CLUB SUCCESS
Well would you Adam and Eve it, we have not one, not two but three teams through to the Winter Finals. Hats off to our First Team who have made it to the Winter Mens Division One North Kent final, a marvellous achievement. They now play Gravesham at home on Saturday March 20th at 10:00am where victory would make them the top side in North Kent for the Winter. The Ladies Second Team, that’s Sue and the gang play their Final versus Gravesham on Sunday March 21st at Home at 1:00pm. Finally, Stewart and his Vets Second Team are also in the Final which is due to be played away on Saturday April 10th. Can we bring off three great wins – my local Paddy Power is not so sure. I say we can, and to win Division One would be a major triumph.

RECENT RESULTS
Mens One beat Wendover One 3-1 with Chris, Nathan, Raphael and Adam Chapman.
Mens Vets 2 beat Hartley 2 by 4-0 with Steve Roberts, Clive Birkhamshaw, Stewart and Denis.
Vets One and Ladies Vets had their matches called off due to the rain.

Talking about rain. Two brave old boys played a Singles on our courts last Sunday afternoon which surprisingly were free from water, whereas the overflow car park was under water. Nice to know that our newly re-laid courts are waterproof. They are due to be painted on Monday 17th May and will be out of action for around eight days (Remember to record your vote on the COLOUR!) – hence a lot of away games at this stage. We should have grass court usage as well during this period.

MARCH FIXTURES
This Saturday at 10:30am and one court only, our Ladies Pair play Sydenham in round one of the 2010 North Kent Cup.
Saturday 13th March Our Ladies Vets are at Crescent.
Wednesday 17th March Our Over 70 Team are at home to Margate.
Saturday 20th March Our Mens One play Gravesham in the Winter Final at home at 10:00am while Eamons Vets One are away to Bearsted.
Jayne's Ladies Vets are away to Beckenham.
Sunday 21st March at 1:00pm. Come to cheer Sue and Ladies 2 who entertain Gravesham in their final.

SUMMER SEASON
Yes, the Summer season starts on April 1st but we make an early start beginning with Eamon's Vets One playing Bexley 2 at home on Saturday 27th March at 10:00am, not an easy opener by any means.

SUMMER FIXTURES
If you would like a copy of this Summers Fixtures, just give me a shout and I will e-mail them to you.

LONGEST SERVING PLAYERS
I can now confirm that the current longest serving players at the club are Mark Smith and Angela Rezki. Mark joined in 1981 and starts his 30th season with Catford.

CASINO NIGHT
Thank you Jayne and Simon for a most enjoyable Casino night last Friday. James Bond, Diamond Lil and Pussy Galore could not make it, but those who did, had a lovely evening of fun gambling.

CEILIDH ON MARCH 13TH
Tickets are now selling well for this evening of Live Music, a Caller, some nice food and a chance to try out Dances from all over the British Isles. It's £10 for Adults and £4 for Children. Tickets are available from Val behind the bar.

Please get your tickets as soon as possible as the Organiser, Maggie needs definite figures for ordering the food. It promises to be a lively evening, so swing into Spring with a Highland Fling.

NO TAKERS
We had only one taker for a Tennis weekend away so Angela who was organising, has had to cancel .

NOTE TO WINTER CAPTAINS
Please hand in your Winter match subs to Val as soon as possible.

AND FINALLY...
Yes, the news you all do not to get a reminder about but it is Annual Subscription time again and your 2010 subscriptions are due on April 1st.

RESULTS
Just one result from to days bitterly cold Catford where our midweek old Boys lost to Hayes 1-3 with Val , Denis , Tony and David Sansom. Hot bowls of soup afterwards cheered up the old codgers.

THIS WEEKS FIXTURES
Eamon's Vets One are at home Saturday to Sevenoaks at 10:00am and on Sunday Stewart's Vets Two are home to Gravesham at 1:00pm (2 courts). On Monday February 15th our midweek Mixed Vets are at Crescent at 10:30am and on Wednesday 17th the Over 70s are at Bexley.

CASINO NIGHT
Yes, we have a Casino night at the Club on Friday evening February 26th at 8:00pm with a chance to play Roulette, Poker and Blackjack. Cost is £3 with half to the club and half towards prizes. Jayne is kindly organising the evening and it's all fund raising for the club.

CEILIDH
Yes, that’s the correct spelling for a Kay-lee which we are holding on Saturday March 13th at 8:00pm. Thanks to Maggie Innes of the Badminton Section who is organising – yet another fund raiser where we have live music, a caller and we have a bash at various Dances from the British Isles. Swing your partner to the right, oh yes its gonna be a lively night.

Admission is £10 with food so please show your support.

CRICKET NEWS
Congratulations to Daniel Drummond–Bell son of our Club Chairman Percy who was a member of the Kent Under 17 side who had a great 2009 season winning the National Cup and Championship. Young Daniel made a superb 103 in the Cup final against Durham.

Can we also extend our sympathy to the wife and family of former Catford Cricketer Tony Lesley who passed away recently. Our sympathy goes also to former tennis player Roy Causton on the death of his dear wife Heather who lost her battle with cancer. Roy was our Mens Doubles winner in 1997.

IT'S HOT HERE
Former Catford Tennis player Andy Guneratne sends his regards from Perth in Australia where its very, very hot at present. Andy won our Club Doubles three years in a row with Mark Smith 1993-95.

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2010
Its that time of the year again where we announce the Club fees for the year ahead and which are due on April 1st. This year as expected, our fees have to be increased quite a bit and which we agreed at our AGM. This is to meet the cost of our newly re-surfaced Courts which will be painted in mid May. So for 2010 Adults Membership is £180 and Husband/Wife/Partner: £280. Student rate is £90 and Under 18 rate is £40. Your Exec Committee are also looking at a Family Membership scheme. So apart from the newly resurfaced and painted Courts, six Grass Courts what else do you get? As always we have plenty teams competing if you want to play Inter Club Tennis. Club Tournament and four Handicap together with a Pimms Tournaments. A new practise wall, a ball machine if you need to practise and lots of Social Tennis. Social tennis includes Sunday afternoons in Summer, Wednesday evenings from April, Tuesday mornings and a new Ladies practise on Thursday afternoons. There is a new Coaching programme coming into place from Easter and more about this later.

LADIES IN FINAL
Yes our Ladies second team are in the North Kent Winter Final and play Gravesham 2 at home on Sunday March 7th at 1:00pm. Come and support the girls.

TENNIS RESULTS
We were hit by snow once again last week and two games were snowed off on the Saturday. On Sunday however, Ladies 2 and Captain Sue Rice–Vine took Janice, Sharon and Claudia to Chislehurst where they had a 4—0 victory. So now, having played 4 games, won 3 and drawn one they await to see if they are in the Winter Division 3 Final. It may all boil down to their drawn game with Knockholt where sets and games will be a factor.

Simon's Mens 3 finished their Winter Programme with Dean, David Pitman, Ben Brown and Mike Legon going down 0—4 to Hartley – disappointing result, not so much the loss, but the fact they should have run the visitors closer.

Today our Over 60 side saw off Crescent to end their Winter programme, the side being John Clay, Tony Barnes, Denis and Clive Richardson.

FEBRUARY FIXTURES
No matches this weekend so courts available Saturday morning and all day Sunday.

Wednesday 10th February at 10:30am we see Val O'Brien and his Over 70s take on Hayes at home. Age Concern has warned of rival Granny groupies clashing and Police are on full alert!

Saturday 13th February at 10:00am Eamon and his Vets One are at home to Sevenoaks.

Sunday 14th February at 1:00pm Stewart and his Vets Two are at home to Gravesham.

Monday 15th February at 10:30am Denis takes his midweek Mixed Veterans side to Crescent to conclude their Winter Programme.

Wednesday 17th February at 10:30am Val goes to Bexley with his Over 70s side complete with Horlicks. Warning: Ticket Touts will be in operation!

Saturday 20th February at 1:00pm Eamon takes his Vets One to Sundridge Park and Jayne and her Ladies Vets entertain Sundridge Park at 10:00am.

Sunday 21st February Courts free all day.

Wednesday 24th February at 10:30am Val and his Over 70s boys continue their busy month with a home match versus Margate. Will it be Dreamland for Val.

Saturday 27th February at 10:00am Stewart and his Vets Two final game and they entertain Hartley 2 and Nathan and Mens One are at Wendover at 1pm for the top clash of two unbeaten sides.

Sunday 28th February at 1:00pm Eamon and Vets One visit Bearsted for their final game and at 12:00pm Jayne and her Vets, sorry mature Ladies are at Crescent.

SOCIAL TIME AND IT'S CEILI TIME
On Saturday 13th March Maggie Inness will be running a Ceili to raise funds at the Club at 8:00pm. So what's a Ceili?? It's an evening of Scottish, Irish, English and Welsh Dances with live music and a caller where we hope you will step it out and give it a try. Just swing to the right, men to the left, ladies to the middle and let's hear that fiddle. The cost £10 which includes food and all profits go to the club. So please please support and we want raffle prizes as well. It’s a fun evening and a great way to improve your footwork for the summer ahead.

GOSSIP COLUMN
Nothing like a bit of gossip and scandal to enliven our Newsletter so hear we go.....

Who was the Catford Tennis Lady spotted recently at the National Gallery arm in arm with a strange guy who couldn’t tell his Canaletto from his Cornetto?

Who was the Catford Tennis Lady spotted recently playing at the All England Club – Indoors of course?? And didn’t she do well!

Why did the Captain of the Mens Over 60 team try to gag the Press after he was found in bed with two Tennis Rackets, one of which belonged to his partner. Can he still remain as Captain asks Max Clifford? And so say all of us.

Will Steve Roberts and Val O'Brien be nominated for Oscars after their performance recently in Catfords film of 'Trading Places' where Steve was relegated to Mens 3 and Val in his Eddie Murphy role was elevated to Mens Two.

More gossip news and scandal always welcome!

OUR COURTS
Our re-surfaced Courts, complete with new nets and winders are playing very well with an even bounce and they look really smart. The Practise wall is also being used and will be painted shortly. You might have noticed very minor wet/dampness on the courts but this is part of the surface bedding in and will gradually fade away. Here's a note for your Diary: Monday, 17th May. That’s when the courts will be painted with the colours of our choice. The courts will be out of action for 8 days (weather permitting) during and after the painting.

This brings me to our website where you are asked to vote on the two toned colours you would like to see painted.

Log on to our website www.catfordwanderers.co.uk and register your vote

CAPTAINS
Team Captains, could you please hand in your match fees £8.00 per Winter match after each game to Val behind the Bar. The Club's main Treasurer would like the money to paid in promptly which gives her a better guide to the cash flow. Also Captains, the winder for the hard court nets, should you need it - speak to Denis - it's safely hidden! I do check the nets regularly and with our new nets perfectly installed they should retain perfect height - unless abused, jumped on, etc, etc. So if you see players leaning on the nets, do advise them not to do so. We now have three perfect hard courts, nice flat even surface that we should keep neat, clean and up to standard.

FIXTURES
Very busy weekend ahead with five, yes five teams in action:
Saturday: Home at 10.00am: Eamon Martin's Vets One take on Hayes in their opening Kent match.

Saturday: Away at 1.00 pm: Andy Hellier's Mixed Two are at Sydenham in their final match.

Sunday: Away at 10.30am: Stewart Walker's Vets Two are away at Old Wilsonians.

Sunday: Away at 11.00am: Steph's Ladies One visit Park Langley.

Sunday: Home at 1.00pm: Steve Le Comber's Mens Two play Martin Dene.

We do try and avoid Sunday matches during the Winter time, but unfortunately the bad weather and also our courts being out of action has meant there will be some matches on Sundays at 1.00pm. So if you want Social Tennis, there will be 3 courts from 8.30am onwards and just one court from 1.00pm onwards.

RESULTS
Just one result so far this year where our mid week Vets side of Rob, Denis, Sharon and Janice lost 0-4 to Bexley. Yes, a bad hammering, but Bexley have not been beaten in this competition for some years and fielded a very, very strong side, especially the Ladies pairing. What had Captain Denis to say to his crestfallen side? Eating his large slice of homemade bread pudding he quoted the poet John Dryden who said: "I'm a little wounded, but I am not slain, I will lay me down to bleed a while. Then ill rise and fight again".

CELEBRATION
IN 2011, that’s next year, North Kent Tennis Association will celebrate its 75th birthday when the Presentation Dinner and Dance will be a celebratory formal affair. In 2014 we will celebrate our 100 years as a Tennis Club and even at this early stage any suggestions of how and where we should celebrate are welcome.
KARAOKE NIGHT
Last Friday's sing as we go went down well and Friday evening Social night continues to attract patrons. Thank you Val for preparing the food and thanks to all those who sang or was it strangled the songs last week. Poor old Denis asked for a Pat Boone song, but no one head of him, which upset the old chap. Keep attending on Fridays folks.

HELLO BOYS
And Girls of course, as I gaze at a snow clad Catford Wanderers with only a flock of seagulls for company. We begin with the disappointing news of the demise of the Acacia Hall Tennis Club set in the middle of Dartford High Street. Formerly known as Wellcome, the Club entered North Kent competitions in 1951 and down the years provided wonderful facilities. Beautiful grass courts and a subsidised delicious meal afterwards in a delightful Patio setting and glorious park in the background. Farewell then to a lovely Club and the rumour is that several of their players are transferring to Oakwood in Crayford, a club where our own Jim Short is due to join as well. We enjoyed some great North Kent Dances at the venue as well.

POSTPONED MATCHES
The snow has played havoc with matches so here are some of the new dates. The Mens Over 70 home to Hayes will now be on Wednesday February 10th and Mens 3 versus Hartley is on Sunday January 31st. Mixed 2 away to Sydenham is now on Saturday 23rd January and the Ladies 2 game away to Chislehurst is on Sunday 31st January. The Over 60 team are at home to Crescent on Wednesday February 3rd.

OTHER POSTPONED GAMES
We called the Pools Panel in to forecast the result of the other matches and the Panel, Mrs Elkins, Mrs O Brien, Mrs Bates and Mrs Costelloe responded with "If those silly husbands of ours go and play Tennis in these conditions, they better not come running to us, if they break their bloody legs".

KENT TENNIS
You will see a folder on the notice board detailing Kent Tennis and what they got to offer. Information on Coaches, Timed Junior Tennis, Volunteers, ClubMark, etc, etc. Kent Tennis and North Kent would welcome any volunteers who can help in any way. Apart from myself on the Kent Council the only other volunteer we have is Mark Smith who serves on North Kent, so if you can assist please let me know. In my last newsletter I mentioned the benefits of becoming an Associated Member of Kent Tennis where your chances of getting a Wimbledon Ticket are excellent. Ring me if you want any more information.

CAPTAINS AND TEAMS FOR SUMMER 2010 IN NORTH KENT
The following are the Teams and Captains for the Summer ahead and the Divisions that they are likely to play in:

MENS ONE: Chris Gilbert and they will compete in Division 1 with Crescent, Gravesham, Martin Dene and the two Wendover teams. Good Luck Fellas.

MENS TWO: Steve LeComber will find himself in Division E hoping that HE can get this side promotion. All other Captains have failed.

MENS THREE: Steve Hubbard, a new skipper will be in Division H and is already looking at the January transfer window around the local parks.

LADIES ONE: Stephanie James and her Girls are in Division B.

LADIES TWO: Unlucky last year not to make the top spot, Sue Rice-Vine leads a side who are having a happy Winter programme to date.

LADIES THREE: A new side and possibly the first ever Ladies Third team to come out of Catford, the Captain is Jayne Qureshi.

MIXED ONE: Angela Captains a team who are in the Premier Division. A great achievement. Good Luck team.

MIXED TWO: Andy Hellier is the new Captain who in footy speak told me "We will be there or thereabouts" whatever that means.

VETERANS ONE: Eamon Martin and his merry men look forward to a good year.

VETERANS TWO: New Skipper Stewart Walker takes over with new boy Andy Hellier coming of age and joining the panel.

OVER 60 TEAM: Denis O Tennis will try and promote
the only Catford side to be relegated last year.

OVER 70 TEAM: New competition and Val O Brien and Dads Army will go into action. Val (79) goes into the record books as the oldest ever Catford Captain. Pass the Horlicks with some WD40 please.

KENT TENNIS: Nathan Smith and Simon Qureshi will captain our Kent teams.

KARAOKE NIGHT
Join us this Friday night for Karaoke night at the Club where you are invited to sing or murder any song of your choice. You can do it your way, give vent to Delilah or try and explain as you sing, the meaning of the song "A whiter shade of pale". It starts at 8:30pm with Simon singing "The Toreador song" from Carmen.

NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST
So Rick Parvitt and Francis Rossi, local boys I believe, made the honours list for "Rocking all over the World". Why then, no honours for Dorothy and Val O Brien who have been "Lobbing all over the World" for God knows how long. Someone should write to Her Majesty.

WEEK DAY TENNIS
Yes, we have Tennis every Tuesday morning all the year around affectionately known as The Old Gits Club or St Gits Nursery. Starting as well from next week Jayne Qureshi is organising a Thursday afternoon Ladies session from 2pm onwards. Ring Jayne for more information. Lots of hot Tennis, Hot Tea and Hot Gossip.

AND FINALLY A NEW YEARS MESSAGE
I was trying to find a suitable message to wish you all the best for 2010 when I came across a poem by Minnie Haskins made famous by King George the Sixth in his 1939 Christmas broadcast when he used the following lines from it:
I SAID TO THE MAN WHO STOOD AT THE GATE OF THE NEW YEAR – " GIVE ME THE LIGHT THAT I MAY THREAD SAFELY INTO THE UNKNOWN" AND HE REPLIED "GO OUT INTO THE DARKNESS, AND PUT YOUR HAND INTO THE HAND OF GOD. THAT SHALL BE TO YOUR BETTER THAN LIGHT, AND SAFER THAN A KNOWN WAY"

Congratulations to five of our players who have represented Kent at Badminton which is a wonderful achievement for a small Club such as ours with one Court. The five players are Richard Ralph, John Gough, Lewis Stuart, Dave Elkins and Lawrence Nemostworthy. WELL DONE fellas and we wish you continued success both for the Club and the County.

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.