Viv’s a victor as club win Sussex plaudits
Five members of Crablands Bowling & Tennis Club’s tennis section attended the 2024 LTA Tennis Sussex Awards at the Amex Stadium, Brighton – and one of them came home with a prestigious prize.
Crablands Tennis had been nominated for awards in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement of the Year, Development Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Club of the Year.
Rob Curling (Journalist and Sky News sports presenter) was on stage to announce all the categories, nominees and winners.
This year proved to be the best year for attendance with 400-plus attendees assembled for the ceremony from multiple Sussex tennis clubs, at the magnificent Brighton and Hove Albion stadium.
Crablands said they thrilled to announce that Crablands’ president and chair Viv Harris was awarded the Lifetime Achievement and Robert Cushing Memorial awards.
Viv joined Crablands Tennis Club in 1981 and served as the Ladies’ Captain for 10 years before taking over as Chairman.
She became President of the whole club (Crablands Bowling & Tennis Club) in 2014.
Viv played in the Ladies team for many years and won the club competitions multiple times.
She has been responsible for running all internal club competitions for both junior and adult sections ensuring that all members are invited to take part and enjoy healthy and fun club competitions.
Viv is responsible for the junior section, dedicating every Saturday to attending coaching sessions run at the club and ensuring that juniors and parents are supported, informed, nourished and entertained.
The numbers of juniors enjoying coaching at Crablands has doubled in the last four years – testament to her dedication and drive to keep a thriving section running successfully at Crablands.
Added to this, her administration, management and support of the club’s match teams has been constant – always providing a positive attitude and encouragement for the players.
Her tenure as chairman of the tennis section has seen many positive changes take place and most recently she has overseen the conversion of a grass court to an all-weather court and the introduction of LED lights on two courts – giving greater opportunities for the working members of Crablands to play in the evenings.
As one of our longeststanding members, Viv has seen many changes within the world of tennis and how the club has evolved and embraced these changes as she can see the benefits for all. Viv is driven to make Crablands the best it can be.
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