Kentish Express Ashford & District
Holding court again
The Ashford Netball League held their annual meeting in person for the first time since 2020 - and there was plenty to celebrate at the British Rail Sports and Social Club.
As well as honouring this season’s champions and runners-up, the coveted Bev Homewood and Unsung Hero awards for 2020, as well as 2021, were handed out after last year’s meeting was held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Bev Homewood award recipients are those who make an outstanding contribution to the league, while the Unsung Hero award recognises a member who represents the league’s core values of respect, teamwork, achievement and fun.
The Bev Homewood award for 2020 was presented to Terrie Ireland. Ireland kept the local netball community in touch by posting on the league’s Facebook page every day over lockdown for 25 weeks with 475 posts.
Sue Ellis was presented with the 2020 Unsung Hero award for her continued support with the walking netball ladies during lockdown.
She kept in contact with members on WhatsApp and arranged several outdoor sessions in the summer of 2021 when rules were relaxed.
The 2021 Bev Homewood award was presented to Angie Bates. A long-standing member of the committee from 1994 to 2001, Bates has been the face of the league for many years. She was a regular player and umpires every week.
The 2021 Unsung Hero award went to Lynda Woodcock and Lynne Ealham for their cheerfulness and friendliness on the courts. Come rain or shine, summer or winter, they are always supporting their own teams and regularly volunteer to umpire and score for other sides.
This year’s Premier Division winners were Homewood, with Goldwyn Aces runners-up. Lyndsey Priestly of Goldwyn Stars was named star player.
Tenterden Tornadoes took the Division 1 title, ahead of HSD Neon. Star players were Charlotte Reardon of HSD Neon and Emma Hughes of Mantarays.
Division 2 honours went to Bethersden, with TMC finishing second. Zoe Ovenden from Jaguars was star player.
The league’s umpires recognised for their valued contribution and volunteering this year were Angie Bates, Jo Legg, Nichola Tsagarakis, Lynda Woodcock, Steve Brown and Denise Chittenden.
Julia Butcher, Megan Blythe and Steve Brown qualified for their into-officiated umpiring award, while Lily Vane, Caz Hurley and Claire Armstrong qualified for their C umpiring award.
There was also a life membership award for Sharon Williams. Williams has supported the league for more than 20 years, organising fixtures and then as umpire representative since 2000.
The summer league starts this month. For further information visit ashfordnetball.org.uk or facebook.com/groups/ ashfordnetball/