Tennis Seniors New South Wales P.O. Box 4803, North Rocks, NSW, 2151 Phone: 61 2 9624 7075 Website: www.tennisseniors.org.au/nsw Email: [email protected] Print Post Approved PP229550 / 00003 President: Mick Bruton Secretary: Robyn Castle Treasurer: Arthur Olsen Editor: Robyn Castle - Email: [email protected] Deadline for next Vetscore - May 15, 2019 ABN 50 206 056 964 Newsletter of Tennis Seniors New South Wales. March 2019

Country Circuit - 2019

Dates Event / Venue Contact Phone

Mar 1-3 Walcha Seniors R/Robin Betty Sweeney (02) 6777 2120 Mar 8-10 Narooma Round Robin Brian Carmichael 0499 736 669 Mar 9-10 Tennis Macarthur R/Robin NRT 6 Michael Jackson 0413 632 632 ear Members, Mar 16-17 Central Coast, Wyong R/R Katrina O'Callaghan 0414 973 751 Mar 29-31 Goulburn Tennis Club Dave Ridley 0418 162 252 Happy New Year to Apr 5-7 Howe Park Grasscourt, Singleton Craig Miles 0417 265 066 everyone, I trust 2019 Apr 19-22 Next Gen @ Lyneham ACT ITF Gde2 Pat Moloney 0499 218 821 will bring good health to Apr 26-28 Gloucester Seniors NRT 6 Ruth Johnson 0418 763 041 Apr 26-28 Jim Elphick TC, Wagga Wagga NRT 6 Tom Denahy 0422 632 026 Dall and I look forward to seeing May 17-19 Picton Seniors R/Robin NRT 5 Alison Radford 0412 308 381 many of you on the Court this year. May 17-19 West Port Macquarie Carol Daniel 0413 481 942 We began the year in great style at May 25-26 West Tamworth Seniors Mitch Power 6765 8214 June 8-10 Newcastle Mixed Teams Robyn Castle 0400 389 234 Shepparton with NSW having 23 June 15-16 Lake Macquarie Seniors NRT 6 Keith Williams 0412 157 757 teams who all seemed to enjoy the June 28,29,30 Tweed Heads, Pro-One Tennis ITF Gde 4 Natasha Kersten (07) 5524 3541 Teams' Carnival experience. The July 5-7 Batemans Bay R/Robin Garry McNally 0407 845 581 July 19-21 East Port Macquarie Peter Coe 0400 998 917 weather was kind to us the first Aug 2-5 Forster Seniors R/R NRT 5 Brian Adams 0404 955 599 week, but the heat arrived the 2nd Aug 16-18 Muswellbrook Park Seniors Val Angel 0408 436 443 week making it hard for Robyn, Aug 23-25 Moruya Country Markets Brian Carmichael 0499 736 669 Sep 6-8 Cessnock Seniors' R/Robin Justin James 0418 222 508 Arthur and Steve to manage the Sep 7-8 Love'n Deuce Northern Subs, Naremburn NRT 6 Brad Melville 0425 247 424 draw. They did a remarkable job to Sep 14-15 Manning River Taree Seniors Kris Renneberg 0423 062 845 have all Events completed and on Sep 21-22 Orange Ex-Services R/Robin Chrissie Kjoller 0403 845 945 time. Sep 28-29 Gunnedah Seniors Ben Robertson 0411 020 519 Oct 4-7 State Championships ITF Gde 1, Both Shepparton Council and Eastwood Thornleigh DTA, Pennant Hills Park Robyn Castle (02) 9624 7075 Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club were Oct 7 R/Robin Doubles - Pennant Hills Park Fay Yiannakopoulos 0414 597 863 a huge help to us in running a very Oct 11- 13 Kiama Seniors (Vets & Legends) David Lehmann 0481 155 200 Oct 18-21 Merimbula Annual Seniors NRT 6 John Rheinberger 0438 928 516 successful Event. We are indebted to Oct 18-20 Gosford Tennis Club R/Robin Chris Lees 0411 154 327 Ian Grose for many late hours Oct 26-27 Dubbo Paramount Seniors Glenn Armstrong 0428 536 336 keeping the courts in top condition. Nov 8-10 Hawks Nest *NEW* Myall Park Lisa Dale 0412 500 055 Nov 16-17 Bathurst Carillon City NRT 6 Andrew Mitton 0419 499 467 NSW had many winners in both the Nov 24 Springwood Challenge Robyn Castle (02) 9624 7075 Teams and the Championship Nov 29 - Dec 1 "Dave Matthews" Nelson Bay NRT 5 Steve Taylor 0466 154 580 Events. Winners are shown Dec 8 TBC AGM and Social Day Robyn Castle 9624 7075 elsewhere in Vetscore. Our Representative players did a Tournaments in BOLD are for Ranking points fantastic job overseas last year with NOTE: NEW ITF Gde 4 at Tweed Heads winning World Titles and showing State Champs - ITF Gde 1 they can match it with any Country An IPIN is necessary to play in these ITF tournaments in the World. I take this opportunity to wish this year's Representative players the best of luck and a safe The Ulladulla Tournament was once and enjoyable trip. again a huge success, we had perfect All State bodies are in negotiations weather all weekend. Thanks to Mary with TSA and TA at the moment to Lou and her many volunteers. consider having closer ties with TA. I look forward to catching up with new You can be assured that your and old members at Tournaments Committee will not be approving throughout the year. any changes unless they benefit our members. MICK BRUTON PRESIDENT t’s done and dusted, as they say! Wow, what a fortnight. Week One – 87 teams were battling for supremacy within nine age groups for Men and seven for Women, on the impeccable lawn courts in Shepparton and Mooroopna. A tricky surface for some players – someone said “grass is for cows”- but realistically – these courts, so well prepared and tended with love and hard toil, were sensational for the Ifull two weeks. The Teams’ Trophy was defended by Queensland with 12 teams. NSW , with 23 teams was well down the ladder. 516 players thoroughly enjoyed the competition, and there were even 4 Men’s teams of Over 80s. Women Over 75 also participated - from New Zealand and Victoria. Our Women’s 70-2 side had Peg Hoysted competing at the tender age of 85. A total of five teams from New Zealand and one from Malaysia enjoyed the Carnival. Week Two – hot summer days of over 35 degrees! Oh my! How would we cope? Steve and Arthur hatched a plan....start at 7.30 – use 20 courts at Mooroopna on Monday and Tuesday, and see how we go! OK, a request was made to the Greater Shepparton City Council to extend our time using Mooroopna – after a day and a half of waiting on tenterhooks, we were given permission – on condition that we paid for security. Done! Taking one day at a time, we scheduled matches for mornings only, in anticipation that the heat would beat us after midday, and we were spot-on. To schedule evening matches was also out of the question since it was still 38 degrees at 8pm! We could all go off to cool down every afternoon, and return to the bar at our leisure – enjoying some Happy Hours with free drinks – courtesy of TSA. SLTC volunteers catered for dinner as well, with Barbecue meals available each night. Finals in all events were completed by the end of the week, and Presentations were made on Friday - only our Tournament Director (Arthur) was missing - in hospital for the day, suffering from painful Cellulitis! SNIPPETS: 1. Who left his tennis shirts in the wardrobe at home in Sydney? Lucky he has a good friend who could go fetch them and bring them to Shepparton! (MB) Also, he was seen buying toothbrushes at Aldi! 2. Two Presentation Dinner Tickets were handed in at the bar at the Opening Ceremony.....anonymous! 3. A racquet was found on the median strip on Wyndham Street, and claimed before the match the next day! (Roger B) 4. One busy female person was seen walking into the Mens’ Change rooms - ?? (thinking she was going into Steve’s office!) 5. Some people remember cyclones, some people remember bushfires, others perhaps earthquakes ! During a match played at Mooroopna a stray ball bounced well off one of the courts onto the adjacent playing field. A Kiwi player from an adjoining court generously sprints out , intercepts the ball, stops and looks up to see what end he should send it back to. 'Throw it here mate' said the South Australian server, the Kiwi paused, knelt down on one knee and bowled the ball back...... under arm...... hahaha. Niagara Therapy Championships Results – 2019

EVENT WINNER/S FINALIST/S

35MS Matthew Hicks [VIC] David Vukasinec [VIC] 40MS Naoki Arimoto [JPN] Doug Skipper [NSW] 45MS Martin Richards [SA] Alfonso Sammassimo [VIC] 50MS David Starling [VIC] Garry Nadebaum [SA] 55MS Simon Arms [VIC] Greg Westwood [NSW] 60MS Glenn Busby [VIC] Stephen Myers [VIC] 65MS Andrew Rae [VIC] Howard Nielsen [QLD] 70MS Terry Smith [VIC] Roger Davey [SA] 75MS Terry McLellan [QLD] Alan Walsh [NSW] 80MS Bob Howes [VIC] Don Biddle [NSW] 85MS Norm Richardson [NSW] Robert Finn [SA]

35-40WS Mel Legend [NSW] Daniela Mijic [VIC] 45WS Monika Biernat [POL] Sharon Werka [VIC] 50WS Kerryn Cyprien [QLD] Karen Pearce [QLD] 55WS Brenda Foster [NSW] Ricki Deutsche-Watson [QLD] 60WS Leanne Scott [VIC] Rosemary Everett [VIC] 65WS Adrienne Avis [NSW] Sue Walter [VIC] 70WS Kerry Ballard [NSW] Gail Benedetti [FRA] 75WS Judy Hancy [VIC] Susy Burggraf [SUI] 80WS Mary Gordon [NSW] June Simpson [VIC]

35/40MD David Kos [VIC] Matthew Hicks [VIC] Luke Dixon [VIC] Ben Longridge [VIC] 45MD Garry Nadebaum [SA] Martin Richards [SA] Alfonso Sammassimo [VIC] Morgan Young [VIC] 50MD Darren Blade [QLD] Matt Ilott [VIC] David Evans [QLD] Paul Macknamara [QLD] 55MD Simon Arms [VIC] Eddie Myers [VIC] Michael Vickery [NSW] Greg Westwood [NSW] 60MD Mike Ford [QLD] Peter Hampton [NZL] Stephen Myers [VIC] Nick Fok [HKG] 65MD Andrew Rae [VIC] Peter Keller [VIC] Peter Jenkins [VIC] Ian Thomas [VIC] 70MD Rob Bickmore [SA] Ramon Funtera [VIC] Hayden Rees [VIC] Terry Smith [VIC] 75MD Terry McLellan [QLD] Alan Walsh [NSW] Dennis Bindon [NSW] Ian Davis [NSW] 80MD Don Biddle [NSW] John Mansfield [VIC] Kevin Crump [QLD] Bruce Rehn [SA] 85MD Bert Rosenberg [NSW] John O’Brien [NSW] Adrian Alle [QLD] Bert Barwick [NSW]

35WD Monika Biernat [POL] Danijela Mijic [VIC] Vanessa Kovac [NSW] Mel Legend [NSW] 45WD Kerryn Cyprien [QLD] Karen Pearce [QLD] Ricki Deutsche-Watson [QLD] Wanda Howes [VIC] 55WD Brenda Foster [NSW] Jill Meggs [VIC] Michelle Hill [VIC] Judy Kozac [WA] 60WD Rosemary Everett [VIC] Fiona Walker [VIC] Judy Buzza [VIC] Sara Goddard [NSW] 65WD Adrienne Avis Helen Worland [NSW] Helen Holcombe [ACT] Sue Walter [VIC] 70WD Kerry Ballard [NSW] Jan Maddison [WA] Gail Benedetti [FRA] Carol Campling [NSW] 75WD Denise Martin [NSW] Julie Pratt [NSW] Susy Burggraf [SUI] Judy Hancy [VIC]

35XD Sharon Ogden [QLD] Brent O’Shanesy [QLD] Vanessa Kovac [AUS] Ben Longridge [VIC] 45XD Monika Biernat [AUT] Morgan Young [VIC] Cathy Benson [NSW] Richard Dodson [QLD] 50XD Kerry Lonergan [QLD] Robert King [QLD] Kerryn Cyprien [QLD] Patrick Cyprien [QLD] 55XD Brenda Foster [NSW] Philip Seeman [NZL] Wanda Howes [VIC] Bruce Ferguson [VIC] 60XD Judy Buzza [VIC] Stephen Dance [TAS] Adrienne Avis [NSW] Colin Holgate [ACT] 65XD Helen Worland [NSW] Max Bates [QLD] Helen Holcombe [ACT] Greg Holcombe [ACT] 70XD Kerry Ballard [NSW] Ray West [QLD] Carol Campling [NSW] Terry Smith [VIC] 75XD Judy Hancy [VIC] Bill Sale [VIC] Julie Pratt [NSW] Henry Michael [WA] 80XD June Simpson [VIC] Don Biddle [NSW] Joy Rigter [QLD] Alan Morcombe [WA]

130-140CMD Brian Savage [QLD] Ian Somers [QLD] Pat Moloney [ACT] John Stark [ACT] 150CMD Frank Aiken [IRL] Pat Moloney [ACT] Mick Bruton [NSW] Ian Fisher [NSW]

March 2019 3 Tennis Australia and Tennis Seniors

ennis Seniors NSW has been in existence for 48 years and the last 4 years have seen our membership double in numbers to over 1500 members. We have a committee of ten members who work hard at promoting and supporting seniors’ tennis throughout NSW. We have 32 tournaments each year around the State and most of these are at T capacity, and in some cases entries have a cut-off point due to their popularity. It is fair to say seniors’ tennis in NSW is in great shape and in good hands thanks to our many, many volunteers. The smaller states are not in such good shape and run only a small number of tournaments for their members. Each year the State Seniors’ committees elect the Tennis Seniors Australia Executive. The TSA Executive consists of those 6 elected members with no additional resources. Presently we have Peter Dighton, Enid Besant-Ryan, Pat Moloney, Peter Froelich, Di Cassel and Ian Worland. Their main roles are to: 1. Manage the Oceania Regional Championships, which is the highest-ranking tournament in our region. 2. Sanction all other ITF seniors’ tournaments in Australia. 3. Appoint national selectors who pick our Australian teams who participate in the ITF World Seniors Championships each year 4. Act as a link to the International Tennis Federation who oversee all international Seniors ranking tournaments throughout the tennis playing world. (Our National Championships & Teams Event are run by the States on a rotational basis and all other tournaments are run by the States).

In January 2018 TSA produced their Business Plan 2018/19, which stated: “Times are changing, and we need to continue to change with them. The requirements of the younger generation for tennis are different from the more senior players. They are time-poor, they want real-time access to information and they are growing up in an era where volunteering is not as common as it was when many of us were younger. Across the States and Territories, people are not queueing up to be on committees, so we are very fortunate that many of our committee members are willing to stay on longer than they had planned, but this will not last forever. We need to move closer to our major sponsor, Tennis Australia and their Member Associations as we can leverage their resources and they can use Tennis Seniors as their showroom to entice 35+ tennis players to play the game that has given all of us so much and to work closer with the local communities and clubs.” These discussions between TA & TSA have been ongoing for the past two years. In January 2019 the current TSA Executive decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Tennis Australia, which would allow the State Seniors bodies to vote on a proposal, which if passed by a 75% majority would mean that the TSA Executive would to cease to exist. It is important to emphasise that the TSA Executive are happy to vote themselves out of existence if this majority of State delegates supports the proposal. NSW have more members than every other State, which gives us around 25% of the votes in this decision. TA are currently presenting their Seniors Business Plan to all state seniors bodies. We were given their presentation on Wed 13th Feb. It states that TA will: 1. Take on TSA National business tasks / activities /operations (Functions), as noted in their Business Plan. 2. TA will appoint a Seniors’ coordinator and a TA Seniors Advisory Group, which creates a “One Sport” and more efficient structure. 3. The Seniors Advisory Group would connect intellectual property and be fully funded by TA.

TA recognises the success of our program in NSW and will have no involvement in the running of our Country tournaments, our State Championships or in the operations of our NSW committee. This is not the case in many of the smaller states. In Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania & the Northern Territory, the Member Associations of TA (the States) run the main seniors tournaments with far less input from the Seniors groups. The financial benefit which TA proposes in the Business Plan is an increase in the sponsorship for Australian players who represent us in ITF World Championships from the current $1000, to $2000 next year and $3000 the year after. Since these championships are almost always held in Europe, this cost is a great burden to our players, who represent only about 1% of our members. TSNSW currently pays TSA $4 per registered TSNSW member and $100 as a state affiliation fee. TA would not require any such fees. TA are not interested nor have any claim on the current TSA or TSNSW funds. TA already provides insurance cover for our members. The non-financial benefits of the offer are that we could utilise their significant marketing, sponsorship, communications, merchandising and data systems. TSA is unusual in Australia in that it does not report to Tennis Australia. The Australian Sports Commission, a Commonwealth entity within the Australian Government’s Department of Health Portfolio offers funding to major National Sporting Bodies, based on their participation rates. TA will therefore seek increased Federal Funding should their proposal to take over the functions of TSA succeed. TSNSW treats this as a negotiation and will only vote for the proposal if we decide that there are significant benefits for our members. If you would like to see a copy of the TA Senior Business Plan or offer your views, please contact any member of the TSNSW Executive, and we will send you a copy. 4

I have P.M.S and G.P.S which means I am a bitch and I can find you!

5 Teams’ Carnival - State Dinner NSW winners

Team Captains – all Men’s 75+ NSW-1 23 of them did a WALSH (C) Alan sterling job in BIDDLE Don BRUTON Mick Shepparton. Two FISHER Ian have sent in a WILLIAMS John Captain’s Report – PARSLOW Mick which is very helpful OLSEN Arthur with future planning. (It would be good to Women’s 40-45 NSW 40-1 get a few more!!) BARRETT Belinda The team working feverishly to Over 100 players DAVIES Rozie pack the Player Bags... attended the State KILLEN Sharon FISHER (C) Rebekha Dinner on Monday O'CALLAGHAN Katrina Night January 7, and by all accounts the “Woolshed” was the BEST RUDD Raelene YET! Ray Gale welcomed us with pleasant tunes on his guitar, and there were THREE significant birthdays acknowledged! A dozen “tennis Ball Women’s 55-60 NSW 60-1 th cupcakes” were given to each person.... Mary Gordon’s 80 , Pam AVIS Adrienne Crawford’s 70th and Barry Thompson’s WORLAND Helen 80th. Barry (pictured) made a little GODDARD Sara speech, and each one had to blow out CAMPLING (C) Carol the candle. I think they were all LEAVENS Denise NEALON Kaye pleasantly surprised.

The night was punctuated by the Trivia Women’s 60 – 70 NSW 60-4 Quiz, compiled by Kat and myself – and BESANT-RYAN (C) Enid one table went close to a “perfect SAWTELL Anne score” – Elaine Brockett, Lorraine ANDERSON Elaine Spinks and Co. For their efforts they BLACKBURN Michele received a couple of bottles of wine to BAINES Beth share. ALLITT Suzanne JACKSON Lorna

Women’s 65-70 NSW 70-1 BALLARD Kerry CRAWFORD Pam BLACKBURNE Kim MARTIN Denise COUSINS Judy PRATT (C) Julie

Pictured above: 60-4 team. From L to R: Anne, Michele, Elaine, Enid, Beth, Lorna and Suzanne.

Pictured right: 40-1 team. From L to R: Rebekha, Belinda, Raelene, Sharon, Kat and Rozie.

See the other Winning teams on Page 10 6 Niagara Therapy Australian Seniors Tennis Championships Report

40s), Brenda Foster (55s), Adrienne Avis (65s), Kerry Ballard (70s) and Mary Gordon (80s). In Doubles, we had thirteen Winners, and fifteen Finalists. Perhaps the happiest pair in the tournament were Bert Rosenberg and John O’Brien who took out the Over 85 Doubles against seasoned ith temperatures campaigners Adrian Alle and Bert soaring to their Barwick. Bert Rosenberg was highest in twenty ecstatic to win his very first years, Shepparton W National title, at the tender age Tennis Club hosted a very of 87! (I think his partner was successful Individual Tennis even happier for him!) Seniors National Championship Congratulations to both Kerry event. Sponsored by Niagara Ballard and Brenda Foster who Therapy, the week had its ups and won ALL THREE of their events. downs! Kerry has risen to #1 in the ITF A tireless worker - Ian Grose - on Using Mooroopna courts for two the courts until 10 at night! World rankings, a sensational days, Monday-Tuesday, was quite a achievement, we are very proud costly exercise, and matches could of you. cease when the temperature was  From the too high. The early schedules helped a treat, the tournament These pics show the WORKERS! Secretary’s Desk finished on time, with all events Ian and Mal who co-opted their th A and TSA are negotiating completed by 3.30 Friday 18 . family members to work too. what can be done to help New South Wales male players our Senior players, in featured in six Singles Finals (with particular, those who Trepresent Australia in the ITF World Norm Richardson (85s) – the Golden Oldie, being the only male Teams and Individual Championships. Our overseas representatives have self Winner.) Doug Skipper (40s) found -funded their trips every year, even the opposition too strong, as did when they have been returning to Greg Westwood (55s), Alan Walsh defend a Singles or Doubles title. It (75s) and Don Biddle (80s). Our would be great if they were fully females fared better with FIVE funded, the way other overseas sporting teams are. outright Winners: Mel Legend (35- Travis Atkinson, Bruce Osborne (both from TA) and Matt Starr from TNSW presented our committee with a The Malaysian team having “Strategic Plan” on Wednesday Feb fun at Mooroopna! 20. While there were some ideas put forward for the Overseas reps, we struggled to discover how they would do anything for grassroots tennis players or clubs. Malcolm Thiel, Club President - Read the article on Page 4 for more who worked all day, every day info. along with his 3 children! 7 March 2019 Player Profile: Donna Davis

From Motorcycle Racing to Tennis on the dummy-grid if there was a A personal profile from Mark Koehler holdup, and all the riders took off She has shifted gear from motor bike their helmets. I looked around and racing to the more pedestrian seniors’ saw the determination on the guy’s tennis circuit – or is it? faces. ‘When I think of road racing – it is so Over the past six years Donna Davis much easier than tennis as a sport. has gone from raw beginner to Because all you have to do is hold that Seniors’ tournament winner – having throttle on as hard as possible for as recent singles wins in Merimbula and long as possible, apply the brake as Nelson Bay. Her tireless competitive little as possible, and you’re going to go instinct has served her well. faster than the next guy,’ Donna Davis She began playing tennis on Australia chuckles with glee. She obviously enjoys Day 2013. After seeing a tennis advert the tussle of competitive sport. It’s this for women’s tennis in the local drive – with her switch to tennis – that Bateman’s Bay newspaper she cruised has catapulted her from tennis novice down from work to buy a tennis to a top player in just six years, with a racquet from the coach. She trains continuously to stay super- lot of hard work. ‘I was barefoot and I absolutely did fit. Each week is gym, running and ‘But it is a difficult game,’ she says. not hit one ball over the net! I saw the riding her pushbike, two comps, ‘Look at all the variables in tennis! It’s look on the coach’s face. It was like, it practice hits and maybe a tournament insane. The race track remains the same doesn’t matter what you have, a bit of on a weekend. At the moment she is – you either have a dry track or a wet wood will do you,’ she laughs. ‘Then I not surfing. track. But with tennis, the main variable went to a ladies pre-hit day to grade She wonders why tennis players spend is the opponent. How they control it. players, and they managed to put me so little time practicing their serve, You can come off the court and say, “I in the lowest division. ‘I suppose I when it is such an important part of didn’t play the way I wanted to play. I picked it up pretty quick. I met a lady their game. ‘We seem to focus on the played the way they wanted me to who was in a similar boat to me and baseline game. You want to correct, to play,” says Davis. we had lessons. I improved but the improve your game. And that’s why ‘Tennis is a weird game. You have those coach said to me “you’ll never learn to you keep going back. Tennis is days and they all go in. And others play tennis properly because you addictive in that way. You lie in bed at where it’s just not on. Why does that didn’t do it as a kid”. So that made me night and replay points. happen? Is it mental? If you are wound even more determined! ‘Because I don’t have a tennis history, up about work, it doesn’t work so well. ‘I tried for three months to learn one- I try constantly to remind myself of all Being relaxed is maybe the key.’ Davis handed but it just did not work for me. the things I need to do to hit the ball - knows a few things about the heat of I didn’t feel confident with it. I decided the mechanics of the game. In that competition, having out-raced many of that I only had ‘x’ amount of years to way, it doesn’t come naturally to me. her male counterparts on the track. She pick this game up and enjoy it, so I Perhaps I’m over-thinking it,’ she had no choice. There were no women’s stuck with my two-handed shots. I like admits. events. ‘Ninety-nine per cent of the double-handed on both sides.’ Davis ‘I have a great personal trainer who time I raced against the guys. I won the believes you never stop learning, I’m really happy with. He is a boxer Canberra Road Racing Club Supersport especially when taking on a new sport. and knows nothing about tennis but in 1999. An Open event. There were no She spends lots of time on the practice women’s classes.” wall, takes lessons and finds practice She has raced at Eastern Creek, partners wherever she can. PLEASE NOTE Broadford and Bathurst, usually on a ‘When I come back from a 600cc Kawasaki. ‘In a boy’s race I was tournament I continue to change usually a mid-fielder. But with so few things and learn things. At the “ Pay for Play” was women, the media interest would be moment I’ve got a new grip on my VOTED OUT at the Presidents one-two-three, and then “where’s the serve, and I always try new things, so and Secretaries’ Meeting in girl?” I’m hoping that will be to my ‘At Bathurst I ran about twenty-eight advantage, whereas many people will Shepparton - NO MORE out of fifty-four riders. All men, except play exactly the same for the rest of collection of this levy from for me. Most of the guys were cool. their tennis days. I guess I’m like the from January 2019. They were pleased you were out there. kid who has just started – it’s still all But it was a bit daunting new to me.’ March 2019 8 Donna Davis (Cont’d) he has studied tennis training well be competitive hey? It’s not in my do it, but I’d like to represent Australia techniques to help me with movement psyche to be uncompetitive. It’s cool, in my age group. – it’s called plyometrics – simple but some people don’t understand it.’ ‘Sometimes when I have bad matches, movement that involves the brain and ‘I prefer singles. I don’t like letting it seems a long way away. I see people feet. ‘He comes from the boxing world, someone else down, and you can with much more experience than me. and in a way it’s the same as tennis. create your own game. It’s like there is Yet they have not been me – they Everything starts at your feet. If your one too many people standing on the have always had tennis. They’ve feet don’t go, nothing else happens. court. In singles you walk back from a played since they were very young. ‘I often think about what that coach point and think, what did I do there That’s why I may be eighty by the time said to me, about having no natural that caused me to be put in that I do it!’ She laughs. ability, and I understand where he was situation? ‘In your singles game, down ‘So I try to stay as fit as possible to coming from; mine is a determination the line counts. Whereas in the compete successfully. I played a lady thing more so than an ability thing. And doubles game the down the line who was older than me down at when I get frustrated with tennis I think stroke has just been taken away.’ Merimbula and her ability was better about doing a triathlon, because I know ‘The media coverage of men in sport is than mine, but I just wore her down. that I can run and just pound it out; I much more than of women, but it’s And hopefully that will be my know I can ride a pushy, and just pound not something I’ve ever complained advantage. it out; and I know I can swim! about just because I’m a woman. ‘This ‘Tennis is a very interesting game. It is ‘It’s just mind and body, and your whole feminism thing – I don’t see a mental game. You have to think determination will get you there, that it has to be an issue. You are just about the ball, and the other person. whereas in tennis you have to have to people at the end of the day. I think But you know what I really like? It’s the skillset as well. And it’s more a it’s not necessary, the women going just pretty. It is pretty. What a nice thinking process. ‘One coach said to me, rah-rah. I’d rather simply be judged on environment to be in. Especially here you should go out there with the my own merit. ‘ at Batemans Bay – you can hear the intention to win six-love every time. If ‘There are people getting offended by ocean when it’s the right swell you can win one point off someone, you everyone these days. Life is not that especially at night comp. You can hear should be able to win two. Then you simple sometimes. You do have to the peacocks over at ‘Birdland’, and should be able to win the game. ‘I lost suck it up sometimes. We all do. ‘ it’s just a really nice place to be. ‘And one match 6-1, 6-1. I got one game off The Davis recipe for success? Apart I’ve met some really lovely people her each set, but why only one? And it’s from the need to participate, the main through tennis.’ just a points’ difference, where you thing she reckons, is always the Thanks to Mark Koehler - Life Story can’t complete the task, and they can! mantra: ‘Life is a result for action – if Writing ‘Some people think that being you put in, you’ll get out.’ Her goals? (www.LifeStoryWriting.com.au) competitive is not necessary, but if ‘Well, it’s like when you fess up to you’re going to go out and give it a something; then you have to achieve crack and it’s competition, you might as it. And I might be eighty by the time I

he main “toast” after birthdays at our State Dinner was to our “Senior of the Year” recipients, Kris and Myra Renneberg. Myra had helped Kris through a terrible stint in John Hunter Hospital, where he was fighting a major mysterious T infection. (It still comes back to haunt him, which requires more antibiotics). Kris accompanied Myra to country tournaments after being released., and she did all the driving! They are always bright, cheery and positive, and have helped at their Club in Taree, to have lots of improvements done, and have been inspirational to all of us. It was certainly a popular award.

PS Kris got his licence to drive approved just before they were heading back from Shepparton – it was a much-celebrated occasion! 9 Presentation Dinner - Riverlinks Including inductions to the Hall of Fame for Tennis Seniors

he place was sparkling! What a spectacular decorating job had been done by Elaine Bruton, her Tson Stuart and Daughter-in-law Rachel. Months of preparation had paid off! Tables with State colours and “twinkling” tennis racquets adorned the room at Riverlinks Function Centre, where they served meals to 354 patrons. Carol receives her Award as The Annual Presentation Dinner is a Legend traditional celebration of the Teams’ Week, when all state players mingle and have fun on the dance floor, after Photos below show three of the medal presentations. winning teams, NSW 70-1, NSW In 2019, was also an opportunity for 60-1 and the Men’s 75, NSW-1. Kerry Ballard in a happy The other two winning teams are Tennis Seniors Australia to honour mood with TSA’s Di Cassel. their greats! Our “Hall of Fame” was elsewhere in the newsletter. introduced by TSA President Peter Dighton, and the awards were given in three categories, Legend, Elite and Inductee. The level depends on the number of points accrued by the players – 350 needed for Legend status. The first Legend (with 366 points) is Carol Campling, from Winners are Grinners - Adrienne, Denise, Sydney! Carol has amassed 20 World Kaye, Helen, Sara and Carol titles and 56 Australian – in Singles, Doubles and Mixed categories. Ros Balodis (ACT) on 344 and Liz Allan (NSW) 268, are second and third. Ros may have risen to Legend, had she not been injured in her first match in the Teams’ Carnival. An extra sidelight on the evening was Winners are Grinners - Pam, Judy, the awarding of Life Membership by Kim, Denise, Kerry and Jules. Tennis Seniors Australia to three ladies in recognition of their tireless work for Tennis Seniors over many years. President Peter Dighton conducted the presentations to: Enid Besant-Ryan (NSW), Gail Bates (QLD) and Robyn Castle (NSW). Pictured above right....

Even “the boys” are grinning - Alan, Mick B, Don, Ian, Arthur, Mick P and John March 2019 10 “Courting a Longer Life”

ourting a Longer Life – Juna XU – from an article in “Healthy Living” on Saturday October 27, 2018. Want to add ten years to your life? Hit up the tennis court...... Following their review of a 25-year Danish study, international scientists discovered people who play tennis live C almost a decade longer than sedentary people, and even stick around longer than joggers and cyclists. The team of researchers turned to a data resource they had used for a previous jogging study, the Copenhagen City Heart Study, which tracked the lives of thousands of men and women in Copenhagen. The study’s participants had all completed health exams and questionnaires about their lifestyles, and how often they took part in eight sports common in Denmark, including badminton, running, soccer swimming and tennis. They then cross-referenced records with the National Death Registry to find our whether any of these people had died and, if so, when. Activities and life spans were then compared. Published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings the study found that people who had reported to almost never exercise were more than likely to have died in the later decades. The results also found that cycling was the most popular activity amongst the participants, and those who rode for four or more hours every week added an average of 3.7 years to their lives. Running was associated with an extra 3.2 years, badminton was linked to an extra 6.2 and soccer added 5 years to players’ lives. The most notable data revealed that those who played tennis had an average of 9.7 years added to their lives. It is also important to note that these associations remained unchanged even when the researchers took into account the participants’ education, socio- economic status and age. The study’s co-author Dr James O’Keefe that this may have something to do with the fact that tennis encourages you to be more social – a major health-booster when it comes to ageing. “We know from other research that social support provides stress mitigation, “ he said. “So, being with other people, playing and interacting with them, as you do when you play games that require a partner or a team probably has unique psychological and physiological effects” he said. www.bodyandsoul.com

11 Vale to two gentlemen

t is with great sadness that I announce the parting of John Windsor and Bert Deed recently. John, husband of Gail Windsor from Bathurst and father of Jodie and I Luke, had suffered last year with a brain tumour followed by radiation. He’d had radical surgery and rehabilitation in Sydney and was sent home to rest and recover in a wheelchair, as he could no longer walk. Gail took great Robyn’s Moat care of him in the familiar surroundings at home, with his dog by his side, and

he passed away peacefully on February 6. e welcomed quite  a few new players to our midst at Hubert Hilton Deed, was born on Feb 5, 1933, and was admitted to Ryde W Ulladulla, one Hospital (critical care) on his 86th birthday. He was suffering from Pulmonary lady in particular, from Fibrosis, which resulted in a collapsed lung. Staff at the hospital kept him Gerringong. This lady has just comfortable, and out of pain with a Morphine drip – on examining the cannula returned to competitive tennis he asked: “will this mean I can’t go swimmimg?” The nurse said with a slight after losing half a kidney to chuckle – “oh, just as long as you hold this pack out of the water, you’ll be OK to swim” – such was his sense of humour. cancer and having endured lots of Bert was the father of five - Bev, Jo, Lynne, Jim and Karen and loving Chemo and Radiation therapy husband of Marjorie. since her major operation. The family contained some talented tennis players, including Bert, who played While running some of her tennis for 65 years. His first tennis court was one he made himself at North grandkids around, she was Epping at the age of 16. He played in an Eastwood-Thornleigh District A- surprised to hear them calling Grade team for many years, and also played Interdistrict. from the back seat “what’s that Bert had 11 grandchildren – to whom he spoke in the last week of his life – funny thing on the back door even the two who live in Canada , using “Facetime”! The family all expected Grandma?” him to recover, and they visited him over the weekend, talking and laughing , enjoying his wicked sense of humour. She had to stop at traffic lights, The celebration of his life at North Ryde after the service at Northern so she looked around. It was the Suburbs Crematorium was attended by all the members of his A-grade tennis window winder. Having been used Team. He and Bruce Luckie were a formidable pair together in Tennis Seniors’ to cars with push-button tournaments, and he once teamed up with daughter Karen Cokely at Ulladulla windows, the kids shrieked with in a Mixed event. They were playing in the same group as another father- laughter when she told them. daughter combination Ken and Natalie Cutcliffe. Karen and Nat had been friends and opponents for a long time in their junior days.  Our sincere condolences go to the families of both John and Bert.

Grandparents’ Brenda Foster and Jill Meggs - World Honour Roll Doubles titleholders

PLUS, Australian and A beautiful baby girl for Brooke Leavens, daughter of Denise and Oceania Regional Bob Leavens. Zara Valerie was winners. born on February 3, weighing Brenda won the 8lbs 3 ozs. She’s trying to gain treble at weight and size—in order to wear a beautiful Wimbledon Shepparton in dress bought by Zoe Taylor, a January - winning dear friend of the family . the 55Singles, (Size 6-12months) 55Doubles (with Jill)  and 55Mixed (with

Phil Seeman NZL). March 2019 12 Cheerio Corner NEW members, Welcome!

Liz Campbell is battling the Big C, is presently undergoing Chemo – and losing her curly locks! We wish you well Liz, we trust you’ll have fun choosing a wig!

 Sheikh Ahmed Moshe Arielli West Tamworth stalwarts President John Ball and Bruce Murden have been unwell of late, we wish them both a speedy recovery. Matt Campbell Tanya Greenwood  Paul Harrison While running the events in Shepparton, our Treasurer and Tournament Director David Ho Arthur fell ill with Cellulitis. It was so painful and his left leg was so swollen that he Paul Hofmann agreed to be taken to hospital on Finals’ Day. He was put onto a drip with antibiotics, and on discharge, he was prescribed very strong tablets to kill the Susan Larson infection. After FOUR courses of these super-strong antibiotics, his Dr took him Emad Matti off them – to protect his liver function. His leg has returned to its original size with Andrew McDonald the help of constriction stockings, and he is feeling much better. Elaine Norman

 Eric On

Sincere condolences to Paul Waller, who was shocked to learn that his wife Drew Parker Jacqueline was suffering from the dreaded MND in April last year, and that she Frank Sutcliffe would need 24-hour care in a few short months. Sadly, she passed away on Bruce Telford December 21. Brett Thomas Paul has three boys who play tennis – and need to be driven to coaching and Bayar Tsagdaa competition at Castle Hill, Parramatta and surrounding areas several days a week. Joanne Van den Burg Gavin, Byron and Tyrone are coached and play at the Castle Hill Tennis Centre

(Neil Smith and sons) – and they are all very competitive on the court. They have all played in Junior comp at Pennant Hills Park. Gavin and Byron are both on Honour Boards at ETDTA. Jacqueline was always running the boys around, with help from Grandad Graham Waller, who is an avid tennis player himself – keen for the boys to keep up with their tennis. Since Jacqueline’s death, Graham has continued to help Paul with all their busy schedules, while recovering from major heart surgery himself. He is generous with time and money to help the boys stay connected with tennis.

Musings from our first LEGEND....

t was wonderful to have my sister Gail come to Australia to play doubles with me in our Nationals. I then found out I had the honour of being inducted as the first Legend, into the Tennis Seniors’ Hall of Fame. I asked her to come earlier than first planned so she could share that evening with I me and my NSW team members. It was a night to remember. After a great week and winning our Section at the Tennis Seniors Australia Teams’ Carnival, we thoroughly enjoyed a week at the AO and caught up with many friends - our brother Fred joined us for the 5 days. When back in Sydney we had a cousins’ reunion which meant that they had to travel from as far away as Melbourne, Mudgee and Bega – and we managed to visit an Aunt 95 years young in Sydney. We played cards and had a super weekend with them staying at my place. It was really fabulous having Gail visit and I will see her in May at the French Open where we will share another lovely week together. Carol Campling

13 Ulladulla - February 15, 16, 17

irst, there was a which they did most hydrated. Saturday & Sunday forecast for “perfect “ emphatically – even though afternoons sitting on the deck weather, for the entire Helen is 62! after some fantastic tennis with F THREE days. The a cold one, is a very pleasant volunteers in the kitchen were at experience. A wonderful their usual best, and others weekend was had by all. A huge helped in various ways – NON thank you to all the volunteers STOP! This club knows how to who helped throughout. It was cater extremely well. greatly appreciated. We would Managing the tournament for also like to thank our major 200 participants required the sponsor, Big 4 Bungalow Park twelve courts at Ulladulla plus on Burrill Lake. two at Milton, complemented by Postscript: By Brian Loader two at Kioloa, 25 minutes to the Darrell Johns with Clive Wilkinson, WINNERS! It must be said that once again, south of the town. Many players the Ulladulla Tournament who were drawn there were continues to amaze. This event already staying south of Ulladulla World #1 in Men’s 65+ Singles raises the bar every time. Val at Burrill Lake.....so it was not a was Andrew Rae, from Victoria, long trip for them. Big 4 returning to have a hit with his Bungalow Park on Burrill Lake cousin Ian Rae, and friend Ian was the major sponsor – which Davey in Men’s Doubles. was booked out. Players from Former World Champ and “the stable” were all there, (a current co-holder of the ITF friendship group from the Hills World Cup for Women Over 65, and Eastwood-Thornleigh as well as National titleholder districts) who made the most of in 65 Women’s and Mixed - Mary Lou with Mick Dunn, who the facilities using the barbecues Helen Worland also lent her travelled all the way from Millbank and relaxing after tennis in the expertise to the tournament. Common areas with Helen’s partner Adrienne Avis set perfect foundations 17 refreshments and nibblies. (National 65+ Women’s Singles years ago, and now we have and Doubles Champ) was the best-ever protégé, the truly unable to play as a result of a fun/delightful/ enjoyable Mary debilitating knee injury. Lou. To Val/Mary Lou & There were lots of new faces volunteers..... Many thanks for this year, as well as the adding such value to our lives. stalwarts who return year after

year! Ian Worland in a deep and meaningful  discussion with John Greenup From Mary Lou: 2019 saw 46 new players participating in our tournament, many of whom New to Seniors, and playing in were in the younger age her first tournament was Alison bracket, 45-60 resulting in even Crealy, elder daughter of former more outstanding tennis. And Champion Dick Crealy. Dick and of course it was great to see so his wife were there to watch many of our regulars return Alison and Wollongong’s Helen again. Shea take out the Over 40 age As usual our many volunteers Bob Morgan - untroubled to win the MONEY! March 2019 group on Saturday – kept everyone well fed and 14 The Inaugural “Bundanoon Cup”

n inaugural match, taking place on January 13, was the Karen ADixon Cup between the Bundanoon Club and formidable players from the Cronulla District. The cup will be contested annually in memory of the much loved and respected Karen Dixon. Brent Marvin, Warren Dixon and Justin Luff played an integral part in the Marvin for his generosity in future opportunities are organization of this initiative. including the local players being investigated. Placing Michael Hull and his family and their families in dinner social and achievement produced a plethora of fine festivities on the Saturday outcomes aside, the final photographs. High quality night. Appreciation is also produced the most salient action shots of all players extended to all the visitors outcome of all. It rekindled serve as tangible reminders of for their graciousness in fond memories of Warren’s a most memorable weekend. playing and socializing with wife in the minds of her The success of the occasion us. To the successful team, friends and loved ones. It was contingent on the pairing of Alan Rae and Greg Price, was with and against the of the visitors with the locals. congratulations on a champion Yvonne Stanton Enjoyable, competitive tennis thoroughly deserved win. that Karen played much of was resultant. Local pairings My finals’ partner, Yvonne her tennis. produced some stiff Stanton is deserving of a opposition too. These special mention. It was a By Phillip Leighton-Daly included Stephen Day, Scott most delightful experience Kelly, Doug Madeley and playing with such a  Steve Brabyn. champion. Throughout the Bundanoon players extend day, Yvonne was a their appreciation to the dominant master of Editor’s Note: Sydney based player and consistency. Against some There is an opportunity for local businessman Brent stiff opposition in the final, other clubs, (either City or she unleashed a battery of Country) not presently deft placements and power involved in the Country hitting. In this closely Circuit, to arrange a special contested set, spectators event, a one-day social on a were treated to a most Sunday. Get in touch with a thrilling culmination of committee member, if you events. are interested. Yvonne pictured with the trophy, District tennis has surely her partner and other supporters.  (Warren Dixon back right.) been re-invigorated and 15 March 2019 Oceania Regional Champs Tennis Seniors NSW

Dec 2017 - Dec 2019 rom March 7 - March 11 in Kooyong and other venues, strong Executive: competition was the order of the day. See below (in BOLD) our NSW players who were successful in gaining precious ITF ranking points. President Mick Bruton Phone: ...... 9679 0355 F Mobile: ...... 0416 219 656 Event Winners Finalists Vice President Vacant WS65 Helen Worland Sue Walter VIC WS70 Kerry Ballard Jan Maddison WA Secretary WS80 Mary Gordon June Simpson VIC Robyn Castle Phone: ...... 9624 7075 MS75 Alan Walsh Terry McLellan QLD Fax: ...... 9838 9236 MS80 Bob Howes VIC Don Biddle Mobile: ...... 0400 389 234 E-mail: .. [email protected] MS55 Simon Arms VIC Greg Westwood XD50 Kerryn Cyprien / Patrick Cyprien Cathy Benson / Michael Russell Treasurer XD55 Jill Meggs / Stephen Sharp Brenda Foster / Philip Seeman NZL Arthur Olsen Phone: ...... 9816 4196 XD70 Kerry Ballard / Ramon Funtera VIC Lou Griffith / Ray West Mobile: ...... 0400 525 591 XD75 Julie Pratt / Bruce Rehn SA John Butler / Jill Taylor QLD Committee: WD75 Julie Pratt / Heather Barwick VIC Mary Gordon / Judy Hancy VIC WD50 Brenda Foster / Jill Meggs VIC Cathy Benson / Kerryn Cyprien Bob Bow WD60 Rosemary Everett / Fiona Walker Sara Goddard / Judy Buzza VIC Mobile ...... 0430 470 161

MD70 Rob Bickmore / Ramon Funtera Gordon Waygood / Rob Hughes Carol Campling WD40 Monika Biernat / Isabelle Gemmel Di Cassel / Michelle Townson QLD Mobile: ...... 0401 057 866

WD70 Kerry Ballard / Jan Maddison WA Jan Johns / Judith Rodins QLD Brian Loader MD75 Alan Walsh / Terry McLellan QLD Rob Hughes / Hayden Rees VIC Mobile ...... 0435 828 469 MD80 Don Biddle / John Mansfield VIC Kevin Crump QLD / Bruce Rehn SA Kat O’Callaghan MD60 Mike Ford / Peter Hampton NZL Wayne Pascoe / Stephen Dance Mobile ...... 0414 973 751

Monique Spiller Mobile ...... 0400 050 881

Graeme Sticka Phone ...... 9713 5597 Mobile ...... 0418 402 415

John Whittaker Phone ...... 9680 2090 Mobile ...... 0417 200 761

State Selectors - From Feb 2018

Men Mick Bruton ...... 0416 219 656

Arthur Olsen ...... 0400 525 591

Graeme Sticka ...... 0418 402 415 Pictured in glorious sunshine at Kooyong - Carol Campling, Julie Pratt and Kim Blackburne Women

Carol Campling ...... 0401 057 866

Monique Spiller ...... 0400 050 881

Roger Brittain shows how Robyn Castle ...... 0400 389 234 to relax after a hard day National Selectors

Di Cassel ...... 0426 227 946

Alan Walsh ...... 0421 871 003

Terry McLean ...... 0414 711 875 16