Woodland Lawn Tennis Club has had its busiest summer ever this year as it celebrated its centenary.

WOODLAND Lawn Tennis Club has had its busiest summer ever this year as it celebrated its centenary.

The festivities started in May when the club’s ladies donned their long skirts, blouses and straw boaters, dusted off their wooden rackets and enjoyed an Edwardian themed evening of tennis.

Underarm serves were also required to stay in keeping with the era and all attempts were made to stay as lady-like as possible and �100 was raised for Cancer Research.

The next event had the members of Woodland testing out their serving prowess in the speed gun trial. Jon Parsons clocked the fastest serve at 112 miles per hour.

One of the highlights of the celebrations was the tournament and barbeque which allowed members past and present to get together. Despite the windy conditions, some excellent tennis was played and wonderful food enjoyed courtesy of former member, Nick Wheeler.

The juniors also had a tennis filled time. The adult and junior tournament proved popular as parents got the chance to partner their children in a series of doubles matches.

This was followed up by the summer coaching course and Woodland’s junior singles tournament. Twelve boys and seven girls entered the tournament and round robins were played to determine the semi-finalists.

After four close matches, the finalists were decided: sisters Lydia and Stephie Buckingham in the girls’ final and Michael Gray and Jonathan Clarkson in the boy’s. Lydia’s greater experience soon began to show and she won the shield. The boy’s final was a close affair and, at three games all, Jonathan managed to steady himself and went on to beat Michael 6-4.

All of Woodland members were able to meet up for the last event of the summer, the Woodland barn dance. This event was tinged with sadness as it came shortly after the death of much-loved Woodland member, Liz Yeo.

Liz was treasurer of the club and had been secretary for 47 years, retiring from the role only in March. Current secretary Annie Buckingham said: “Liz was really at the heart of the club and you couldn’t help but admire her enthusiasm, dedication and kindness.”

For more information about the club and its activities, contact membership secretary, Judy Cannon on 01934 629819 or visit the website at www.woodlandtennisclub.co.uk