an Englishman on the 208 bus'
Rejected and Dejected, tale of a man told 'your not good enough' - by a Tennis Club and with forward by Nick Peterson
Broken Down Buses and Injury Trusses - by Mark Smith
Food Glorious Food at Various Tennis Clubs - by Denis Costelloe

CONGRATULATIONS
To the Badminton Section who have five, yes FIVE players who play for Kent. A wonderful achievement for a Club with one Court.

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL READERS

DON’T FORGET TO TAP INTO OUR CLUBS WEBSITE (www.catfordwanderers.co.uk) - well worth a visit

LATE GEOFF GUNTRIP
The death took place last week of Geoff Guntrip (88) one of the great Catford players of by gone years. Geoff won our Mens Singles in 1938and 14 years later (1952) won it again. He also recorded six doubles successes including a hat trick 1952 - 54 with Bobby Thorn. A classic player who read the game second to none, Geoff also won the Kent Singles, Doubles and Mixed between 1949 and 1951. Perhaps his greatest achievement was winning the Kent Summer Doubles title four years running with Bobby Thorn 1949/1952. Remember, that in those days all the top County players played in these competitions which were seen as a selection process for Kent Mens teams. He went on to play several times for Kent and was awarded County Colours in 1948. Geoff and his brother John gave sterling service to Catford Wanderers, not only out on the Courts but also in their contribution to the Club as a whole. I was fortunate to play against Geoff about five or six years ago and even then he produced some delightful shots for a man in his eighties. A modest man and a gentleman on and off court who rarely commented on his own successes and concentrated instead on the skills of his fellow Kent team members and the array of top players that were at Catford during his time. Geoff, it was an honour to be on the same court as your gentle self - enjoy the Courts of Paradise.

WHAT A MATCH – NO, WHAT A MEAL
Our Club's final match of the year was the Over 60 boys of Dave Elkins, Val O Brien, John Clay and Denis visiting Margate where they were greeted with a hot drink and glorious sunshine while London suffered in snow showers. The after match meal consisted of Soup, Quiche, and bread and butter pudding and lashings of it, plus the usual cheese, hams etc. Oh yes, the result was a two all draw but we lost on games. Margate are up with us in January and Val is already thumbing through Delia Smith's Cookery book for suitable dishes. Incidentally, former Catford players Ron and Barbara Chapman, now living in Birchington came to watch and send their regards to all at Catford.

THE ANORAC MAN
So who played the most times for Catford during 2009? The following five players played over 30 times for the Club this year almost ending – Denis Costelloe, Peter Tombleson, Nathan Smith, Stewart Walker and Janice Reid. The following six players played 25 times or more in 2009, - Dean Smith, Adam Chapman, Chris Gilbert, Andy Hellier, Rachel Brown and Claudia De-Souza. The following players played 20 times or more this year – Adam Tanagidah, Dave Elkins, Steve Hubbard, Steve Le Comber, John Clay and Angela Rezki. The following eight players played 15 times or more – Joel Surendran, Val O Brien, Clive Richardson, Rob Dawbarn, Sharon Fisher, Sue Rice–Vine, Stephanie James and Kathy Aldridge.

THE ANORAK MAN (PART 2)
To be continued next week when we will reveal who has played 100 times or more for the club.

BROMLEY COURT CHRISTMAS BASH
Mark Smith organised our meal at the Bromley Court last Saturday night which was a great success for the 50 who attended. Great meal, Disco and everyone dressed in their best. Table arrangement was great also and a few of our members took the opportunity to stay the night for B and B at a cost of £80,excellent value.

OLD GITS TUESDAY CHRISTMAS GET TOGETHER
Snow prevented some of the regulars attending, but this did not stop the rest of the usual old codgers enjoying champagne, Christmas cake (homemade by Jayne) and lots of other treats. Even ex old Git Eddie Stammers flew in from Cyprus to say hello and celebrate being the big 70. Headmistess Ms Qureshi paid tribute to her boys for an excellent term and promised them that Santa would reward them. Do they still believe? Well why not, if they believe they can play tennis as we know it.

CONGRATULATIONS
Well done and congratulations to Thomas Allen who has been called into the Kent Under 12 Badminton Squad after a trial at Tunbridge Wells. Thomas started playing the game with Dave Elkins and his Friday Night Junior Coaching and we wish him well.

FAIRY TALE OF CATFORD WANDERERS (With apologies to THE POGUES)
Twas Tuesday morning babe, at the Tennis Club, and Val, he said to me, we've seen another one
And then he upped a lob, and shouted Yours again, I turned my face away and pointed out to him
Got in a lucky four, and then Steve Roberts swore, I've got a feeling babe, I should have stayed at home
Then Stewart, the Barnsley bloke, produced a lucky stoke,
And Kris he missed my spin and called it out again
And the boys around the Boot fayre, they were calling out their wares
And it didn’t seem a lot like Galway Bay

Now Dave he was staring and Tony was swearing,
on the plight of West Ham and their failure to fight
So a coffee I risked it and Rob nicked my biscuit and Peter and Terry blew my serve out of sight
And as I served a double fault, I heard Andy clearly say

It's time that you xyz off to Galway Bay

I could be number one – don’t kid yourself old son,
I've got a feeling babe I'll make the first team squad

The Mixed team need some skill - I think I fit the bill,
But I'm on my own again, nobody wants me

And the Boys etc.

Catford Wanderers Tennis Club can look back at 2009 with pleasant memories. The Winter of 2008/09 saw two successes for the Club in the North Kent Leagues. Our Ladies second team of Sue Rice-Vine (Captain), Claudia De-Souza, Sharon Fisher, and Janice Reid won their Division and for the first time that anyone can remember two Catford sides contested a final: The North Kent Mixed Division Two Final. The first team of Nathan Smith, Chris Gilbert, Rachel Brown and Stephanie James ran out the winners. So much for the Winter but came the Summer days it was the case of "what might have been" as our sides failed to pick up any honours. Not that it was all doom and gloom and we can look back with pride on the fact that the Mixed First Team retained their Premier Division status and the Mens First team consolidated their First Division place. Worth noting also that the Club fielded five Mens Teams, two Mixed teams, two Ladies teams, two Mens Veterans teams, Mens Over 60 and over 70 teams and a Boys Under-14 side. A tribute to the Captains and the players who showed a willingness and keenness for Inter Club competitive Tennis.

Perhaps it was on the home front that the Club excelled beyond expectations in 2009. The Club Tournament refereed by John Allen drew a record entry with Finals Day enlivened by modern technology giving spectators a data update on courtside screens and waitress served strawberries and cream - thank you Dorothy Hierons. Rafhael Urbani won the Mens Singles with a 6-4 6-7 6-4 win over Nathan Smith. However Smith got his revenge in the Mens Doubles partnering Adam Chapman to a facile 6-1 6-1 victory over Urbani and Adam Tanagadah. The Ladies Singles gave Kathy Aldridge her third in a row title with a 7-5 2-6 6-3 success over Annie Purcell. Both Ladies were favourites to win the Ladies Doubles only to find Claudia De Souza and Janice Reid in superb form to claim a worthy 6-3 6-4 victory. The Mixed title went to Adam Chapman and Julia McCallum who saw off Adam Tanagadah and Claudia De Souza on a 7-5 6-1 scoreline. The supporting events, Mens Plate went to Steve Roberts who proved too good for Eamon Martin and Peter Tombleson and Dean Smith won the Doubles with a straight sets win over the luckless Martin and Rob Dawbarn.

There were plenty of Club Tournaments at Catford Wanderers over the summer months with Handicap Events for Mens, Ladies, Mixed and Veterans plus a Pimms event with the proceeds of the latter going to the Marie Curie Cancer Fund. Social Tennis on Sunday afternoons, once a great tradition of all Tennis Clubs was very much alive and well at our Club. Here, we had the big revival of all that is good with Social Tennis and the fun, chat and delicious teas made the Sundays a very happy memory now in these dull Winter afternoons.

On the Social front the Christmas Dinner at the Bromley Court was its usual great evening, and the Tennis Club also ran Pool Evenings, Quiz Nights and even a Bingo Night. Now on to the congratulatory news items. John Clay and Denis Costelloe were called up to play for their counties, John for Surrey Mens Over 60 and Denis for Kent Mens Over 70. Adam Chapman captained Birmingham University Tennis team and former Catford Junior Emily Brimson was honoured by being made Captain of the Kent Ladies team. Nearer to home Jayne and Simon Qureshi were the first winners of the Larry Logan award for their contribution to the Club during 2009, a well deserved honour for their hard work. Popular first team player Oliver Bromley and wife Jo had something to celebrate as well with the birth of twins Oscar and Samuel.

We had moments of sadness as well with the sudden passing of Val Parker who with husband John gave so much of her time and labour to the club in its earlier years. We also bade fare well to Dick Tritton a man described as one of the old school whose Tennis, sportsmanship and good humour played so much part of the Wanderers for well over two decades. May they rest in the Courts of Paradise.

And so farewell to 2009, a year where Catford Wanderers came third in North Kents Club of the Year award ample testimony to the organisation of our Tennis Club. In conclusion, our three Courts are currently being re-surfaced, our Ladies Teams are the best we have had in years and we look forward to 2010 for more success and the creation of a better Junior Section. Without the youth, we have no future a fact we must never overlook.

SING FOR JOY

Yes our hard courts have been resurfaced with new posts and new nets and they look really lovely. They will be allowed to bed-in for a week and will re open next Saturday December 19th with Simon and his Mens Three at home to Hartley at 10am.

Next Sunday Social Tennis returns if we have recovered from the Bromley Court the night before.

Yes, next Saturday evening is our Christmas Dinner and Dance at the Bromley Court - must get my highlights done, should go well with my Damart Vest and Man at C and A Jacket.

RECENT RESULTS

Ladies 2 fielding Sharon, Janice, Sue the Captain and Claudia had a good 4-0 win over Sidcup Rec 2 to add to their 3-1 success over Wickham Park back in October. Last week they had a hard fought draw with Knockholt failing to break down Knockholt’s experienced and skilful first pair who had Kent over 65 player Diana Bennett in their side. Ladies Veterans Tennis is very strong in Kent and recently three Kent Ladies were on the GB side that travelled down under to Perth. But back to our Ladies .... they now await the new date for their away game versus Chislehurst 2 in January where a win could get them to the final.

Mixed One were also in action this week-end with Captain Rachel teaming up with Nathan and Janice partnering Adam C. They beat Old Wilsonians by 3-1 to finish their winter programme. Having beaten Old Wils and Sundridge Park, drawn with Wendover 2, lost to Blackheath they now await to see how other results went. Whatever happens they have had a good Division One Winter season.

Steve Le Comber and his Mens Two may be called in for Christmas Day training after losing three matches, all by 4-0 in quick succession. His squad for the games against Crescent, Bromley CC and Wendover were Steve Roberts, Dean, Stewart, Andy Hellier and himself. The side were spotted in a Mexican Restaurant in Beckenham after one game and Le Comber may be hauled in to explain the celebration after poor results.

Midweek Mixed with John Clay, Denis and Sharon used Bexley Courts for their match against Knockholt and won 4-0.

THIS WEEKS MATCHES

We now come to the last two games of 2009, the Over 60 Men are at Margate on Wednesday and Simon's Mens 3 are at home to Hartley on Saturday at 10am.

WEBSITE

Log on to the new Catford Wanderers website, that’s www.catfordwanderers.co.uk for news from our Club and lots more.

TUESDAY MORNINGS CHRISTMAS DO

On Tuesday December 22nd,the Tuesday morning group will have their seasonal bash. It starts with Tennis at 9:30 am and around noon tuck in(bring your false teeth) to the varied dishes. All welcome and if you wish to attend and would like to bring some food ring Jayne Q. Headmistress Ms Qureshi will also present the Naughty Boys awards namely Specsavers Award for the Worst Line caller and the Houdini Award for the worst disappearing act by boys who don’t want to play in a particular four, and the Tiger Woods award for ‘the Missus would kill me if she knew I was playing away’ ...... at Herne Bay.

PRACTISE WALL

This has also been erected but general opinion is that it needs skimming, before being painted with the customary 3 foot line. Any Skimmers volunteering please? Then I can paint it.

OUR RE-SURFACED COURTS

The Company Four Seasons who completed the worked also did the previous re surfacing back in 1994. On this occasion however they removed several tree roots from Courts 1 and 2 and filled in cement barriers to avoid a re-occurrence . They will return in late April-early May to paint the courts and paint clearer white lines. The current black courts will make new tennis balls very dark which is to be expected so bear with us for colour until April/May.

What Colour do you want your courts???? Check out the Forums on the Website for a voting page and cast your vote.

MESSAGE FROM JOHN PARKER

Please see the very moving letter from John which is displayed on the Club Notice board and which is addressed to all members. John lost his dear wife Val earlier in the year, both of course having been members of our Club for many years. Not only members, but great organisers and fund raisers for Tennis in years long past before I ever arrived at the Club.

Good to have the Courts back again next weekend and our thanks to Beckenham Tennis Club, we will use their courts this Tuesday for the last time. Also to Bexley who offered us their Courts for matches or practise free of charge.

COURTS RE-SURFACING

High winds and heavy rain has,as you might have expected slowed down work on the re-surfacing. Visiting the site on a daily basis, I noticed that the work today consisted of preparation, for fixing in the new six tennis posts.

IN THE MEANTIME

Tuesday's tennis continues at the Beckenham Club at Foxgrove Road from 10am every Tuesday where we also have the facilities to make a cup of tea. Bexley offer their hard courts free on Sundays from 1pm onwards . Up at Beckenham Place Park there is a free court available although the surface is not the best.

RECENT RESULTS

The Mens Over 70's went to Herne Bay on Tuesday with Dave Elkins, David Sansom , Val the Captain and Denis. Dave's dad couldn’t make the match but could be heard shouting from a nearby flat 'Get stuck in there my son'. The side lost 1—3 but were a bit peeved not to get a cup of tea on arrival.
The Mid week Mixed saw Jayne Qureshi get her first Inter- Club win when the side went to Knockholt and beat the home side in wind and rain. Team was Jayne, Dorothy, John Clay and Denis.

THIS WEEK-ENDS GAMES

Mixed one are away to Bromley Wendover on Saturday at 10:30am and on Sunday Eamon's Vets One start their Programme away to Bearsted at 1pm.
On Wednesday the Over 60 side play their home match against Crescent at the Bexley Ground who have lent us their Courts. It starts at 10:30am and team is John C, Clive R, Denis and Tony B.

ANY HOME GAMES DURING DECEMBER WILL BE PLAYED AWAY AND THIS TREND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL WE GET THE ALL CLEAR TO USE OUR COURTS AGAIN.

PRACTISE WALL

Stewart has erected the practise wall which naturally will come into use once the courts are playable.

BINGO NIGHT

Last Friday evening's Bingo evening was very enjoyable and thank you to Lesley A who was a first class caller. We made £67.50 for the main club, not a great amount due to a small attendance,but nevertheless a start as we have lots of fund raising plans for 2010.

POOL TOURNAMENT

There is a Pool Competition on Friday December 4th at 8pm at the Club.

OUR COURTS

Work began this week and already they have dug up roots of trees underneath Court 1 which caused lumps and bumps and damaged the surface in the past.

WHERE CAN I PLAY?

The Tuesday group have secured 3 courts at Beckenham LTC at Foxgrove Road from 10am to 2pm at a small cost. Bexley have offered us courts free of charge on Sundays from 1pm onwards so I will leave it to yourselves if you want to make up a four. You can also try the one court at Beckenham Place Park (free) or the 3 at Ladywell Fields, entrance at Doggett Road, Catford (also free) if you wish.

CLUB OF THE YEAR

North Kent's Club of the Year Award went to David Lloyd - Dartford with 88 marks, Chislehurst second with 86 marks. Catford came third with 81 marks and last of the 38 clubs came Blackheath with minus 3 marks - Ouch!

GOODBYE ANNIE

Farewell to Annie Purcell who has returned to dear old Dublin after 12 exciting months in London. Annie made a big impact on our Tennis scene reaching our Singles and Doubles finals at the first attempt. She has asked me to pass on her best wishes and to thank everybody for making her so welcome. We will indeed miss her as I feel we had yet to see the best of her and her attacking game. You are very welcome to return at any time Annie. Perhaps we might go over for a friendly with your Dublin club one day!!

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

North Kent Tennis Association are looking for volunteers to help in any way. Yes we do have Mark Smith on the Committee but we could do with one more. Meetings are 4 a year and you may be asked to run Leagues which is simply accept the result cards and produce a League Table. Or simply assisting with organising the Annual Presentation night in October each year. If you can help could you have a word with Denis as their AGM is on Thursday December 3rd at Crescent.

CENTENARY

A reminder that our Tennis Section, will be 100 years old in 2014. Start the celebrations early!!

COURTS RE-SURFACING

Our Courts will be re-surfaced beginning Monday November 16th and will be out of action for around three weeks depending on weather conditions and work going to schedule. Once resurfaced, the lines will be painted to conclude stage one. Stage 2 will begin in April when the courts will have their colouring coat painted.

WIMBLEDON TICKETS

Every year we receive 8 pairs of Wimbledon tickets, but from next year the number of tickets we will be allocated will which of our members have joined the LTA. The LTA have advised all clubs of the need to register our non-members no later than November 30th 2009. It's FREE.

Contact Denis if you want to join and become eligible for Wimbledon tickets.