County’s tennis volunteers earn the plaudits

Kent’s tennis volunteers have been recognised for their tireless work.

The county LTA used National Volunteers Week to highlight the efforts of hard-working individuals.

John Ratcliffe, of Shooters Hill Tennis Club, was praised for his invaluable advice at the Kent Tennis coffee mornings on Zoom through lockdown and everything he does as a Kent LTA councillor.

Tony Fisher was recognised for the great work he has done on the ClubSpark programme.

Vanessa Webb, former president of the Kent LTA and a long-serving councillor, was up on day three.

She’s been the county press officer for many years and sends articles to more than 60 newspapers each week.

She’s also the mixed league organiser and has volunteered for more than 30 years in club tennis.

Anna Wilson was shortlisted for Kent LTA volunteer of the year for her hard work and dedication at Sundridge Park. She works tirelessly on promoting and improving the club, who are in the running for LTA national club of the year following regional success.

Ann Marie Doyle was picked out for her work as welfare officer at Maidstone Tennis Club.

As was Graham Silvester, who has built the new Kent Tennis website and kept it updated. He’s also played a big part in moving the KLT magazine online.

Ratcliffe, Webb and Kent Leagues organiser Keeley Wickes received £20 M&S vouchers in a prize draw when the Kent LTA held a Zoom coffee morning honouring volunteers.

Other volunteers nominated by clubs included: Ritma Kursite-Nimante (Abbey Wood), Andy Hanks (Sundridge Park), Gillian Bartlett (Sydenham),

Rory Allan (Blackheath), David Roger and Nicola

Roger (Broadstairs), Kate Williams (Catford), Paula Carey and Karen Dobson (Hildenborough), Leslie Jones (Kemsing), Richard Dawson, Jane Frankel, Charles Harper, Andy Heath, Jay Lepine, Andy Palin, Lisa Winrow, Liz White and Nick Yandle (Maidstone), Lynn Giles and Glenis Harwood (Margate), Alex Burn and Judith Heayberd (Old Wilsonians), Mark Braden and Lisa King (Sundridge Park).

Graham Silvester’s efforts have been recognised