Doubles tournament at the Avenue

THE annual Jo Gooden ladies' doubles tournament was held recently at the Avenue Tennis Club with players from the Avenue, Wedmore, Woodlands and Cleve taking part.

This tournament is played in memory of Jo Gooden (nee Champion) who was a popular and prominent young player at the club and whose family have been loyal supporters of the club for many years.

After Jo's sad death in an accident at a young age, her father Dick presented a beautiful cup in her memory which is played for annually and, since Dick's own death a few years ago, he is also always remembered with great affection, especially on this tournament day. Dick also started the tradition of presenting the winner with engraved tumblers and this is continued by one of Jo's sisters, Jean (Booth) who every year supports the tournament and presents the prizes.

The tournament is run on a round robin basis and there is a draw for partners so everyone plays with someone from a different club. This ensures a relaxed and social atmosphere with a lot of chat, not least at the lunch put on by Avenue members.

After an excellent day of tennis, despite some rather indifferent weather, the winners were Sue Parsons (Avenue) and Di Pearman (Wedmore) and the runners-up were Jane Sanders (Avenue) and Liz Yeo (Woodlands).

The club was delighted that two of the younger players, Heather Duddy and Jess Griffiths, joined in this year and played well. They made a great contribution to the tournament, and it is hoped that more younger players will join in the future.

The next school holiday junior tennis camp will run from June 1 to June 4, and will start at 9am and finish at 3pm daily. Details and an apllication form can be obained from the club's website.

Details of tennis coaching courses held at the Avenue Tennis Club can be obtained from the office (01278 782758) or from the club website www.avenuetennis.com