SENIORS ACT INC SPRING ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2019

PREFACE Octogenarians Update on Super

VETSET is the newsletter of Tennis Sen- Senior Teams for iors ACT Incorporated. However the World Titles views expressed in the newsletter are not necessarily those of the committee. In the June edition of Vetset we

Membership fees for 2019/20 are due on were pleased to congratulate 1 July - only $20. For new members the Helen Holcombe, Neville Rod- fee is $10 from January to June. A mem- well and Pat Moloney on being bership form can be found on the web- selected in Australian teams for the Super Senior World Team site. 9 Titles being held in Umag, Croa- The 2019/20 Committee comprises: tia in September.

President Unfortunately Helen and Neville Graham Smith (6161 5352) have had to withdraw through

Vice President injury. But the good news is Pat Moloney (6262 3727) they have been replaced by two Who turned 80 this year to be eligible for an other ACT members - Sue Willis Secretary th OBE. See the story on the 80 Birthday Lunch and John Stark. Warren Muller (6231 0825) on page 7. So good luck Sue, John and Pat. Treasurer Peter Breugelmans (6258 4261) World Title Ireland Committee in Mixed Doubles The two pictures below reflect John Greenup (6254 5263) Tim Harris (6231 3642) Congratulations to Ros Balodis on winning on life in Ireland. The first pho- Colin Lyons (0434 531 449) the 60 mixed doubles with Peter Hampton to is a bar and the second one is Barbara McCluskey (6241 4402) from across the ditch in New Zealand. See a sign outside a fish shop, For Ros’ story on page 5. more see Pat’s story on page 4. Robert Pragt (6242 6897) Bronwyn Thomas (0410 730 808) Sue Willis (0434 982 924)

Website: www.tennisseniors.org.au/act

Inside Page President’s Annual Report 2 WA 2020 3 Treasurer’s Report 2018/19 3 TSACT AGM 3 My Irish Tennis Trip 4 Welcome to New Members 4 Next Sunday Tournament 4 Membership Fees Overdue 4 Senior World Titles 5 Update on Seniors Tennis 6 Tributes (Hort and Peck) 6 Roger Allnutt 6 80th Birthday Lunch 7 Changes for 2020 and 2021 8 Senior World Titles 2019 8 2020 World Titles Dates/Locations 8 Record Prizemoney for 2020 9 Christmas Dinner 10 Sunday Round Robins 10 State and Country Results 10-11 2019/20 Calendar 11 Sponsors 12

Closing date for December Vetset Friday 15 November 2019 President’s Annual Report by Graham Smith 2018/19 has been an interesting year Another excellent performance was at for 2020. Overall our ACT players particularly with respect to the future the World Individual Championships performed well by winning a number of operations of Tennis Seniors ACT. where Helen Holcombe who with a the singles, doubles and mixed events.

TSACT is a Divisional Member of the first-time doubles partner won the The Sunday round robins were success- worlds 65+ doubles title. National body Tennis Seniors Australia fully held over the year in various (TSA). Over the year there has been The ITF Seniors World Champion- weather conditions and with various much discussion between Tennis Aus- ships for 2019 is to be played in Por- numbers. Nine were held and two can- tralia (TA), TSA and the divisional tugal in August. Ros has been elected celled. Good weather brings out the members on TA’s intention to wind up to again captain the Australian Alice players with the largest entries during TSA and take over its functions. This Marble Cup (60+) team. Narelle was the summer and autumn months. The will be determined by a vote of the divi- selected for the Australian Maureen locations being Weston Creek, Belcon- sional members later in 2019. It must Connelly Cup (55+) team but has had nen and Forrest. This year saw the re- be expected that regardless of the out- to withdraw due to injury. turn of the Venezuela Cups for the year- come of the vote there will be changes The ITF Super Seniors World Cham- ly successful players and were present- in the operations and management of all pionships for 2019 is to be played in ed to Pat Moloney (winner) and Bron- the divisions. wyn Thomas (runner up) at the 2018 Croatia in September. Helen Hol- Our membership to 30 June totals 157 combe was selected in the Australian Christmas dinner. These cups had not which include one Vetset subscriber Kitty Godfree Cup (65+) team. Ne- been played for since 2010 when the and two life members. This is the same ville Rodwell was selected in the Aus- popular Thursday afternoon mid-week as for 2017/18. tralian Jack Crawford Cup (70+) team seniors tournaments ceased. It is hoped this extra incentive will attract more 2018/19 has been a successful year for but both had to withdraw due to inju- ry. Helen was replaced by Sue Willis players. our teams and for a number of our members. and Neville has been replaced by John At the Christmas dinner our two major Stark. Pat Moloney has been selected awards were presented. Helen Hol- The Australian Seniors Championships in the Bitsy Grant Cup (75+). We combe won the Frank Thornton award were held in Shepparton in January. wish all our representatives good luck. for achieving the most notable tennis TSACT fielded 4 men’s teams and 6 ACT players have also successfully success over the past year, and Barbara women’s teams for the Teams Carnival McCluskey won the George Henshil- in the first week. Although we had no competed in our local International Tennis Federation (ITF) Easter tour- wood Award for her administrative winners this year all teams played com- work. petitively. Our main hope was the nament and the various interstate ITF women 60 team but unfortunately Ros tournaments held over the year. All At the 2018 Tennis ACT annual awards Balodis slipped on a leaf on her court in these representations and wins are Ros Balodis was awarded the Most the first game of the first match. Ros seen as important as they maintain a Outstanding 35+ Tennis Senior in the was unable to play for the rest of the high profile for TSACT with the ma- ACT. jor states and other sports. Championships. The team battled on Further recognition of Ros’s achieve- without Ros and came a credible third. Our scheduled list of events for the ments was her induction into Tennis In total 5 of our teams finished third in year was completed with satisfying Seniors Australia’s Hall of Fame at the their sections. degrees of success. These included Elite Level. TSA instigated the Hall of

In the Individual Championships played the ACT Open Seniors Champion- Fame in 2018 to provide special recog- in the second week of the Champion- ships; Sunday Round Robins and our nition for those players who have ships we had ten players participating. Christmas dinner. achieved success at the highest level of seniors tennis competitions. Pat Moloney was our most successful The Seniors Residents Championships player winning two combined aged were held in conjunction with the Members of TSACT also hold positions doubles events - the combined 150 with ACT Resident Championships. Alt- on the national committee, Tennis Sen- Frank Aiken from Ireland and the com- hough there were not many entries in iors Australia (TSA). At TSA's January bined 130 with John Stark. Three of the seniors events, senior players were AGM on the Gold Coast Warren Muller our members made the finals but just well represented and successful in the was appointed as TSA's Public Officer couldn't find that extra to win. Greg other events. and Pat Moloney was re-elected as Sec- and Helen Holcombe were runners-up retary. Our main event, the Easter Tourna- in the 65 mixed doubles and Colin Hol- ment, an ITF Grade 2 Championship The Presidents and Secretaries of the gate in the 60 mixed doubles. A number was again held at the Canberra Tennis State and Territory divisions met with of the other ACT players had some Centre as a Claycourt Championship. the National Executive of Tennis Sen- wins but found the opposition tough 140 players participated which was a iors Australia twice over this last year. going. slight increase on last year. Our en- The main discussion item was the wind- On the international scene TSACT were tries also attracted 36 past and present ing up of Tennis Seniors Australia well represented and successful with Australian team representatives and so (mentioned above). Other items includ- Ros Balodis and Narelle Raftery repre- provided some strong and competitive ed the change of TSA President in July senting Australia at the 2018 ITF Sen- tennis. The tournament also attracted 2018, the 2019 Australian Champion- iors World Team Championships in entries from Germany, Shi Lanka, ships at Shepparton, the upcoming 2020 Germany. Ros was captain of the win- India, South Africa, China and Nepal. Championships in Busselton, other ning Alice Marble Cup (60+) team and However a couple of the overseas tournaments, finance and divisional Narelle was captain of the Maureen players were unable to make it. Hav- updates.

Connelly Cup (55+) team which came ing these highly ranked players and (continued on page 3) runner up. Both excellent performances international players should enable on the world stage. our Grade 2 category to be maintained

Page 2 WA 2020 Treasurer’s Report 2018/19

Peter Breugelmans reports that Tennis Seniors ACT Inc. experienced an im- proved financial performance during the twelve months ending 30 June 2019, within its Income and Expenditure statement, reflecting a surplus of $2,321. In comparison to the previous financial year 2017/18 it was an in- crease of $2,095.

Membership subscription for the year reflected a decrease (from 160 17/18 to The 2020 Australian Seniors Tennis ACT Teams 157 18/19). The statement again re- Teams Carnival and Individual Cham- January 2020 is getting closer quick- flected that there were increases and pionships are in Western Australia in ly. Accommodation, flights and other decreases of income and expenditure 2020. The Teams Carnival will start on travel plans need to be getting high items, some income items showed an Sunday 5 January (practice and opening priority.. increase e.g. Easter Tournament, Social ceremony) and end on Friday10 Janu- Events and Round Robins whereas all ary. The Individual Championships Uniforms other items indicated a decrease. will run from 12-17 January. You also need to check if you have Expenditure items such as Vetset, Post the ACT tops, shirts, skorts or shorts. There is likely to be three venues de- and Other Awards, Grants Subsidies If you need any part of the uniform pending on the number of teams en- were down but other items showed in- you should be contacting now is the tered. The headquarters will be at the creases particularly, Easter Tournament, time to be contacting Betty Smith current Busselton Tennis Club. There Round Robin, Social Events, TSA and (6161 5352) or Peter Breugelmans is a new set of courts being constructed Sundry Expenses (6258 4261) urgently. for the Busselton Tennis Club due to be finished by October 2019. Nominations for ACT Teams The membership subscription and Vet- set subscription fees have been re- Then around 30 minutes drive north is Nomination forms for ACT teams viewed and it is not proposed to change the Bunbury Tennis Club. This is only have been sent to all members.. If the existing fees twenty (Membership) likely to be used for the Teams week. you are forming your own team each and five (Vetset) dollars. member of the team will still need to Busselton is around 300 kms south of Peter had prepared a budget for 2019/20 Perth. You can find out more by going nominate and your entry fee of $120 If you want to just nominate yourself (copy on the TSACT website) which he to the tournament website https:// presented to the AGM for their consid- www.wa2020.com.au/ for an age group, you can. Nomina- eration. tions close on Friday 27 September. As promised, TSWA has put together In conclusion, I thank those members tailored accommodation packages fol- Team Dinner that have assisted me in performing my lowing negotiations with suitable pro- The ACT Team Dinner will be on duties as treasurer. I hope that we will viders in the Busselton area. These Tuesday 7 January at 7.30pm at the continue to improve our financial posi- packages can be found at https:// Esplanade Hotel, Busselton. The tion in the financial year 2019/20. www.wa2020.com.au/plan-your-stay cost will be $45 per person payable on arrival at the Hotel. Drinks are extra. I hereby table the Tennis Seniors ACT Discussions are underway with bus Inc’s audited financial statements for transfer and car hire companies regard- 2018/19 financial year. A copy of the ing discounts for the tournament. Keep statements were attached and can now an eye on the tournament website for be found on the TSACT website. more information.

TSACT Annual General Meeting President’s Annual Report (continued from page 2) Tennis Seniors ACT held its Annual 25 years ago. In this period Gail held General Meeting on 7 August at the Secretary position for over 15 6.00pm at the Next Gen Boardroom years. She has also been the Tourna- Financially TSACT is in a sound posi- in Lyneham. The President’s and ment Secretary for our Easter Tourna- tion with money in the bank and no Treasurer’s Annual Reports for ment for many years. With the assis- expected large financial outlays.

2018/19 and the Draft Budget for tance of her husband Brian, they have While this year we celebrated two 2019/20 were tabled., maintained membership records as eightieth birthdays we also sadly saw There were no changes in the Execu- well as provided assistance and advice the passing of one current and eight on computing to members. tive or the general committee with the former members. All had been good exception of Gail Jones who did not Gail has received awards from TSA, supporters of Tennis Seniors ACT. stand. TSACT and TACT for her admin- The successful running of Tennis Sen- istration over the years. Gail Jones iors ACT during 2018/19 is attributed Her experience, expertise and to the good work put in by the com- Gail has been a long standing member knowledge will be missed. mittee members. I thank them all for of the committee but felt it was time their support and contribution. to leave it to the newer members. She joined the committee in 1995, nearly Page 3 My Irish Tennis Trip by Pat Moloney

Earlier this year I decided it was time to Clontarf is near the sea. The tourna- provided. The tournament was run in escape the onset of winter and revisit ment went well and I ended up win- a very friendly and relaxed manner. Ireland again. It had been three years ning the 75+ singles. The committee and players are nice since my last visit. On that last visit I and friendly and made me very wel- couldn’t write up my tennis experiences come. as I tore a calf muscle in my first match The weekend prior to the Champion- and had to forfeit the match as well as ships, Tennis Ireland run the withdraw from my next tournament, the ‘Interprovincial Super Seniors’. This only other one I had intended to play. is similar to our January Carnival in This year I went for 5 weeks from mid that the four provinces play against May to mid June. It was supposed to be each other in teams in age groups 55 summer in Ireland but ‘climate change’ to 80. They also finish off with a prevented that. I spent all the time in presentation dinner and the event ro- long sleeves, jumper and jacket as well tates between the provinces. I have as carrying an umbrella. The week af- been a spectator in the past but next ter I returned home Europe had exces- time I might see if I can play as I am sive heat (by their standards). registered with Frank’s club there.

My visits to Ireland centre around visit- Frank had arranged a doubles partner After the tournament I caught up with ing friends, relations, playing tourna- for me but he injured himself on the the relations and did some sightsee- ments and a little sightseeing. However day and it was too late to get another ing. Dublin is an interesting place this time I only played the Irish Veter- partner. and attracts many visitors. Last year ans Championships. This is the only they had 9m visitors. It is also a very veteran’s tournament at this time in The Clontarf Lawn Tennis Club was congestive city and difficult to drive Ireland. founded in 1887 and is one of the through. Also visited West Cork premier tennis clubs in Ireland. The countryside (much local history), the My 'base' in Ireland was staying with club has 11 artificial grass savannah Frank Aiken. Some players may have Lusitania Memorial (US passenger courts, all of which are floodlit. The cruise ship torpedoed off coast of Ire- come across Frank as he has been com- artificial grass is more like a carpet ing out to play with in the Aus- land during WW1 with loss of 1200 than the sand filled synthetic grass lives) and went to watch a Hurling tralian Seniors Carnival and Champion- courts we have here. They play well ships for a number of years now. In match (an outdoor Gaelic team game) and no bad bounces. All tennis courts between two top teams. fact Frank and I won the combined can be viewed from the clubhouse and 150+ at Shepparton last January. balcony area. The clubhouse has an All in all an enjoyable trip, except it

The Irish Veterans Championships this excellent bar and good catering was could have been warmer! year were played in Clontarf a north eastern suburb of Dublin. For people into history there was a major battle at Clontarf in 1014 in which the Irish de- feated the Vikings and ended two hun- dred years of Viking rule. So it could be considered appropriate the Champi- onships were being fought out here. Also the tournament didn’t have any Scandinavian players competing.

In previous years I had played many times in the rain and so went prepared this time with a rain jacket and changes of clothing. However this year there was no rain just somewhat windy as

Tennis Seniors ACT wel- Sunday Round Robin Membership fees comes the following new Tournament overdue members: 9.15am Sunday 22 September A friendly reminder that Nicolas Chin Weston Creek Tennis Club your membership fees for Margaret Cotter Elaine Gaskin Entry fee is $10.00 TSACT for 2019/20 were due on David Jones Entries to Luciano Maucieri 1 July. Colin Lyons on 0434 531 449 Dot Simm or [email protected] Still only $20. Daya Singh or Louise Scrivener Warren Muller on 0407 916 868 or A membership form can be [email protected] found on our website.

Page 4 Senior World Titles by Ros and Juris Balodis

The Alice Marble Cup (Women’s 60s) Our Australian team won all our There was a 64 draw for the 60 Mixed for 2019 was hosted by CDN Jamor matches in the group stage and pro- and Ros and Peter Hampton got a bye (Estádio Nacional) in Lisbon, Portugal. ceeded to a semi against France. into the second round. They won their This tennis venue is within a huge In the singles, Catherine Suire was too second and third round matches. sporting complex. There are athletic strong for Fiona, but Ros managed to fields, running tracks, exercise stations, win the number 1 singles against Bet- rock climbing equipment and an indoor ty Michel. Ros and Rosemary Everett swimming hall. The football stadium is came close in the deciding doubles used by the national Portugal team and but lost 7/5 7/5. is home to Primeira Liga club OS Bele- nenses SAD. Ros had recently recovered from a knee injury and was able to manage There were 17 teams in the Alice Mar- her fitness through the Teams week ble competition, in five groups. Our because we had a match then a rest team was Ros and the Victorians - Fio- day, followed by another match and na Walker, Leanne Scott and Rosemary another rest day. In the play off for Everett. rd th 3 and 4 , the team agreed to rest Ros.

We played Great Britain. Rosemary played a very experienced and athletic player in Hazel Lindfield and lost the number 2 sin- gles. Fiona played the num- ber 1 singles and was lead- (from left to right) Peter Hampton, Ros ing Anne Clark 3/2 when Balodis, Wendy Harrison () Anne ran for a drop shot and and Mark McMahon (USA, formerly of had to retire with a ham- Melbourne) after their third round string injury. Fiona and mixed doubles match

Leanne took on Hazel and In the quarter finals they played Karien Patricia Peal in the deciding Theeuwes and Patrick Marteijn of Neth- (from left to right) Leanne Scott, Rose- doubles. erlands. Despite a 6/1 6/2 score line, mary Everett, Fiona Walker and Ros Our Aussie pair started well and got this was a very close match in the blus- Balodis the first set, but the Brits came back tery conditions. One service game of New Zealand was selected by ballot to and their consistent shot making was Karien’s went for 20 minutes. be in our group. We know the New our undoing. In the semi-final against Betty Michel Zealander Women’s 60 players well In the main match USA and France and Patrick Ernoult of France, Ros and and regularly play against them in tour- went to a deciding doubles. France Peter never looked like winning the naments in Australia. Both teams took the 1st set but an injury to Cathe- match until after the super tiebreak fin- would have preferred the experience of rine Suire (France) gave the USA an ished. Patrick is very tall man with a playing new opponents by being placed opportunity to take the match. long reach and combined very well with in separate groups. Betty who played very consistently and So the final placings in the Alice Mar- chased down a lot of balls. Peter saved The other team in our group was Portu- ble Cup for 2019 were 1st USA, 2nd many points through superb court cov- gal. It was a pleasure to play against France, 3rd Great Britain and 4th erage and was able to hit winners with the host country and as a bonus we Australia. Our Aussie team won at- power off the forehand. Again, the wind played this match on Centre Court. tractive copper medals. was strong and blustery. The Individuals competition In the final Ros and Peter played the started on Saturday 10 August. number 2 seeds, Robin Harris and Ross On most days the weather was Persons and from USA. For once con- hot with strong blustery winds. ditions were calm and that helped Ros Ros played the 60 Mixed Dou- and Peter to play composed pressure bles with Peter Hampton of tennis. From 2/1 down they won the New Zealand and the Women's next 11 games to take the match and the 55 Doubles with Leanne gold medal. Swaysland of . Thank you to Ros’s tennis mates who Ros had two more rest days on have helped with her recovery from her Saturday and Sunday and by injury at the Aussie Teams week in Centre court at Jamor Monday was itching to get back on January. Although a return to full fit- Centre Court is rather like a Spanish/ court. ness is still a work in progress, the sup- Roman chariot race track, with concrete In the Women's 55 Doubles, Ros and port of the Tennis Seniors ACT com- seating at the sides, colonnades at the Leanne won their first match but then munity has been a much-needed en- top and Leanne, Rosemary, Maria and lost to the USA pairing of Vicki couragement and greatly appreciated by Isabel toughing it out on the blood-red Buholz and Gayle Prejean 3/6 6/1 Ros and Juris. earth in the middle. 8/10.

Page 5 Tributes

Douglas Albert Hort ham Bartlett, John Casey, Trevor Do- John Peck maschenz and Brian Hurley,; 15 October 1939 to 26 June 2019 9 October 1925 to 20 July 2019

It is with great sadness that we advise Doug’s tennis activities did not stop John passed away on 26 June at Bli Bli you of the death of Doug Hort on 20 with the teams events. He regularly Queensland, surrounded by his family. July 2019, at the age of 93. There was played in the monthly tournaments at He was 79 years old. Before moving to a private cremation. Doug was a for- Lyneham winning many bottles of Queensland he was a long-time member wine. He was also a regular in NSW of the Canberra tennis community. mer member of Tennis Seniors ACT and for many years an active player at Senior State Championships and in John was a long-term member of the Red Hill Tennis Club. I’m sure many fact any Senior tournaments played on seniors in Canberra, joining in the very people in the ACT tennis community the eastern side of Australia. He was early 80’s and playing in the Australian knew him as for many years an active often seen in the country towing his Teams Carnival, the Individual Austral- small caravan. player at Red Hill and Reid Tennis ian Seniors Championships and the Club. Before becoming very active with ACT Easter Tournament. He was a

Doug was a member of Tennis Seniors Seniors, Doug had been with the Red member for around 25 years until he Hill Tennis Club for over 30 years as moved to Queensland. ACT for many years joining in the early eighties. He remained a member until a player and administrator. He also Vetsets show John first played in the 1996 when Doug and his wife Daphne enjoyed the group at Reid on Tues- Australian Seniors Team Carnival in moved to Newcastle, During this time days and Fridays when they could 1981 in Melbourne in a 40’s team. His have a chat and tastings afterwards. he took on the position of Secretary for other team members were Bob Lane, ten years from 1986/87. His skills as an administrator were John Libbis and Norm Worster. He

Doug played in almost all the Australi- thoroughly tested as the ‘Supremo continued playing in teams over the an Teams Carnivals and Individual Director’ of many of the major Senior years. His last Carnival was in Canber- Championships. His first time was in tournaments including the Internation- ra in 2002 in a 60’s team with Mick 1982 in a 55’s team in Sydney with al Austria/Britannia Cups (1991), the Doyle, Peter Purdy, David Coutts and Australian Teams and Individual Jim Elliot. Graham Bartlett, Ken Willis and Russ Young. He was in a winning team in Championships and the Easter Open As a player John was very active in the Canberra in 1995 in the 70’s team. Championships. He was very well top grades of ACT pennants with Bar- Other team members were Brian Hur- supported by his wife during this test- ton and Forrest and others. He also had ing period.. ley, Russ Young, Leo Lonergan, Dan a number of business and horse inter- Gowing and Ken Willis. In 1991 Doug In 1993 Doug was awarded the Frank ests. and Russ Young won the 140 combined Thornton Trophy for the Veteran of These tributes have mainly been drawn doubles in the Individual Champion- the Year and the Tennis ACT Admin- from material in past Vetsets. ships in Newcastle. His last Carnival istrator of the Year. was in Perth in a 70’s team with Gra- Update on Tennis Australia’s Proposal to wind up Tennis Seniors Australia

In the June 2019 edition of Vetset on Thursday 22 August. At the Tennis Seniors Australia advises that at there was an article covering Tennis meeting the States and Territories the general meeting held on 22ndAugust Australia’s (TA) proposal to wind up seniors divisions were to vote on in Brisbane the State and Territory divi- TSA. whether TSA should be wound up sions voted against the proposed wind-

Further to the discussions with State and a 75% “for” vote was required ing up of TSA. TSA will now resume and Territory Seniors, the proposal for that to happen. It is important to discussions with TA with a view to was the main topic of discussion on note that TSA does not have any establishing a Strategic Plan for the vote. future of seniors’ tennis in Australia. the Gold Coast at the Presidents and Secretaries Meeting on 4 July. Gra- If the vote was successful, TA ham Smith, Warren Muller and Pat would take over all of the functions Moloney attended this meeting.. Pat of TSA including Australian teams, Roger Allnutt also attended the Executive Meeting. ITF sanction of tournaments, sen- Roger Allnutt, a long time Canberra The main discussion at these meetings iors’ calendar and Hall of Fame. tennis player, passed away on 26 Au- was the potential wind up of TSA. Those activities would sit alongside gust 2019 after a long battle aged 78

As a result of the discussions between TA’s Adult Social Play Strategy. years. Roger played tennis in Canberra TA and TSA concerning TA taking TA would employ a Seniors’ Co- over many years and while only a over all of the national functions of ordinator and would establish a Sen- member of Seniors for a few years in TSA. the parties entered into an MOU. iors Advisory Group. the early 1990 would be known to sen- ior members. It required each party to undertake During February to June this year certain actions, culminating in the TA presented the plans for all these Roger had a private cremation but calling of a general meeting of TSA to functions to all State and Territory there will be a celebration of his life at consider a resolution that the national seniors divisions. the Canberra Southern CrossYacht

body of TSA be wound up and its If the resolution is not passed, TSA Club Marquee, Lotus Bay, Yarralumla surplus funds distributed to the State would seek further discussions with at 2.30pm on 25 September. If you and Territory seniors divisions. intend going you need to RSVP to TA to agree a plan for the future of That general meeting was to be held seniors’ tennis in Australia. [email protected]. Page 6 80th Birthdays from Sue Willis and Anne Haycock On Sunday 23 June 2019, over 35 peo- Bernard Briggs Robert Read ple attended the very important occa- sion of celebrating the 80th birthdays of Bernard was born in a small village in Robert was born in Lakemba in Sydney Robert Read and Bernard Briggs. north Lincolnshire, England on 17 on 2 July 1939. He went to Canterbury May 1939. He started playing tennis Boys High School - I’m told with John It took until June of this year to organ- on the village grass courts and contin- Howard!! I believe not many of John ise the event, as Robert and Bernard ued to play after National Service and Howard’s beliefs have rubbed of on had such busy schedules. There has while he was studying to become a Robert. been no slowing down for these 80 year tech teacher. He actually started playing tennis at 5 olds! He came to Australia in January 1974 years of age, very much encouraged by The function was held at the Southern with a family of three children and a his father. He then played all through Cross Club, Jamison in the Catchpole fourth arriving a year later. He lived his school years. He won a School Room. With the reunion catching of in North Canberra and continued Championship in High School. Robert many old tennis players, with the laugh- playing tennis for many years often at said Martin Mulligan was lucky he ter and frivolity, it was appropriate that Kippax Tennis Club where he first couldn’t play that year. we were in a private room! The South- Robert Read, He also played for He came to Canberra in 1965 and found ern Cross Club outshone themselves many years at the Melba courts The with excellent food and efficient ser- Reid Tennis Club. He enjoyed years of birthday boys have much in common. pennant tennis there. Even managed to vice. Both born in 1939 and both teachers. compete in a Public Service Champion- Ann Haycock, our keynote speaker pre- It would seem Bernard joined Seniors ship one year. He is sure tennis has sented the OBE (Over Bloody Eighty) in the early 90’s, He has many happy been great to him over a lifetime, also Awards. Both Robert and Bernard memories of playing tennis in Canber- keeping him reasonably fit. commented in their responses about ra with some people who were at the Robert has been a member of Seniors how much they had enjoyed their time lunch and several who are no longer on the tennis court and the many friend- since 1993 and been supportive ever with us namely Dick Parker, Col since. He has played Twilight Pennant, ships that developed over the years. Power, Bruce Podmore and Dennis Thursday tournaments, attended dinners The cake was cut and we all sang Hap- Porrett. He used to play in the Twi- and went to country tournaments at light Pennant and in 2002 won a gold Ulladulla and Merimbula, medal at the Australian Teams Carni- val in the 60 ‘s section 3 held in Can- He has represented Veterans/Seniors at berra. Robert Read, Ralph Peters and 14 Australian Teams Carnivals in Janu- Col Mason were in the team. ary. On two occasions he has been in the winning team. In 2002 in Canberra Bernard moved to Bribie Island 7 in the 60’s section 3 with Bernard years back where he spends most of Briggs, Ralph Peters and Col Mason. the year with his partner. When he Then again in 2010 on the Gold Coast py Birthday at the tops of our voices. comes south, he lives in Queanbeyan The cake was then served with lashings in the 70’s section 2 with Ralph again, and plays tennis at the Queanbeyan Graham Hedgecoe, Col Power, Robert of raspberry syrup and cream! Tennis Club. Burke and Dick Parker. With a lovely lunch washed down with Congratulations Bernard on your This January at the Australian Teams some liquid refreshments, all guests left OBE. Thanks for being part of Ten- the function happy and well and having Carnival in Shepparton, Robert was the nis Seniors ACT and may you have flag bearer for the ACT. Flag bearer is enjoyed a wonderful catch up with old many more happy tennis days. friends. an honour bestowed on an ACT team member each year With medical research now suggesting at the Opening tennis increases a person’s life by at Ceremony. least 10 years, I suspect that there will be many more 80th birthdays to cele- Recently I ran into brate in our ACT Seniors Tennis Com- Robert at a func- munity in the future. tion and asked him if he was We look forward to seeing you at next looking forward to this celebration. He laughed and embarrassingly told me he had done nothing.

I dispute this, I think we need the The winning 2002 team Robert Reads of above (l-r) Bernard , Col our organisation who support all of our Mason, Robert, Ralph Pe- activities. Congratulations on your ters and the 2010 team left OBE Robert - may you have many (l-r) Ralph, Robert, Gra- more January Teams Carnivals, Seniors ham, Colin, Dick, Robert dinners, country tournaments and great Burke social hits at Kippax.

Page 7 Seniors Tennis Changes for 2Seniorsnges for 2020 and 2021 Senior World Titles 2019 Senior Tennis Changes for 2020 and 2021 The Senior World Titles were held in Lisbon, Portugal in August. Seniors Taken from an ITF news article dated • In addition to new scoring for- covers three age groups – 50, 55 and 22 August 2019 mats at Grade 4 tournaments, 60. There were over 800 players repre- The ITF has today announced a series flexibility at Grade 2 and 3 tour- senting 48 nations taking part. of improvements to the ITF Seniors naments to play shorter matches The teams titles were held in the first Circuit for 2020 and 2021 following the in singles (two tie-break sets plus week with Australia having teams in all a 10-point match tie-break) to publication of the 2019-2021 ITF Sen- six events. None of the teams made the appeal to an even-greater number iors Strategic Development Plan in Jan- finals. The best result came from the uary this year. of seniors players Von Cramm Cup team (M60) who won The changes are motivated by the ITF’s • Standardisation of tournament the play off for third. The Alice Marble mission to make seniors tennis the lead- naming to enable current and Cup team (W60) lost their play off for ing competitive sport for participants potential players to better under- third. The Maureen Connelly Cup team aged 35 and over and to increase the stand the level and location of (W55) finished 6th, the Austria Cup number of players, nations and tourna- events team (M55) finished 7th while the Maria ments on the ITF Seniors Circuit from Esther Bueno Cup (W50) and the Fred The ITF Seniors Committee, ITF Sen- 2020 onwards. Perry Cup (M50) teams both finished iors Player Advisory Panel and ITF 9th. This is still a commendable effort More than 25,000 players between the Seniors Tournament Director and looking at the numbers in each group. ages of 35 and 95 currently compete on Referee Panel were all consulted dur- the ITF Seniors Circuit on an annual ing the process and approved the im- USA teams won 3 Cups while Germa- basis, with more than 400 tournaments provements. ny, Italy and Spain shared the other 3 taking place around the world. The ITF Cups. Matt Byford, Manager, ITF Seniors, Seniors World Team and Individual said: “The ITF is excited for the fu- In the individual events played in the Championships (in Young Seniors, Sen- ture of Seniors Tennis and remains second week Australian players won 4 iors and Super-Seniors categories) re- committed to our mission of making gold medals. Glenn Busby from Victo- main a highlight in the season. Over Seniors Tennis the leading competi- ria won the 60 mens singles title. Mike 800 players representing 48 nations tive sport in terms of participation for Ford from Queensland combined with competed in the ITF Seniors World those aged 35 and over. These chang- Peter Hampton from New Zealand to Team and Individual Championships es are designed to enhance the sport win the mens 60 doubles title. Brenda (covering age categories from 50+ to and help achieve our objectives. We Foster from Victoria won the 55 mixed 60+) in Portugal earlier this month. look forward to working with our doubles title with Berend Betz from the Among the most important improve- players and member nations to grow Netherlands while Ros Balodis with the ments to the circuit are revisions to en- the number of tournaments and to assistance of Peter Hampton won the 60 try-level tournaments (Grade 4) to pro- encourage more players to enjoy the mixed doubles title. vide a greater number of competitive many benefits of competing in ITF opportunities and appropriate formats, Seniors tournaments.” 2020 World Titles designed both to cater for the huge Ross Duncan, ITF Seniors Player Ad- number of players who already compete Dates and Locations visory Panel Member, said: “I am and to attract new players to the circuit. Young Seniors (35/40/45) beyond excited about the recent Additionally, a new tier of tournaments changes the ITF have made to re- Teams – Sunday 13 September – Friday will be introduced in 2021 to provide structuring ITF Seniors Tennis from 18 September 2020 (Saturday 19 Sep- more frequent, high-quality events for 2020 onwards. A lot of careful tember will be used if necessary) elite players. The new level will sit just thought went into the changes with below the World Championships in the players’ needs being at the fore- Individuals – Saturday 19 September – Saturday 26 September 2020 terms of prestige and ranking points on front. I am confident that these chang- offer. Overall, the number of different es will continue to grow the Seniors Location – Umag Croatia grades of competition will reduce to six game that we all love so much.” Seniors (50/55/60) by 2021 providing a simplified structure Carmen Perea, ITF Seniors Tourna- for the circuit. Teams – Sunday 26 April – Friday 1 ment Director & Referee Panel Mem- May 2020 (Saturday 2 May will be used Other improvements from 2020 will ber, said: “The changes the ITF is if necessary) include: looking to make are very positive. To Individuals - Saturday 2 May – Satur- • Removal of an upfront fee for name just some of them: reinforce doubles events, ranking points for day 9 May 2020 players to register for an annual ITF Seniors IPIN (the online regis- consolation events, IPIN fee changes Location – Boca Raton, Florida, USA tration system for all players). and better control of tournament entry (teams) plus Palm Beach Gardens, Flor- fees. All this will facilitate the greater ida (individuals) Players will pay an IPIN fee per tournament to help attract more participation of players and help the Super Senior (65/70/75/80/85) players from more nations to regis- organisation of ITF Seniors tourna- ments, especially at Grade 3 and 4.” Teams – Sunday 11 October – Friday ter and play in ITF Seniors tourna- 16 October 2020 (Saturday 17 October ments will be used if necessary)

• Drive of doubles-only and shorter Individuals – Saturday 17 October – length tournaments, particularly at Saturday 24 October 2020 entry level Location – Mallorca, Spain

Page 8 Record Prizemoney on Offer for 2020

This is a copy of a news release from Tennis ACT on 3 September.

A record prizemoney will be on offer in Canberra with a new look tennis events calendar being unveiled for the capital in 2020. With the shifting global land- scape of events, Canberra is set to bol- ster its position as one of the premiere tennis destinations worldwide, offering multiple events across different surfaces in 2020.

The capital will cement itself in the summer of tennis alongside the inaugu- ral ATP Cup via hosting the highest level ATP Challenger event in Australia and the most significant combined event the capital has ever seen. The Apis Canberra International will take place from 6-12 January 2020 with a men’s ATP Challenger 125 and wom- en’s USD$25,000 ITF World Tennis International Tournament Director, and European clay court season. Tour event, while in March the ACT Kim Kachel is looking forward to the Claycourt International has received a The 2019 events featured Priscilla Hon new look event in January. (Qld), Destanee Aiava (Vic), Olivia huge elevation in prizemoney and rank- ing points with back to back “This is truly an unbelievable calen- Rogowska (Vic) and rising Canadian USD$60,000 ITF World Tennis Tour dar for 2020 and the anticipation is teen, Leylah Annie Fernandez who women’s events. already building for this brilliant new weeks later went on to win the Roland event in January. We are excited to Garros Junior Championships. Canberra is renowned for running world once again showcase tennis in Can- “Pro Tour events play a critical role in class events as voted by the players, the berra at the peak time in the Australi- ATP and ITF. These have been recog- the development of the next generation an calendar”. “Our previous events of players and it is exciting to follow nised through winning the Australia have been some of the strongest ATP Tennis Awards – “Most Outstanding the journey they go on after competing Challenger Tour events on the calen- in Canberra,” Kachel said. Professional Tournament” on two occa- dar and we are excited to see the cali- sions and the CBR Sports Award – bre of players the new event attracts. “In 2016, Ashleigh Barty (Qld) compet- “Minister for Sport & Recreations ed in the ACT Claycourt International Award for Event Excellence”. This “It will also be fantastic to showcase winning back to back doubles titles exciting new event will now kick start the rising stars of the women’s game with Arina Rodionova (Vic) as she the 2020 tennis calendar with some of with it being the first time we have commenced her comeback to tennis. It the world’s best male and female play- hosted a women’s Pro Tour in Janu- has been incredible to see Ash go from ers set to visit the capital. ary at the redeveloped Canberra Ten- the clay courts of Canberra to the clay nis Centre,” Kachel added. courts of Paris to claim the French The men’s ATP 125 event will offer over USD$160,000 in prizemoney, The Apis Group have joined as nam- Open title and go on to become No.1 in ing rights partners with Tennis ACT, the world,” Kachel added. more than double the amount previous- ly offered at a Canberra event. The with Apis Group Partner, Anthony The ACT Claycourt International in- highest level event on the ATP Chal- Honeyman excited to see the Canber- cluded a strong connection to the fe- lenger Tour, Canberra joins an elite ra community rally around the tourna- male sporting community in Canberra ment. group of cities hosting an ATP 125 in 2019. Throughout the two weeks, event globally. “Apis is proud to continue our associ- Tennis ACT hosted a number of events

Canberra events have acted as a launch ation with international tennis in Can- to engage and promote female sports pad for players on the ATP Tour, with berra. We are looking forward to participation including combining with 21* current top 100 players competing seeing a stellar field in January and six other State Sporting Organisations in Canberra since 2016, including know Canberrans will be out in force to host a Girls Make your Move Day, to support such a wonderful event”. hosting the ‘Women in Business, Sport Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE), Denis Shapovalov (CAN), Alex de Minaur The ACT Claycourt International #1 and Leadership Brunch’, along with a (NSW) and US Open quarterfinalist, & #2 will be staged for the fifth time female only coaching course and a Girls only Junior Tour tournament. Diego Schwartzman (ARG). in March 2020 with next year to fea-

A women’s USD$25,000 ITF World ture back-to-back women’s “We see the event as a real chance to Tennis Tour event will be held along- USD$60,000 ITF World Tennis Tour highlight women’s participation in side in what is anticipated to be one of events, up from USD$25,000 events sport, from the grassroots through to the the strongest fields at this event level as in 2019 (total USD$70,000 increase). elite level and we look forward to build- players begin their preparation for the The tournaments play a pivotal role in ing on these initiatives further in 2020,” the calendar, especially for young Kachel added. Australian Summer of Tennis. Australian players providing valuable *ATP Rankings at 19.08.19 Tennis ACT CEO and Apis Canberra match preparation for the American

Page 9 Sunday Round Robins by Colin Lyons and Warren Muller

In cloudy but pleasant weather for ten- quirements for 2 divisions. There nis, we were again in action at Weston were 9 men and 5 women so it was Creek Tennis Club for our 16 June tour- necessary to have 2’honorary’ women nament, with 18 starters, 12 men and 6 for the day.

women. We split the numbers into 2 June Cheah, a relative newcomer to groups of 9 players each, which meant our ranks was in good form and that 7 players in each group played 5 showed a clean pair of tennis heels to sets, with two playing 4. the rest of the field, with an average In the top Division, Leonie Southwell score of 7. She also featured in the tuned up for Wimbledon by adding yet longest doubles match ever seen in Christmas another trophy to her cabinet with an Canberra, along with Gary and Karen average of 5.2 from her 5 sets played. Renfrey and Luciano Maucieri. The Dinner Joint runners-up were Chris Adam and tennis balls had to be replaced and the Colin Lyons averaging 4.5. other three sets finished so much ear- 7.00 for 7.30pm

In the second Division, June Cheah lier, that a couple of people went and streaked away with the big bucks with did their shopping. There is a suspi- Saturday an average of 5.8 from her 5 sets with cion they played the best of 3 sets! It went so long that some of the players 14 December Gary Renfrey second on 5.25 from his 4 sets. only got three sets for the morning, YOWANI instead of the usual 4 or 5! It is to be hoped that we will see more COUNTRY CLUB of the stronger women in Tennis Sen- This was the first appearance of Luci- iors entering future Round robins to ano for quite some time because of his 455 Northbourne Ave, give Leonie a run for her money. opera commitments at Milan and Lyneham Covent Garden. After each morning of competition, we enjoy a very refreshments and good Greg Hunt moved up the rankings Pre-dinner drinks will be company and prospective new players with another consistent performance available from 7.00pm

will be welcomed. and came in as runner-up with an av- erage of 6 from his 3 sets. Lucky door prizes On a fairly mild winter morning by Canberra standards, we had 14 starters Our next tournament will be on 22 $45 per person for our 28 July tournament at Belcon- September at Weston Creek Tennis (payable on the night) Club when it should be a bit warmer. nen Tennis Club, two short of our re- Presentation of the Frank Thornton Cowra Seniors from Sue Metcalf Player of the Year Saturday 29th June dawned with great The mens doubles in pool A saw and tennis playing weather for the 26th Over Andrew Bartlett and Andrew Bone- George Henshilwood 35's Tournament with 60 players taking ham (32) winners, with Wayne Award to the courts. O'Connell (Canberra) and Michael and Mitton (Grenfell) 28 runners up. Results for the American Doubles . the Venezuela Cups

Ladies A Joanne Adams 29 (Canberra)/ B men's doubles winners were the Orange pairing of Allan Hubbard and Tables of 8 rom Gail Windsor 28 (Bathurst) Ladies B Daphne Kennedy Rod Buesnel 26 over Gary Boal and Contact Graham Smith Les Cattle 23 (West Wyalong). (Queanbeyan) and Sue Metcalf ph 61615352 or (Lithgow) equal winners on 31 points. The A ladies was a very even contest mobile 0407 208 209 Ladies C Andrea Sheather 38 with lots of 4 all games played. The or email (Canberra)/from Lyndy Cannon 29 winning combination was Pam [email protected] (Forbes) Crawford (Tumut) and Gail Windsor

Men A Andrew Bartlett 33(West Wy- (Bathurst) 28. Runners up on 27 Names and any dietary along)/from Andrew Bonham 30 (West points were Joanne Adams and requests to Graham Heather McKay (Canberra). Wyalong) by Men B Winner John Chapman 29 The B ladies was an all Orange affair Friday 6 December (Harden)/from Gary Boal 27 (West with Lyndy Crossley and Janet Dav- Wyalong) enport 27 winners over Lynn Hevers and Kathy Penrose 25. The President of the Cowra Tennis coran (Canberra), both on 21 points. Club Ken Harris made the presentations The mixed doubles on Sunday after- to the players on completion of the noon saw some great tennis played. Pool B Kathy Penrose and Allan Hub- matches. bard 27 (Orange) over Lynn Hevers and Pool A June Langfield (Cowra) and Rod Buesnel 22 (Orange). After about 15mls of much needed rain Andrew Boneham (West Wyalong) on Saturday night saw the start of play 29 winners. Runners up Sue Metcalf A huge thank you to all the helpers over delayed slightly on Sunday morning but and Steve Pile (Cowra) after a count- the weekend and also with the prepara- it wasn't long before the sun shone back from Sue Willis and Paul Cor- tions prior to the tournament, this would again for a beautiful day. not happen without everyone's support. Page 10 Tennis Seniors ACT Calendar 2019/2020

TOURNAMENTS SUNDAY ROUND DINNERS AND ROBIN SPECIAL FUNCTIONS AND PENNANTS TOURNAMENTS 13-15 December 2019 ACT Resident Christmas Dinner - 14 December, Championships (tbc) Tournaments are scheduled for a Yowani Country Club - see page 10 for 9.15am start on 22 September, 27 Oc- more detail. 5-10 January 2020 Australian Tennis tober, 24 November 2019. Seniors Teams Carnival Busselton/ Members booking for the dinners Bunbury WA These dates are provisional so keep an should be aware that if they cancel af- eye on the website for any changes. ter the closing date they may be re- 12-17 January 2020 Australian Ten- nis Seniors Individual Championships If you put your name down and find quired to pay the cost if the caterer you cannot play on the day, please noti- charges Tennis Seniors ACT. Busselton WA

th fy one of the organisers so that the oth- Contact Graham Smith (6161 5352) 10-13 April 2020 50 ACT Open Sen- er players are not inconvenienced. iors Tournament Contact: Colin Lyons (0434 531 449) Forbes Teams ACT Open Seniors Tournament: or Warren Muller (0407 916 868) Contact Pat Moloney (6262 3727) Heather Davidson reports that the Town Tennis Club hosted a teams’ Australian Seniors Championships: th Contact Pat Moloney (6262 3727) tournament on the weekend of the 10 and 11th August. Players came from Tooraweenah, Dubbo, Orange, Albury, Country and Interstate Tournament Calendar 2019/2020 Bathurst, West Wyalong, Springwood, Canberra, Tumut, Camden, Lithgow, 2-5 Nov Victorian Seniors Champs Grenfell as well as Forbes. Some of the dates may change. You should check the relevant State’s (ITF2), Kooyong The weather played havoc with Satur- website for any changes. 8-10 Nov Hawks Nest, Myall Park day’s play interrupted by intermittent 10-12 Nov Tennis Seniors SA 7-8 Sep- Cessnock Seniors R/R sleety showers but we still managed to State Championships get all matches completed. 7-8 Sep Northern Suburbs R/R (ITF3) 14-15 Sep Manning River, Taree 16-17 Nov Bathurst Carillion Sunday was a different story with play 20-23 Sep Tennis Seniors Qld City R/R having to be called off around 11am Sunshine Coast (ITF3), 22-25 Nov Victoria Senior Grass due to water lying on the courts making Tewantin them unsafe to play on. court Champs (ITF2), 21-22 Sep Orange Ex-Services R/R Yarrawonga Enough matches had been played to 28-29 Sep Gunnedah Seniors 24 Nov Springwood Challenge declare winners. Winner of the A 4-7 Oct Tennis Seniors NSW 29 Nov-1 Dec Nelson Bay Seniors Grade Men was Dubbo with Bathurst State Championships (ITF1) 2020 finishing the runner-up. B Grade men 11-13 Oct Kiama R/R went to Camden with Canberra being 18-20 Oct Gosford Tennis Club R/R 5-10 Jan Australian Teams Carnival, the runners-up. C Grade winners were 18-21 Oct Merimbula Seniors Busselton and BunburyWA Old Chaps with runners-up being 26-27 Oct Dubbo Paramount 12-17 Jan Australian Individual Forbes. The Ladies winners were West Seniors Champs (ITFA), Busselton Wyalong with Tumut being the runners 3-4 Nov Raworth, Hunter Tennis -up. Resort A big thank you to all players who travelled long distances to play and Queensland Seniors State Championships continued to play in conditions that were not pleasant for playing in. Pat Moloney reports that the Tennis ceed and with the clearing of the Seniors Queensland State Champion- rain on the Sunday and Monday, Our kitchen staff did a great job keep- ships were held on the Gold Coast at matches returned to the normal 6 ing hot food up to the players. the Pizzey Park complex from 5-8 July. game sets. It is a ITF1 tournament. Ten ACT players ventured north Gold Coast -- beautiful one day, rain from chilly Canberra to play in the Queensland Seniors (cont) the next, the next, the…. expected warmer weather - Graeme won three titles without losing a set. It It was unfortunate the tournament was Rossite, Hung Kha, John Stark, Mark Hardy, Narelle Raftery, Ne- was also a good work out to test her leg marred by rain. They had a good entry injury (from Shepparton) prior to com- and needed clear weather to get ville Rodwell, Pat Moloney, Phil Martin, Ros Balodis and Sue Willis. peting in the World Championships in through. Rain affected the Friday and late August. Unfortunately the compe- Saturday scheduling such that matches The successful players were: tition was too strong for most of our were reduced to 4 games sets which is Ros -- won the 60 singles, 55 Dou- other players. an approved ITF format. bles and 60 mixed. Neal Healy, a past Canberra resident, Most of the players are not too happy Narelle – won the 50 doubles. Neville – r/u in 70 singles. came along to renew acquaintances and with this format as it is too sudden provide support. It was good catching death, one lapse and it is all over. How- Pat and John – r/u in 70 doubles. up with Neal and his wife Julie. ever this enabled the tournament to pro- Ros was true to form in that she Page 11 A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS

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