TENNIS SENIORS ACT INC WINTER ISSUE JUNE 2021

PREFACE 50th Anniversary Celebration VETSET is the newsletter of Tennis Sen- iors ACT Incorporated. However the Where would you find 5 present views expressed in the newsletter are not and past presidents, 2 secretaries necessarily those of the committee. and 2 treasurers (one for 24 years and still going) together with Membership fees for 2021/22 are due on three world champions. We had 1 July 2021 - only $20. A membership the Monster Quiz last year to re- form can be found on the website. mind us that last year we turned The 2020/21 Committee comprises: 50 but couldn’t celebrate it due to COVID-19 restrictions. President Graham Smith (6161 5352) The answer is at the delayed 50th Anniversary Dinner held on Sat- Vice President urday 22 May 2021 at the Yowani Pat Moloney (6262 3727) Country Club. Secretary Our founding president Bob Warren Muller (0407 916 868) Thornton was unable to join us in Treasurer the celebration due to ill health. Peter Breugelmans (6258 4261) The report on the dinner can be Chris Norwood. Anne Haycock, Pat Moloney, Committee found on pages 4 and 5. David Coutts and Graham Smith John Greenup (6254 5263) Tim Harris (6231 3642) Colin Lyons (0434 531 449) Heather McKay Barbara McCluskey (6241 4402) Colin Adrian, a former Board member of Ten- Robert Pragt (6242 6897) nis ACT in a recent article in Tennis ACT’s Bronwyn Thomas (0410 730 808) Court Talk (October 2020) - Celebrating ACT’s Sue Willis (0434 982 924) Seniors World Champions - detailed an impres-

Website: www.tennisseniors.org.au/act sive list of nine world seniors tennis champions from the ACT, since seniors (veterans) tennis began in 1970. Heather McKay (nee Blundell), Contents born and bred in , was one of the nine, as was her sister Kay. Inside Page Most Australians of more mature years know President’s Report 2 Heather to be the greatest female world Charity Day 2 player of all-time. On pages 6 and 7 you will Swan Hill 2022 3 find a detailed article on Heather McKay put Tribute to Bonnie Creech 3 together by Colin Adrian. Next Sunday Round Robin 3 Welcome to new members 3 50th Anniversary Dinner 4 Heather Pamela McKay 6 Annual General 2021 World Titles Update 8 th Meeting Membership fees 80 Birthday Lunch 8 th Pictures 50 Anniversary Dinner 8 Tennis Seniors ACT A reminder that your mem- Sunday Round Robins 9 It is proposed to hold the bership fees for TSACT for Wagga Wagga Seniors Tournament 9 2021/22 Oceania Senior Regional Champs 10 AGM are due on Goulburn SeniorsTournament 10 on Wednesday 11 August at Berri Seniors Team Carnival 11 1 July. 6.00pm Cowra Teams 11 Still only $20. West Wyalong Teams 12 This date and the venue will A membership renewal form 2021/22 ACT Calendar 12 be confirmed by email and 2021/22 Tournament Calendar 12 can be found inserted in on the website closer to the your hard copy or attached Closing date for September Vetset date to your email Monday 16 August 2021 [email protected] President’s Report by Graham Smith

Welcome to the Winter Edition of Vet- along the Murray. ACT had one Di Cassel and Helen and Ian Worland set. Men’s team and a Ladies team. Don made the special trip to represent Ten- Canberra’s winter has arrived with chil- Masters played in another team with nis Seniors NSW and Tennis Seniors ly mornings but we are still enjoying old mates and they won their division . Di congratulated Tennis some sunny days. Many of us are out with Don bringing home a three pack Seniors ACT for “punching above our on the courts with our groups for some of Banrock Station wine. weight” and supporting all tourna- social play and also training for tourna- It’s a love/ hate relationship playing ments on the senior’s calendar. She ments. Country tournaments are up and on real grass. The bonus playing in also donated a tennis racquet for a running again so I am going to get some this tournament is that you also use Lucky Door Prize and Gwenda Lynch use out of our Winnebago. the courts at Renmark, Loxton and was the winner. There will be photos of the night posted on our web page.. The Goulburn tournament did not dis- Barmera. Eighty-nine teams compet- Colin Adrian and John Greenup pro- appoint again this year and is a great ed with most coming from Adelaide duced a photo board and a slide show venue to mix with and country Victoria. of photos from the last 50 years which players. So if you didn’t go this year Eighty-two members and guests at- was valuable and much appreciated by put it on your calendar for 2022. tended our dinner to celebrate the 50th everyone. Twenty members attended the Wagga Year of Tennis Seniors ACT. It was The committee have received an Wagga Seniors Tournament and we held at the Yowani Country Club. amazing response from those who outnumbered New South Wales and The night was full of memorabilia attended the night saying how much Victoria. It was a small tournament but from the past fifty years with Patrick they enjoyed themselves. So thank we had a lot of matches and enjoyed Moloney, Anne Haycock and Colin you to all my committee. It was well strong tennis. Some of us have friends Adrian each speaking about different worth it. and relatives in Wagga Wagga so it’s an features of the last fifty years. Kim opportunity to catch up. Valerie Gavin Kachel from Tennis ACT attended Tennis Tasmania is in line to host the had the opportunity to play with a rela- together with past presidents and ACT 2023 Teams Carnival and Individual tive she didn’t know could play tennis representative players. Championships. If you haven’t been let alone want to play with her. Fun Bob Thornton was the first President to one of these events you are missing times! however he was not well enough to out on a great experience. We would love to have you join us, if not in 2022 Berri in South Australia was our last attend on the night so he donated a in 2023. Preparations are in place for tournament destination and a great trip special bottle of champagne for a Swan Hill in January 2022. Everyone for the Winnebago. Three days cruising Lucky Door Prize and it was won by Lynette Sebbens. is welcome so get your entry in when you receive the nomination form. Charity Day Hope to see as many of you as possi- ble at the birthday luncheon for the Over Bloody Eighty members. It will be held on the 25th July at 12pm at Trevino’s Restaurant Gold Creek Country Club 50 Curran Drive Nicholls. We are celebrating eight birthdays. Come along and help them celebrate. Happy hitting

The Midweek Tennis Ladies raised wine kindly donated by Graham Shaw $2647 at their Charity Day held on at Shaws Estate, Murrumbateman

Thursday 6 May. The charity to benefit Following the sausage sizzle and sal- was the Black Dog Institute. ads for lunch and after the raffle The day dawned cloudy and with the draws. Jamie Francis from the Black promise of rain in the morning it did not Dog Institute gave a presentation on look good. However once again the his own experience and the need to weather gods prevailed and the 38 play- seek help when necessary. As Jamie ers got through their tennis albeit with pointed out , one in 5 of us will experi- the wind playing some havoc. ence symptoms of mental illness in

Only Belconnen courts were required any given year. due to the number of players. There There was a thank you to all the peo- were 4 groups - two mixed doubles, a ple who donated prizes for the raffle womens and a mens doulbles. The re- or money towards the cause. These spective winners were Betty Smith and generous donations especially from Graeme Rossiter, Sheila Daly and Don Ted Huynh contributed to the high Masters, Jean Penny and Penny Moss amount raised despite the lower num- and Kerry Scarlett and Greg Hunt. All ber of players. the prize winners took a bottle of red Page 2 Swan Hill 2022 Tribute to Bonnie Creech Bonnie Creech 12 June 1934 to 30 April 2021

Bonnie passed way on 30 April 2021 aged 86. She was an active member of the ACT tennis community and of the Veterans until golf became her pas- sion. A celebration of Bonnie's life was held in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pearce on Monday 10 May 2021. There was a private cremation. Our condolences go to Bonnie's fami- ly. Bonnie was one of early members of Veterans playing in her first Australian The next Australian Seniors Champion- All players nominating must be finan- Team Carnival in 1982 in Sydney in a ships, the 2022 Teams Carnival and cial members of TSACT. Annual 45s team with Mary Gormly, Gwen Individual Championships, will be held membership is $20. Players are re- Weir and Penny Aston. She played in in Swan Hill and hosted by Victoria. quired to wear the TACT uniform. many more Team Carnivals. Her last Mens shirts are available from Peter one was in 1997 in a 60s team. Her The Teams Carnival is 9-14 January Breugelmans (ph 6258 4261) and the team had one success in 1995 playing and the Individual Championships are ladies need to contact Betty Smith with Helen Vincent, Jimmie Ogle and 16-21 January. The minimum age is (ph 6161 5352). Pearl Hore in the 60s age group. now 30 and teams are graded into 5 year age groups. The ACT State Dinner will be on Mon- In 1984 in Bonnie was play- day 10 January at 7.30pm at the ing in a 45s team with Alison Ide, The Opening Ceremony will be at Spoons Riverside Restaurant. The Pearl Hore and Wilma Bingley. The 4.45pm on Sunday 9 January at the Presentation Dinner Dance is at article in the March 1984 Vetset re- Swan Hill Town Hall Performing Arts 7.30pm on Friday 14 January at the ports that there were some enthusiastic and Conference Centre. Murray Downs Golf and Country Club. and solid players in the 45-age group. “Ask Bonnie Creech – she suffered a Matches will be played on natural grass The 2022 Swan Hill website is a stand- broken rib when hit by a Queenslander courts all at the one complex in Swan alone site. You will be able to access smash!”. The team made the finals but Hill. Nominations will not be called for the site through our TSACT website or lost. ACT teams until July but now is the at https://www.sh2022.com/ time to start thinking about forming or She played in the twilight pennant and joining a team. If you require further information con- was on the Organizing Committee for All players will need to lodge a nomi- tact Graham Smith (ph 61615352 or the 1995 Seniors Teams and Individu- nation whether in a team or putting in a mobile 0407 208 209) or Warren Mul- als in Canberra. She was the Coordi- single nomination for an age group. ler (mobile 0407 916 868). nator at the North Woden Courts. She Nominations are likely to close on Fri- remained a member until around 2001. day 1 October. Each player will need In the broader tennis community Bon- to pay $130 on nominating. nie played pennant with North Woden and was their representative for several years at the monthly meetings of the Ladies Branch when there were Branches in Tennis ACT’s structure. Sunday Round Robin She played the Midweek ladies for several years. 20th June So Bonnie certainly was a doer for 9.15am start tennis. Her Death Notice said “gone

Weston Creek Tennis Club golfing” but I suspect there will be some tennis as well. Earn your points towards the Venezuela Cups

Entry fee is $10.00

Entries to Tennis Seniors ACT Colin Lyons on 0434 531 449 or [email protected]; welcomes the following or new member:

Warren Muller on 0407 916 868 Stephen Smith or Maree Smith. [email protected].

Page 3 50th Anniversary Dinner

Tennis Seniors ACT or the Seniors with the three World Senior Singles Graham even managed to sneak in some Branch of the ACTLTA was born on 6 th Champions - Ros Balodis, Heather jokes as the night progressed. May 1970. Hence the 50 Anniver- McKay and Phil Higgs - all present. sary was in 2020. However COVID- Over dinner there were presentations by 19 restrictions forced the postpone- Pat Moloney (president 2008-16), Anne ment of the dinner until this year. So Haycock (president 1991-1999 and hon- 82 members, past members and part- orary life member) and Colin Adrian. ners gathered on 22 May 2021 at the After the presentations Di Castle on Yowani Country Club to celebrate the behalf of TSA thanked TSACT for their milestone. ongoing support and the support that our As people came through the door the members give to NSW tournaments as reminiscing began. It was good to see well as other State tournaments. Some would not survive otherwise. so many former members along with There was also a slide show running current members. Apart from the 5 with over 200 photos covering the 50 The night was brought to a close by the present and past presidents (photo page years: cutting of the cake by the three World 1) there were Tim Harris and Warren Singles Champions. Muller the most recent and current secretaries. Pat Macnicol was treasur- er for 4 years and the current treasurer Peter Breugelmans has held the posi- tion since 1996. Sadly Bob Thornton, our founding president was unable to come. Anne Haycock spoke to Bob a week or so before the dinner trying to get him to this historic event. Bob is very proud of how seniors has developed but though still good mentally he has some • the old Manuka Courts where it all physical issues. started Now back to the presentations. Peter and Judy Purdy, Bruce and Stephanie Larkham, Pat Macnicol and • events such as World Champion- Pat entitled his presentation “Passing Gordon Robson caught up with a lot of ships and Teams Carnivals hosted Shots from the Archives”. The archives old friends. In fact Bruce and Stepha- by the ACT Seniors were Alison Ide’s records. Alison was nie were one of the last to leave. It • Easter Tournaments and Twilight closely involved with TSACT as well as was nice to see Annette Richardson Pennants TSA. These Archives include letters, and Stephen Merrick and Charlotte and reports, financial statements, photos, Alan Henderson. • various social events and presenta- certificates, the original minute book, tions and trophies, Player of the year and Admin- istrator of the year awards and other • members playing in Team interesting items, even a recipe book Carnivals and country tourna- that was produced in 1987. However he ments. couldn’t find any record of follow up There was something in the slide recipes! show for everyone. Pat quoted from some of Bob A copy of the night’s proceed- Thornton’s early correspondence and ings, the menu and a list of of- reports on issues which still remain rele- ficer bearers and honorary life vant after 50 years - to arrest the drift of members over the 50 years were senior players to other sports or early on the tables. The leaflet also retirement and of great concern to the included an insert overing the Senior Branch that the administration of history over the 50 years. tennis in the ACT is left so overwhelm- As people arrived they could view a With entrée about to appear, Graham ingly to the “oldies”. photo display “Fifty Years of ACT Smith, our President welcomed every- Anne wanted to go beyond the history Seniors Tennis” put together by Colin one including the special guests Kim covered in the leaflet included in your Adrian. Nine World Champions were Kachel, CEO Tennis ACT, Di Castle, program and touch on events that made featured with 35 photos of Vice President of Tennis Seniors Aus- a difference. She related back to hum- tralia and Helen and Ian Worland ble beginnings with the meeting of 10 • the trail blazers nationally – first to (committee TSA). members at the clubhouse in Manuka win a national seniors title Then in a nostalgic moment Graham Sadly Bob Thornton is the only one • the trail blazers internationally – reminisced “when I started playing alive (compared with 6 at the 40t Anni- first from the ACT to represent veterans/seniors some 30 years ago I versary dinner). Australia. was happy to be part of this great The first Open Veterans Tennis Tourna- • those nine ACT Seniors who have group. Never in my wildest dreams did ment in Australia was held at the Na- world titles in singles, doubles and I even think I would be standing up tional Tennis and Squash Centre, Lyne- teams. here tonight in front of everyone in the ham. (continued on page 5) role of President Tennis Seniors ACT”. The feature was “the best of the best” Page 4 50th Anniversary Dinner (cont)

Graham Bartlett (or Sparko) ran the House for cocktails. Anne almost felt 1. Kay Schiavinato was the first in Easter Tournaments with high num- important ever since. 1990 to win a World Seniors Title. bers, top players and no computers. Anne mentioned the very popular Mon- She played in the winning Bueno David Holloway did a good job with a day Twilight Pennant (1989-2016) and Cup team in Barcelona – the first computer program. Gail Jones and the Sunday Tournaments in varying Australian woman’s team to do so. Anne did a couple and there was the forms. Kay went on to win the 50+ World Pat/Mick Doubles Title. show (Pat 2. In 1995 Brian Hurley and Neale Moloney Hooke from Queensland won the and Mick World Mens 70+ Doubles title and Doyle in 2000 Brian and Neale won the picture 75+ World Doubles title In 2002 left). Ste- Brian was a member of the winning ve Long- Bitsy Cup team. Ken Willis once worth also said “ Brian was probably the most played a part. 2010 Twilight winners - Tim Harris, Pat Hanrahan, John Funston and Scott Simm successful and durable male in ACT Anne then covered the impact ACT veterans tennis”. Before concluding Anne mentioned the members had on the National Body. 3. Ros Balodis in 1998 won her first Ken Willis, Alison and Arthur Ide, two awards in honour of two past members - the Frank Thornton Player World Seniors Titles – the World Harry Gibbs and Bob Hay all held ex- 40+ Singles and Doubles title with ecutive positions for many years. of the Year and the George Henshil- wood Award for Administrator of the Kaye Nealon from NSW. Since Yes Canberra ran the show. More Year. then Ros has won 7 World Singles, recently Pat Moloney has and still 12 Doubles, one Mixed and 7 holds the position of Secretary. Pat, Anne concluded saying it’s interesting Teams titles. reflecting on our 50 years. We are like Alison and Bob Hay have all been re- 4. In 2001 Heather McKay was in the warded with life membership of TSA. a good wine, we improve with age. Well done Tennis Seniors ACT. winning Alice Marble Cup team in Ken Willis started the monthly Thurs- Perth. She went on to win the day tournaments and dinners. The Colin drew on his photo display, “Fifty Womens 60+ World Singles title. dinners were well attended and very Years of ACT Seniors Tennis – Nine More on Heather’s career can be popular. Later Ted Bacon took over World Champions” for his talk. His found on pages 6 of the June Vetset. the running of the tournaments fol- inspiration for the photo display came from a line in the article “We’re 50” in 5. Alison Ide won the Womens 70+ lowed by Ken Sharp. The dinners in Doubles with Victorian Joyce the early days were in the hands of the June 2020 Vetset –“the ACT has punched well above its weight at the Rodgers in 2006 in Turkey. It was a Anne and John Petherbridge. Marg fitting end to a marvellous career. Burrows, Julie Howe and even Anne national and international level”. herself then had a go. Colin started with the first ACT player 6. In 2009 Phil Higgs won the World 65+ Singles title in Perth. This was Anne then turned to Vetset beginning to win an Australian Seniors Title. Cres Roberts. He won the Australian 45+ the pinnacle of his tennis career and in 1977. And what a great source of for a man who didn’t take up tennis information it has been over the years. Seniors Grasscourt title in 1974 on the natural grasscourts installed at the new until his 40s, a wonderful achieve- th There is still 80 birthday recognition. headquarters of ACT Tennis at Lyne- ment. Seniors tennis is a great advertisement ham. 7. Colin Holgate competed in three for longevity. Anne then gave as an World Team Championships in example one our past secretaries Anne The first teams success was in 1976 when Harry Gibbs, Paul Metzler, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The Australi- Parkinson who is 91 and still living an team won the 2014 Austrian Cup independently. Anne then ran through Charles Boag and Arthur Ide won the Australian 55+event held in Canberra. in Florida and the 2015 Von Cramm our secretaries and treasurers. Cup in La Baule, France giving Anne said she is very proud and hum- Jean Boag, Josie Butchmann, Jean Colin two team titles. ble to be one of the 6 life members of Manning and Norma Crawley became the first ACT ladies to win an Australi- 8. Narelle Raftery’s highlight year TSACT. Anne and Bob Thornton are was 2017 when was in the winning the only two surviving. an team title in Hobart in 1977. Norma and Jean followed up by winning the Maureen Connolly Cup team with We have hosted 4 Australian Teams 50+ Australian Seniors Ladies Dou- Ros Balodis in Miami, Florida. and Individual Championships and 4 bles, over Josie and Jean. Narelle once said if she was to win World Championships. The Governor gold in a World Teams event she General Sir William Dean opened the The first representative in an Australian would need to be in a team with 1997 prestigious event. Anne recalls team competing in the ITF World Sen- Ros. iors Championships was Charles Boag some players and the organising com- 9. In 2018 in Umag, Croatia Helen mittee were invited to Government in 1982 in the Brittania Cup in New York. Charles was followed by Pat Holcombe had a chance pairing Macnicol in 1983 in the 40+ Young with German player, Reinhilde Ad- Cup in Cervia, Italy. There have now ams. This proved masterful with the been 15 males and 11 females who pair winning the World 65+ Dou- have represented Australia on the inter- bles title. national stage in teams or individual Over 50 years 9 World Champions, 3 events. Nine have been crowned a World Singles Champions and 39 World World Champion. titles. It is a remarkable and impressive Colin then went on to name the nine record of achievement. Page 5 Heather Pamela McKay by Colin Adrian

In an article in Tennis ACT Court Talk sport) – passions shared by her imme- years younger than Kay, was selected in (October, 2020 - Celebrating ACT’s diate sisters. Their parents, Frank and the ACTLTA junior coaching squad for Seniors World Champs) I detailed an Dulcie were both members of the East White City, a squad which included Bar- impressive list of nine world seniors Queanbeyan Tennis Club, a short bra Pitt (later McCluskey). tennis champions from the ACT, since walk from the family home in Pound In July 1957, at the 5th Annual Quean- seniors (veterans) tennis began in 1970. Street, and a regular venue for the beyan Junior Tennis Tournament, which Heather McKay (nee Blundell), born Blundells. Tennis remained their was open to players from Queanbeyan and bred in Queanbeyan, was one of the choice of a social sport throughout the and surrounds, including the ACT, the nine, as was her sister Kay. rest of Frank and Dulcie’s lives. Blundell sisters swept all eligible titles. Most Australians of more mature years In October 1957, the Canberra Times know Heather to be the greatest female reported an upset in the Queanbeyan world squash player of all-time and Women’s Resident final with Heather sporting aficionados acknowledge her defeating older sister Kay for the first as an iconic Australian sportsperson. time in a tournament, winning 8/6, 5/7, With numerous awards, an MBE and 6/4, ‘with the Cup formerly held by Kay Officer of the Order of Australia, she is moving to the other end of the family a Legend in the Australian Sports Hall mantlepiece’, in the sister’s home. of Fame and ranked in the five greatest Whilst tennis had become an important Australian athletes of all-time. part of Heather’s life, so too was hock- Surprisingly, her Wikipedia entry and ey. Both Heather and Robin, from their sporting recognition largely fails to mid-teens, were in the Queanbeyan Ev- acknowledge her tennis achievements; ergreens team which won the ACT A achievements that would make we Dulcie Blundell, Queanbeyan Park Grade Women’s Hockey Competition, a sporting mortals proud. What then is Tennis Club, 1978 number of times. Heather was to go on Heather’s tennis background and why The sporting and pioneering genes to represent NSW in hockey and was in her senior years has the sport become shone through for the Blundell girls at twice selected in the All-Australian such an important part of her life? an early age. By 1956, when 14 hockey team. Heather, one of eleven children, was Heather won the Under 15 NSW Ten- born in Queanbeyan on 31 July 1941, to nis Junior Country Cup Doubles at Frank and Dulcie Blundell. The Blun- White City with Jenny Lyttle from dell name is etched in Canberra and Goulburn. In the same year Heather Queanbeyan pioneering history, with lost to Kay in the Queanbeyan Resi- Blundell’s cottage associated with dent titles 2/6, 9/7, 6/3 but won the A Heather’s great-great-uncle. Reserve Singles over Robin 6/3, 8/6. She also won the A Reserve Doubles Heather’s Aunty Lily (her father’s sis- with Robin and the A Reserve Mixed ter) was a keen sportswoman, noted for with future brother-in-law Ken her horse riding and cricketing skills Thompson. Trophies were presented along with hockey and lawn bowls. So by the Club President and past Quean- too was her Aunty Iris, a sporting all- beyan Mayor W B Freebody, from a rounder and feared fast bowler. Her noted tennis family. father Frank was one of the first coun- Evergreens, ACT Women’s Hockey try, ‘professional’ footballers, in the In February/ Champions, 1957 Southern NSW Country Rugby League March 1957 In 1958 Heather won the junior girls Maher Cup. Heather, at age singles at the Queanbeyan Easter Tennis 15 won the tournament and in 1959 again won the In 1939, the impact of the Depression ACT Girls and with World War 2 pending, the Queanbeyan Resident Singles. It was in Under 17 1959 that Heather and some of her Ever- Blundell family moved back to Quean- Championship beyan from Temora, the base for green teammates began playing squash Singles as well socially to keep fit for hockey. Her Frank’s football and profession as a as the Doubles baker. Kay (1939), Robin (1940), and choice of sports was about to be put to with sister the test. Heather (1941) – the sixth, seventh and Robin. eighth children of the Blundell clan - In March 1960, Heather made it three were born in Queanbeyan in quick suc- ACT Girls Under 17 Singles Cup, years running by winning the Queanbey- cession. Her father’s profession and his 1957 an Resident Singles defeating Rosalie market gardening skills kept the “wolf In April of the same year Kay was Manning 8/6, 6/3. In April, despite be- from the door”, in difficult years. The selected to represent the ACT ing purely a social player, she was per- family’s passion was sport – any sport, (finishing runners-up) in the Triangu- suaded to participate in the NSW coun- but with football, shooting, golf, crick- lar Series for the Pat Pearce Cup, in try squash titles in Wollongong. She et, tennis, basketball and hockey, prom- Adelaide, against the South Australian proceeded to win the NSW Country Sen- inent amongst the growing family. Hardcourt League and the Victorian ior and Junior titles – returning home Finding a willing partner or opponent Southern Districts Association. Her with prizes of a mixmaster and manicure was easy. partners were Judy Grangel (later set! Heather’s passions became hockey (a Purdy) and Pat Bridgeman (later Mac- By August, Heather had been selected in winter sport) and tennis (a summer nicol) – what a team! Heather, two the NSW team to compete (cont p7)

Page 6 Heather Pamela McKay (cont) in the Australian Squash Champion- 55+ Singles (Newcastle), 2001 60+ retirement from squash, it is the social ships. The rest is a well documented Singles (Hobart), 2002 60+ Singles side of the sport which she finds equally history, with Heather moving on to an and Doubles (Canberra), 2004 60+ rewarding. Travelling to tournaments unparalleled world squash career, retir- Doubles (Gold Coast), 2006 65+ Sin- and championships is a chance to renew ing from ‘Open’ squash in 1981. Sub- gles and Doubles (Christchurch), 2007 friendly rivalries and socialise. The sequently, she also reached the pinnacle 65+ Singles (Perth), 2008 65+ Singles same can be said locally where regular of American and dominated (Albury -Wodonga), 2009 65+ Singles club play – two to three times a week – World Masters Squash, finally ‘retiring’ and Doubles (Adelaide), 2011 70+ along with the social opportunities from competitive squash in 1997. Singles (Newcastle) and 2018 75+ through seniors tennis, maintains friend- In 1985 Heather and husband Brian had Singles and Doubles (Gold Coast). ships, health and fitness. returned to Australia from Canada The pinnacle of Heather’s tennis ca- Following the passing of her husband where they had coached squash for reer was in 2001, when she was select- Brian in 2016, Heather has returned to many years. Heather took up a position ed as a member of the Australian Alice her family roots in Queanbeyan, where with the AIS Squash Program in Bris- Marble 60+ team to compete in the she was born in 1941 and first learnt bane, alongside Geoff Hunt. In 1990, World titles. The team won the teams tennis in the 1950s. Turning eighty this Heather was back in Canberra for four title in Adelaide and then Heather year Heather has established a sporting years. It was the same year that sister went on to win the Women’s 60+ Sin- record second to none. With many sen- Kay reached the pinnacle of her tennis gles title in Perth. iors now playing tennis into their eight- career, when she was a member of the The match details of Heather’s finals ies and nineties she has the opportunity first ever Australian team to win an ITF reflect her determination, skills and for more records and enjoyment on the Seniors Womens World Teams compe- fitness, the hallmarks of her squash tennis court. A wonderful inspiration to tition. Kay then went on to win the 50+ career. In the singles semi-final us all. World Doubles title and was runner-up against Rosie Darmon, a former Wim- in the Singles. She continued to be a bledon and French Open player, prominent force in Canberra tennis until Heather was down 3/5 but saved a her untimely death in 2000. match point before taking the next Kay’s passing brought to end a pact four games to win the deciding set 7/5. between she and Heather to play seniors In the singles final against teammate tennis together travelling to tourna- Margaret Wayte, Heather, after surren- ments whenever they could - a chance dering a comfortable lead, won a tie- to enjoy family companionship and break decider 7 points to 3 to win the participate both competitively and so- title. cially in a sport they both loved.

Heather at Reid, with the new genera- tion, 2020

The assistance of John Greenup from Tennis Seniors ACT, Wendy Grant from Queanbeyan Park Tennis Club and World 60 Years Singles finalists, Rosie Heather McKay and family with photos Darmon, Heather and Margaret Way- and source material is gratefully te m 2001 acknowledged. Since then Heather has represented Postscript: to date we have been unable Heather and Kay 1993 Australia in a further three World team to find a photo of Heather in her junior By 1995 Heather had returned to the titles: Velden, Austria in 2002 (3rd), tennis days – anyone?! AIS in Brisbane coaching squash but Philadelphia, USA in 2004 (2nd) and in tennis had now become an important Perth in 2009 (3rd). part of her social and sporting life. She joined the Queensland tennis seniors, representing Queensland in interstate 153 Ma- competitions. In 1998, Heather won gennis her first Australian Seniors Tennis Sin- Drive gles title at Newcastle, in the 55+ age Murrum- group, defeating Dawn Martin 3/6, 6/4, bateman 6/0. NSW 2582 In the years since 2000 and back in Canberra, Heather has made her mark on local, national and world seniors Australian and World title Medals to Greg Birch 0419 547 850 tennis. She has a total of nine Australi- date, 2021) Leigh Brennan 0428 622 687 an singles titles and four doubles titles. Whilst Heather’s tennis competition Her Australian tally consists of: 1998 results are impressive, following her Page 7 2021 World Titles Update

The ITF has confirmed that the 2021 Seniors (50-55-60) World Champion- ships in Umag, Croatia, originally sched- uled to take place from 6-19 June 2021, will now be played from Sunday 29 Au- gust to Saturday 11 September. The event will remain in Umag, with the Team event running from 29 August – 3 September, before the Individual event from 4-11 September. The Seniors World Championships will now immediately proceed the Young Seniors World Championships which remain scheduled for Umag from 12-25 September as well as the Super Seniors World Championships on Mallorca, Spain from 10-23 October 2021. TSA have had discussions with Tennis Australia regarding sending teams to the 2021 World Championships. Whilst TA are finely balancing the desire to support Seniors players in pursuing their tennis, they are also aware of the current risks of traveling overseas as well as the chal- lenges in returning back to Australia. Subsequently, after some careful risk assessment TA made 8 points the detail of which can be found on the TSA web- site (www.seniorstennis.org.au). The last point was TA are reviewing what opportunities they can provide our affected athletes (ITF Juniors and Sen- iors) within Australia in light of this position. As such TSA will not be calling for team nominations for 2021 until such time as when TA supports the sending of over- seas teams. TSA in consultation with TA West Wyalong Teams Event by Tim Harris will be posting updates when they come to hand . Pictures from 50th Anniversary Dinner

Frank Marris, Dale Brooker Peter Breugelmans, Alan Hender- son, Neil Lynch

Rochelle Hogan, Leonie Southwell, Anne Bruce Larkham, Helen Haycock, Karen Jameson, Bronwyn Thomas Worland, Judy Purdy

Page 8 Sunday Round Robin by Colin Lyons and Warren Muller

After the March washout we were back performances were put in by Leonie later in the year, so we have been on the court in some cooler weather at Southwell and Doug Williamson, but warned and will sharpen up our games Belconnen on 18 April. After sitting on just short of the 2-person podium. A ready for him. We hope he and Gina 11 entries most of Thursday, an awk- special mention for consistency goes to enjoy the bottle of red as they relax in ward number to run with, we had 3 Helen Macduff, who won the same num- their campervan contemplating the more entries on Friday so ended up with ber of games in all 4 sets she played. I sunset. The reliable Daniel Tang, 14 in a single draw with perfect gender have seen it done before, but it is rare. who doesn’t know how to put in a bad balance 7 women, 7 men. The weather was kind to us again for the performance, came in second with 5.00. We welcomed back Michael Once again, the organisers could not round robin at Weston Creek on 16 May, Chin after a considerable absence, and make it onto the court. Colin was in a bit cool at the start but ideal later in the he showed us he hasn’t forgotten how Queensland attending a high school morning. Despite a 30-minute later start, to play by taking out third place. reunion in Toowoomba and Warren was everyone was keen, and we played the confined to the sidelines after removal full 5 sets. As in April, there were 14 For the first time this year both organ- of a skin spot on his right shoulder. entries but this time 9 men and 5 women. isers could play. While Colin per- Both hope to play next month. These were divided into two groups of 7 formed creditably, the less said about roughly based on standards, with a gen- Warren’s performance the better. Greg Hunt, with an average of 6, was a der mix in each group. Knowing who Let’s just say he successfully captured clear winner and was rewarded with the swapped with whom after 4 games was the wooden spoon. bottle of classic red wine aged on the occasionally tricky. shelves of a well-known Canberra re- The next round robin will be on 20 tailer. Pat Moloney snuck into second Chris Adam, in a guest appearance inter- June, again at Weston Creek as place and forsook the white wine in rupting his Australia-wide travels, was Belconnen courts cannot be booked favour of a box of chocolates. Just as clearly showing the benefit of the retired while junior pennant is being played. well he didn’t lose one more game or he life and took it out with an average of We are back to the usual 9:15 arrival would be sharing his chocolates. Good 5.5. He says he will next be back much for 9:30 start in June; the courts are already booked! Wagga Wagga Seniors Tournament This report is drawn from articles writ- year even including dinner at the tennis cessful for Canberra participants with ten by Tom Denahy and Pauline club, so make sure you put it in your Scott Smith and Grant Woodbridge Downes. calendar for next year. the winners and Tim Harris and Gra- ham Smith the runners up. The Women’s American Doubles was very popular It was an early start again on Sunday and originally had 14 play- with Combined Aged Doubles ers but the men’s only had events. Once again Canberra men’s 4 so Vicky Vesse from team of Scott Smith and Grant Sydney and Pauline Woodbridge were winners in their Downes decided to even event. It was another long event for up the numbers and play in the combined ladies doubles requir- the men’s event. The men ing 7 matches for each team. Victo- were too good with Tim rian’s Katrina Lowden and Adele Harris clearly the winner Ormsby remained undefeated despite and a local, Pat Dwyer, teams taking them to 3 tiebreakers in The Wagga Wagga Seniors Tennis beating Pauline for runner up. Leonie the event. The runners up were Paul- Tournament was held at the Jim Elphick Southwell won the Women’s American ine Downes and Christine Jarrett who Centre on 1-2 May, and once again, 51 Doubles with Heather McKay runner up. played them in one of those tiebreak- experienced players with an average age While this event was being played there ers. of 55 years travelled to Wagga for the were Men’s Singles events. Keith Olds The afternoon had two mixed events, weekend and delivered some world class won the 75+mens singles and Scott with Grant completing a very suc- tennis. Players came from Victoria, Syd- Smith was runner-up in the 50+ mens cessful tournament being undefeated ney, Canberra and Queanbeyan to take singles. in the mixed 30+ doubles with Paul- part in the Annual Round Robin event, ine Downes. It was great to see him now in its 20th year. On Saturday afternoon, after already playing about 48 games in the morning, do so well as it was his last tourna- We were lucky to get the last of the sun- the doubles events were played with 6 ment as a Jerrabomberra member as shine before the weather starts to get teams in the 60+ ladies doubles. Pauline he is moving to Merimbula in June to cooler the closer to winter we get. The replaced Heather McKay at the last mi- enjoy the tennis and better weather in sunny weather made for perfect tennis nute to play with Julie Pratt from Syd- his retirement. In the mixed 60+ playing conditions with unending sun- ney. Pauline and Julie went through doubles Tim Harris and Betty Smith shine across the two days. The tourna- undefeated. The runners up were Marga- came runner up. ment was run very successfully by Tom ret Sellwood and Leonie Southwell. It The players stamina, etiquette and Denahy, Head Coach and Tennis Centre was a long event for the ladies. The comradery was a highlight over the Coordinator. Tom was supported by the lights were put on to make it easier to two days with most players knowing Southern Sports Academy and the Wag- see the ball in the fading light. each other and enjoying a match up ga Wagga Tennis Association. He has and catch up. plans to improve the tournament next The Men’s Doubles 50+ was very suc- Page 9 Seniors Tournaments Results

2021 Oceania Senior Regional Championships by Sue Willis

Sue Willis reports she has said in the The tournament attracted 166 eager play- were also some spectacular slides!! past that it is ‘only the brave’ who enter ers including six International registered As with all tournaments but particu- these tournaments! I was the only brave players. Players were also from Queens- larly after such a long break, the high- lady from the ACT to venture into this land and New South Wales. light was to see familiar faces. The battlefield.... with no victories I might This year, the tournament was held at the warm and friendly Committee also add! On the male side Gary Thomas Geelong Lawn Tennis Club instead of managed a ‘Meet and Greet’ on the ventured forth winning a match in the Kooyong. The Club is an impressive Friday evening, a BBQ on the Satur- mens 60 singles to reach the quarter new modern facility including two day evening as well as a very efficient finals. squash courts, eight en-tout-cas courts, canteen to cater for hungry tennis However, for those keen to enter, this six hard courts and 13 grass courts. players. was the first ITF tournament in Austral- We older players (65 plus) were drawn On the Saturday evening, Robert ia to be organised since last March and to play on the tougher surface, en-tout- Hughes received a Highly Commend- it was a great success. Covid rules ap- cas. The young ones (now starting at 30 ed Service Award presented by Ten- plied. The Club were under strict in- years of age – just out of nappies) played nis Victoria for his extended contribu- structions from the ITF to en- on the grass! tions to Seniors Tennis over a very sure each player received a temperature I watched some great matches on the en- lng time! check and health questions on arrival. tout-cas where some of the rallies were Thank you to Tennis Victoria and all We also had to produce a copy of the soooo looooooooooooong as balls of the volunteers for an excellent pre-tournament questionnaire. bounce slower and higher!!!! There event. Goulburn Seniors by David Ridley

It was perfect weather across the three Winners days (26-28 March) and although we MS50+(2) - Grant Woodbridge were only down to the one tennis centre MD55/70+ - Keith Olds/Brian Hum- this year (due to damage on the other phreys courts) we still welcomed 135 players WD30/50+(1) - Joanne Adams/ and their travelling partners to our tour- Catherine Long nament. WD60+ - Leonie Ainsworth/Sue Willis This year the ITF lowered the age of XD30/50+(3) - Sue Willis/Graeme eligible competitors to 30 years old, in Rochow an attempt to increase participation in XD65+ - Leonie and Graeme Ains- this age group and get them returning to worth tennis earlier. This approach proved XD70+ - Val Gavin/Don Masters successful for our tournament, as we had CMD60/100+(2) - Tim Harris/Graeme a number of players that fell into this Rossiter age group that would normally be ex- CMD130+ - Greg Hunt/Don Masters empt. Plus it allowed them to compete CXD130+ - May Howard/Grant Wood- against more experienced players; some- bridge thing they wouldn't typically be able to Runners-up do. MS60+ - Greg Hunt MD30/50+(3) - Tim Harris/Graeme After a difficult 2020 due to COVID, the Rossiter committee bandied together and hosted WD30/50+(2) - Michelle Grant/Thelma a great tournament in 2021. Whilst our Winroe tournament dinner environment/ WD60+ - Val Gavin/May Howard atmosphere wasn't as planned, the food XD30/50+(3) - Bev Roberts/Alan was outstanding. The tournament itself Pycroft awarded prizemoney to 52 individual XD65+ - Leonie Southwell/Geoff Cook winners and runners up across 26 CWD60/90/130+(1) - Leonie Ains- events, with a very high standard of ten- worth/Sue Willis nis played across the weekend. We CWD60/90/130+(2) - Margaret Sel- thank all players and spectators and vol- wood/Jean Penny unteers who made this a great event. CXD60/100+(2) - Jenny Armellin/ Around 25 ACT and district players Daryl Orr played in the tournament with many of CXD130+(1) - Sue Willis/Graeme them featuring on the winners and run- Rochow ners-up list below. CXD130+(2) - Kareen Layne/Greg Hunt

Page 10 Seniors Tournaments Results

Berri Seniors Team Carnival The Tennis Seniors SA 33rd Berri relatively even group. Teams Carnival was held on 15-17 The last member, Don Masters, was May. The Carnival was cancelled last our only winner. He played with a year due to COVID-19 but this did not group of friends in the Valley Villains discourage players this year with 89 in the men’s 70+ and won their final teams entered, players coming from after starting as underdogs. South Australia, Victoria and the ACT. Ten players from Canberra made the trip across the Hay Plains or various other ways to avoid the Plains after get- ting Entry Permits to go through Victo- ria and Border Passes to get into South Australia. Some had to devour their fruit before reaching the SA/Victoria border or have a loosing discussion with Our group comprised of seven teams, the the Quarantine Officers. winner being first past the post. The teams were the Barra Rats (from Ballarat Rosa Cotta, Helen Greenup, Gail Jones and Ararat), the Nomads (roaming and Betty Smith joined forces with Lyn around Adelaide from different clubs), Hammat from Jamestown in South Aus- the Wanderers (similar to Nomads ex- (alphabetically) Ron Cameron, Rob tralia to form the Mixed Fashions team cept they wandered), the Misfits (named Hann, Jeff Labsch, Don Masters and in the women’s 65+. There were 5 oth- many years ago with different players Alan Spry er teams in the section - Mix N Match, who didn’t fit together), Strath Blokes New Crocks ,Riverettes, Mid Week +1 (from Strathalbyn plus one outsider) Helen Nealer and Dave Bruckner reg- Friends and Bridge Bimbos. The team and the Interstaters (Geelong and Shep- ular players to the Berri event were thoroughly enjoyed the weekend’s ten- parton). seen around the courts. nis. The team played at all four venues – Berri, Renmark, Barmera and Loxton Matches were played at Barmera, Berri This a great teams carnival and has all on a variety of grass courts. and Renmark. Renmark were the best been popular for many years often courts and Berri, unfortunately, the getting close to 100 teams. The tennis The mens 60+team ‘A Mixed Bunch’ worst. Competition was good and is played in good spirit with opportu- comprised of right and left handed play- friendly with no arguments. Only prob- nities for social gatherings and meals ers, players from two states and ages lem was bad bounces at Berri which pro- afterwards. Put the Carnival in your ranging from 62 to 77 ie a real mixed vided a good excuse for losing. We lost diary now – Saturday 13 May to Mon- bunch. The team was Pat Moloney, our first 3 matches but came home with a day 15 May 2022 Tim Harris, Graham Smith John strong head of steam to win our last 3 to And if you are thinking of going book Greenup, Mike Horsman (Barmera) and finish 5th overall. Very little separated Graeme Rossiter. accommodation now if you want to positions two to six. Overall a good and stay in Berri. Cowra Teams by Sue Metcalf The Cowra teams tournament resumed Orange (37 points). In second spot was on 29-30 May after being cancelled due Don Master's team the Good Old Boys, to COVID-19 in 2020. Twenty teams consisting of Neil Matley, Greg Hunt, participated from Canberra, Camden, Chris Adam and Paul Corcoran. Forbes, Springwood, West Wyalong, The B ladies ended up with Forbes and Collaroy and Orange. Frosty mornings Val's Gal's on 29 points each. A count greeted the players at 8.00am followed back saw Forbes win. The team was by sunshine all day Robyn, Rochelle, Dianne and thanks to Winners of A ladies with a score of 41 the players who filled in for them dur- were Party Girls, Pauline Downes, ing the weekend, Lindy and Cindy. Cathy Long, Katrina O' Callaghen and Val' Gal's team was Val Gavin, Marga- Sonya Amey. Runners up with 36 ret Sellwood, Sue Metcalf (Lithgow) points were Cathy Mayer’s Dream Team and Sue. U&cCO Café with Kassy Dimes, Joanne Sherwood Unit 7 Gwydir Square, Kaleen Congratulations to everyone who par- and Sue Willis. ticipated and made it a great weekend ph 6241 1100

A men’s was won by Nathan Gardiner 's of tennis. A huge thank you to Cindy Great coffee, great food, Springwood Green team with 32 points, and her band of helpers who manned come along and try it second spot was the Camden team cap- the kitchen The food was fabulous. tained by David Scotney (24 points). Also, to the helpers who had the courts AND NOW and surrounds looking great. at B men's was won by Canberra, Graham Amaroo Smith, Tim Harris, Graeme Rossiter, Looking forward to the Cowra Seniors 12 Pioneer Street Greg Holcombe and Ian Worland from Tournament on 26-27 June. Call in and say hullo Page 11 Tennis Seniors ACT Calendar 2021/22

TOURNAMENTS SUNDAY ROUND DINNERS AND ROBIN SPECIAL FUNCTIONS AND PENNANTS TOURNAMENTS Lunch to celebrate the 80th Birthday

19-24 Sept 2021 Australian Tennis The next tournament for 2021 is for 8 of our members - 25 July 2021 - Seniors Individual Championships see page 8 for details scheduled for a 9.15am start on 20 Gold Coast -(originally scheduled for June at Weston Creek Tennis Club. This dinner covers 2020 and 2021 as Canberra in January 2021 but post- 2020 was deferred due to COVID-19 poned due to COVID-19 restrictions) The dates for rest of the year are restrictions. 18 July, 15 August, 19 September, 9-14 Jan 2022 Australian Tennis 24 October and 21 November. Members booking for the dinners Seniors Team Carnival, Swan Hill, Check the website closer to the date should be aware that if they cancel after Victoria for any changes. All are a 9.15am the closing date they may be required to 16-21 Jan 2022 Australian Tennis start unless otherwise advised. pay the cost if the caterer charges Ten-

Seniors Individual Championships If you put your name down and find nis Seniors ACT. Swan Hill, Victoria you cannot play on the day, please Contact Graham Smith (6161 5352) Australian Seniors Championships: notify one of the organisers so that Contact Pat Moloney (6262 3727) the other players are not inconven- ienced. ACT Open Seniors Tournament: Contact Pat Moloney (6262 3727) Contact: Colin Lyons (0434 531 449) or Warren Muller (0407 916 868) Call Robert Pragt on 0402 334215 if you Country and Interstate Tournament Calendar 2021/22 care about your dog Some of the dates may change and 13-14 Nov Bathurst Carillion some tournaments may be postponed or City R/R cancelled due to COVID-19 re- 14=16 Nov TSSA State Champs strictions. You should check the rele- (S100) vant State’s website for any changes or 26-29 Nov TSV Grasscourt Champs restrictions on travel just prior to the (S700), Yarrawonga relevant tournament. 3-5 Dec Nelson Bay Seniors

2021 2022

11-14 Jun TSV Claycourt Champs 9-14 Jan Australian Seniors Teams (S400) Carnival, Swan Hill, Victoria 12-14 Jun Gosford Mixed Teams 16-21 Jan Australian Seniors Individ 19-20 Jun Lake Macquarie Seniors ual Champs, Swan Hill, Victoria 25-28 Jun Tweed Heads Pro-one Tennis (S200) 26-27 Jun Cowra Seniors R/R West Wyalong Teams Event by Tim Harris 1-5 Jul TSQ Championships (S700) Gold Coast Tim Harris is happy to report that all the Congratulations to Pauline Downes, 9-11 Jul Central Coast Wyong TSACT members that participated in the Cathy Mayer, Karen Dunn, and Sue 16-18 Jul East Port Macquarie - can West Wyalong Teams Event held from Metcalf (Cowra) for winning the celled 20-21 March had a great weekend. De- women’s A Grade. 30 Jul-2 Aug Forster Seniors R/R spite the forecast and eventual rain, play 7-8 Aug Forbes Open Teams (tbc) was possible up to midday Sunday be- 13-15 Aug Muswellbrook Park fore the heavens opened and the courts 20-22 Aug Batemans Bay R/R were literally flooded. As all but the last 3-5 Sep Cessnock Seniors R/R matches had been completed, results 11-12 Sep Manning River, Taree were still able to be determined and win- 18-19 Sep Orange Ex-Services R/R ning teams awarded. 19-24 Sep 2021 Australian Seniors Congratulations to Don Masters, Greg Individual Champs (S1000) Hunt, Pat Dwyer (Wagga) and Paul Cor- Gold Coast, Queensland coran (Boorowa) for winning the men’s Also, special mention to Joanne Ad- 25-26 Sep Gunnedah Seniors B Grade. ams, Rochelle Hogan, Margaret Sell- 1-4 Oct TSNSW State Champs (S700), wood, Robyn Armitage (Temora) and Rochdale Lindy Cannon (Forbes) who came in 8-10 Oct Kiama R/R third in the woman’s A Grade. 15-17 Oct Gosford Tennis Club R/R This event, in the past, was impacted 15-18 Oct Merimbula Seniors by a heat wave, then a dust storm, and 22-24 Oct Dubbo Paramount Seniors this year torrential rain. That’s strike 30 Oct-2 Nov TSV Champs (S400), three so it all looks good for next Kooyong year’s event! 5-7 Nov Hawks Nest, Myall Park Page 12