CRICKET I HOCKEY I TENNIS I SQUASH I FITMESS T THE … · CRICKET I HOCKEY I TENNIS I SQUASH I...

C R I C K E T I H O C K E Y I T E N N I S I S Q U A S H I F I T M E S S

PLUS INSIDE: CRICKET – ACHIEVE 2 SENIOR PREMIERSHIP TITLES HOCKEY – WELCOME TO OUR NEW DIRECTOR & MEN X1 FINISH TOP OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE

TENNIS – LADIES’ OVER 50s ARE CROWNED NATIONAL CHAMPIONS SQUASH – LADIES’ FIRST TEAM WIN TOP OF THE DIVISION FOR A SECOND YEAR RUNNING

CRICKET I HOCKEY I TENNIS I SQUASH I FITNESS

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C NTENTS

4 SAYING THANK YOU to all our Volunteers

6 CLUB NEWS by Clare Wood, Club Director

7 CHARITY WE SUPPORT MertonVision

8 CLUB SOCIAL all things social in pictures

11 TWC CRICKET by Jonathan Speller

17 TWC HOCKEY by Simon Organ

24 TWC TENNIS by Simon Ainley

29 TWC SQUASH by Stacey Ross

33 ASK Q! bar, restaurant, pilates, short sports, classes and more

36 GOODBYE & HELLO

38 MOLLY’S SMILE FUND

39 Q&A with Julie Quester

C O V E R S TO RY

C L U B L I F E

S P O RT S E C T I O N S

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A CHOICE OF TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST

Served with all the trimmings

Selections of starters, a choice of traditional roast and delectable desserts

SUNDAY ROAST

Something differentfor the weekend!

and a delicious veggie option, of course!

For special requests or to make a reservation please contact us on 020 8971 8091 or email: [email protected]

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PART OF TWC: About 10 years but also played 1st team squash mid 80s.

WHICH TEAMS DO YOU COACH: I run and play in our 4th team in the Surrey Cup league and also the O55 team in the Surrey Vintage League.

YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT:As a team, the 4th team is middle of the division, but it has been great to help and see the improvement in our no.1 Phil Messent. An ex hockey player, he has taken well to squash and mostly

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PART OF TWC: Since 2010

WHICH TEAMS DO YOU COACH: Currently I coach Back to Hockey with Joanna Close (used to coach Ladies’ 1st for three seasons and a number of the Junior sides over the years)

YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT:There have been so many over the years: winning promotion as a player with the Ladies’ Development team twice; promoted with the Ladies’ 1st, winning Ladies’ Masters Nationals twice; Ladies’ 1st reaching play offs and reaching European Hockey League and KO32 with the Men’s 1st team. What makes me proud is seeing young players return to their club after university, both at elite and club level, and making a huge contribution to the present and future of hockey at TWC.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PART OF TWC: Seven years and captain of the Ladies’ 1st team over six years. I have always felt at home at the Club and all the members I have met have always been very nice to me. For me, it is very important to play the sport I love in a good atmosphere, in a nice club and thankfully I have found what I was looking for as a club here at TWC.

WHICH TEAMS DO YOU COACH: As the captain for the Ladies’ 1st team, I put all my energy into the team cohesion, motivation and performance while ensuring that all the logistics of the matches is seamless to put the team in the best conditions to play.

TELL US YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT: The Ladies’ 1st team is in the top division of both Winter and Summer Surrey Leagues and in the very tough regional division of the Team Tennis competition. The results over the past few years have been exceptional with notably the place of Surrey League champion a few times both in Summer and Winter (most recent one being winter 2017). In the Team Tennis competition, the team’s best position has been 2nd with regular top four rankings and no single relegation for the past seven years.

All competitions we enter have a very high standard with several teams including former WTA-ranked players such as Queen’s, Roehampton, Westside and St. George’s Hill. I am very proud of the girls’ achievements and team spirit and hope for many more successes.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PART OF TWC: Five years

WHICH TEAMS DO YOU COACH: U12 age group for 2019

YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT: With last year’s League win (played 10 and won 10) marking the quality we have in our age group, my proudest moment as age group manager was the day in 2017 that every available player in our year group (we had approximately 55 players available that day) represented the Wimbledon Club in five competitve fixtures we arranged that day across Surrey. It was a phenomenal effort from our volunteers and our supportive parents, travelling many miles to make sure the players enjoyed the matches. It was such a proud moment to see every one of our players so enthusiastic, so engaged and all playing for our Club.

wins his matches. The Vintage team is also mid

table but we have players missing through new hips and one player taking up cycling!

Amassive thank you goes out to all our Volunteers. We wouldn’t be the club we are today without you...

As a multi sport club, we pride ourselves on offering best-in-class coaching and facilities for all. With over 3000 junior and senior members spanning across all sport sections, the success of TWC owes great thanks to all our volunteers who give up so much of their valuable time serving

others. From the Sunday morning 7am alarm calls to coach trips around the country, the support and commitment by all who help each week is greatly appreciated.

On behalf of all of us here at TWC I would like to say thank you so much for all your hard work and continued efforts.

VOLUNTEERSTHANK YOU TO ALL OUR

TWC ANNUAL REVIEW 2018 DESIGN & PRODUCTION: CIRCUSLIVE BASIA PACZESNA-VERCUEIL & LUCY UDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: LIAM DAVIES (cover)SAM KELLY MARK WESTWOOD Thanks to all the contributors.

C R I C K E T I H O C K E Y I T E N N I S I S Q U A S H I F I T M E S S

PLUS INSIDE: CRICKET – ACHIEVE 2 SENIOR PREMIERSHIP TITLES HOCKEY – WELCOME TO OUR NEW DIRECTOR & MEN X1 FINISH TOP OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE

TENNIS – LADIES’ OVER 50s ARE CROWNED NATIONAL CHAMPIONS SQUASH – LADIES’ FIRST TEAM WIN TOP OF THE DIVISION FOR A SECOND YEAR RUNNING

CRICKET I HOCKEY I TENNIS I SQUASH I FITNESS

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Newsletter 2018 FINAL.indd 1 19/02/2019 17:05

MEET OUR HERO VOLUNTEERS: HOWARD CHERLIN,TINA DULLAGHAN,MIKE FOX & MELINDA MALOULI

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7W W W.T W C S P O R T. C O . U K

Did you know that one in seven of us will lose our sight as we get older? That’s a scary statistic.

The degree and type of sight loss will vary from person to person and each person’s experience of visual impairment – and how they come to terms with it – is different. Helping people to adapt to living with a sight loss is at the heart of MertonVision’s services.

Children and adults who are registered blind in Merton will automatically be referred to us for support and professional assistance in managing their blindness. Any local resident suffering from visual impairment may take advantage of our services, information and support. In our 50 years as a local, sight-loss charity we have been able to help thousands of children and adults come to terms with their visual impairment. We can’t give people back their sight, but we can help them to retain their independence, living the life they wish to live and doing the things they want to do.

The important work we do on behalf of the Borough of Merton is mainly grant-funded but we rely on donations to continue the additional community support services such as the weekly Lunch Club and maintenance of the Resource Centre. That’s why we are so delighted to be The Wimbledon Club’s chosen charity for 2019.

We are very keen to extend the work we do with children and young adults: for example we run a monthly activity session (called Eye-Can-Do-It) encouraging young people to take part in sports and other activities in safe, peer-supported groups.

Unfortunately, most types of sight loss are a result of ageing and our challenge will be to help an increasing number of people, who are blind or partially sighted, in the years to come. We currently directly support 750 people every year through rehabilitation, visits, IT training and other services.

Losing your sight is very frightening. Everyday tasks and activities like making a cup of tea become a challenge rather than a pleasure. We help people come to terms with their loss of sight and give them the skills to live life to the full.

MertonVision offers the following services to people who are blind or partially sighted:Rehabilitation Service – specialist training for both adults and children, which will substantially increase their confidence both at home and when they are out and about; Resource Centre – opportunity to try equipment that helps with everyday tasks like cooking;Low Vision Aids – we aim to maximise vision using these types of aids, such as magnifiers;Home Visitors – providing essential help with things like correspondence and offer befriending;Lunch Club – companionship in a relaxed atmosphere and a nutritious lunch;Vision Support Service based at the Moorfields,

St George’s Hospital, Tooting, which provides urgent support advice;Transcription ServiceRecreational & Social – fun outings, musical evenings, quizzes and more;Adult Education – basic training in computing and Internet use as well as art and other classes;Awareness Training – we provide training for professionals, like GPs, on how sight loss impacts on daily life.

We are very much looking forward to this year’s special partnership with The Wimbledon Club. If you see us in the club house (wearing MertonVision badges or sashes) please come and talk to us!

tel. 020 8540 5446www.mertonvision.org.uk

F U N D R A I S I N G : W H O W E S U P P O RT

MERTONVISION IS AN INDEPENDENT CHARITY PROVIDING SERVICES, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT TO RESIDENTS OF MERTON WITH A VISUAL IMPAIRMENT.

MERTON VISION

Specialist large print screen reader software

A large display telephone from the Resources Centre

White cane training. An invaluable aid

for people with visual impairment. Traditionally white

but any colour is available -

including glitter!

“BY CLARE WOOD CLUB DIRECTOR

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Raynes Park High School Astro Turf hockey pitch project/Members Loan – a big thank you to the overwhelming response from members to provide loans to fund the development of a water-based astro hockey pitch at RPHS. In the end 49 members provided £500,000 worth of funding to cover the costs of rebuilding the pitch and the Club is most grateful for all of this generous support. The new pitch has been in use since November.

TWC welcomes to the team Jon Speller (Cricket Director),

Simon Organ (Hockey Director), Fiona Semple (Hockey

Coordinator), Michaela Knespl (Tennis Administrator)

and says farewell to Ben Marsden (Hockey Director) and Nicky Pym

(Hockey Coordinator).

THE CLUB IS FOCUSING ON BEING MORE SUSTAINABLE

AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THIS YEAR AND INTO THE FUTURE.

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Kirsten Heard, Headteacher, Raynes Park High School; Crista Cullen; Christopher Wilson-Boyle, Associate Assistant Headteacher and Director of Sport; Paul Knowles, Wimbledon Club; Steve Turner, England Hockey with students Teagan Jacobs, 12 and Zeph Stow, 13.


Congratulations to our tennis coach Georgie Desch and her husband Henry on the arrival of baby Felicity.

To mark the 150th anniversary of The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, tennis clubs from across the globe, including TWC tennis section, were invited to help celebrate this milestone by participating in International & UK Club Tournaments, which were staged on the Grounds of the AELTC.

LOCAL CHARITIES

ON AN ONGOING BASIS.FOR 2019 WE CHOSE TO SUPPORT

MERTONVISION.

AS A CLUB WE SUPPORT

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After 35 years of partnership with the Mike Burton Group providing hospitality in the Club house during the Wimbledon Fortnight, the Club will be moving on in 2019.

MIKE BURTON, CHAIRMAN

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PA RT I E S � S O C I A L S � E V E N T S � G AT H E R I N G S � C L U B F U N

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CONSERVATION

with Crista Cullen

HOCKEY EOS DINNER

PSA TOURNAMENT


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C L U B L I F E : A L L T H I N G S S O C I A L

W W W.T W C S P O R T. C O . U K / C R I C K E T

BY JONATHAN SPELLER DIRECTOR OF CRICKET

TWC CRICKETA YEAR OF OLD ACQUAINTANCES, SOME FAMILIAR FACES AND WARM WELCOMES

TO NEW MEMBERS AND PLAYERS ACROSS THE CLUB. 2018 WAS A YEAR WITH MANY HIGHLIGHTS AND TWO SENIOR PREMIERSHIP TITLES!

1ST XI SEASON REVIEW 2018 – OLIVER SWANN

T he 1st XI enjoyed some very good wins but unfortunately, as has been the trend for the

over the last few years, we were unable to string a number of outright wins together in order to really make a play for the League title.

We started the season poorly in the 50 over competition, but following a big team night out on the Southbank, we went on a run of games where we played some fantastic cricket. The batters enjoyed success with a total of six 100s being scored; the most for many years. Nick Welch was once again the stand out batsman scoring 689 runs at 45.93, backing up his sensational season in 2017.

Our best performances were during the 120 over format of the competition, but we did not manage to convert these dominant performances into outright victories.

No matter what the conditions the bowlers trucked in all summer : Kieron Bunting took 30 wickets at an average of 20.77, an impressive return given how batsman-friendly the majority of pitches were during the season.

We finished the season with three consecutive wins over Sutton, Sunbury and Ashtead, which has given us belief and momentum going into the winter and we are already looking forward to the 2019 season!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our scorer Chris Lowe, who was an integral part of the squad often producing (and printing!) match statistics before the first post-match beer!

WCC 2ND XI CAPTAIN’S REPORT – DAVID WILLS

The U21s had another mixed season Starting the season as reigning champions can sometimes add extra pressure, but Wimbledon 2nd XI got off to a good start with three wins and

one abandonment from the initial set of overs matches. The resilience shown in these early season performances was to be a recurring theme, defending 170 against East Molesey and recovering from 69/5 to beat Reigate by over 100 runs. As well as taking points off major title rivals, these results gave the side confidence that they could win from any position and set the platform to retain the title, although East Molesey were matching them game for game.

It all came down to the final match of the season away at Ashtead. It did seem as though Wimbledon had thrown the title away when they slipped to 53/6. As had happened throughout the season, however, individuals put their hands up when needed most. Wimbledon recovered to post 234 before bowling Ashtead out for 184 to spark joyous celebrations.

There were significant contributions throughout the season across the whole squad, with 31 players used in total. u

SQUASH

Wreath-making workshop

Cricket Christmas

Flamingo Jazz Tour

CLUB SOCIALS & FESTIVE FUN

Carol singing

Tennis Christmas Party

Squash coffee morning

CLUB LIFE

Clare’s Big Birthday

Cricket Championships

dinner


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The team’s leading run scorers were Wills (461 @ 27), Gunn (388 @ 35) and Mitchell (373 @ 37), while topping the wicket-taking charts were Clare (28 @ 15), Gunn (19 @ 18) and Leonard (19 @ 21). Special mention must also go to U17 Billy Sewell who, in just four games, took six wickets @ 13 and amassed 226 runs @ 75 to be the fifth top run scorer, culminating in a match winning 90 on the final day of the season to secure the title. Thanks go to scorer Alex Anderson and umpire Martin Conway for their long-standing support, loyalty and dedication.

So after 18 games, Wimbledon came out on top by just two points out of 298. Significant credit must go to East Molesey for pushing them all the way. Ultimately, Wimbledon’s performances in the overs matches (eight wins and one abandoned) and against the other members of the top four (four wins and two winning draws) proved just enough to clinch back-to-back titles. The squad will be looking to make it three titles in a row next year in what promises to be another keenly fought campaign.

WCC 3RD XI CAPTAIN’S REPORT – ADAM SLATER

Having narrowly missed out on the title last year, Wimbledon 3rd XI started the season determined to go one better in 2018. Having retained the majority of players from last season, plus a few useful additions from outside and the usual production line of young talent coming through, they were quietly confident of doing just that.

After a routine win got them underway, and a close fought win away at Dulwich in very heavy, persistent rain, came one of the highlights of the season. An away game at Spencer is always tricky, and not a place we have had much success in recent years. However, with one of the strongest 3rd XI line ups in recent years on the park, Wimbledon put in a complete display from start to finish. All the bowlers were on song and to bowl out such a strong team for 138 was a great

effort. What followed was the rarest of rare sights – a composed run chase where we were always confident and never looking like losing wickets

in clusters! It was a really important win in the context of the season, both for the points and the confidence gained.

With five wins on the bounce during the mid-stages of the season, including a particularly enjoyable win over Spencer, the opportunity arose to win the League and avenge earlier season defeat at Ashtead. Unfortunately, with a lot of regular players missing, Wimbledon weren’t quite able to get over the line that day, but credit must go to Ashtead who were consistently the best cricket side we came up against this season.

In the end the League was sewn up the following week at Sutton in a really good game of cricket, where the all- round talents of Eric Anand and Jak Gaff came to the fore once again, and a rare outing from Joel Haverson saw Wimbledon over the line and allowed the champagne to flow.

In the batting department, Brad James led the way in both runs and style, with 351 @ 35. Leading on the bowling front was De Silva, with his 22 wickets at 18. But probably our key contributor over the course

of the season was Eric Anand with 212 runs @ 23, 14 wickets @ 16, 10 fielding catches, six keeping catches, one stumping, three goals, two tries and a touchdown!

What was particularly pleasing over a season with such varied availability was the number of young players that were brought into the side, and who quickly became key components!

WCC 4TH XI CAPTAIN’S REPORT – ARTHUR CROCKER

Wimbledon 4th XI started 2018 well with a win against Streatham on the back of Ethisham Qadir (85*) and Anthony Kane (4-23). The second match was rained off after nine overs, following which Wimbledon won the next three games, including a tight game against Sunbury on the usual good batting surface there. Highlights from those games included father and son Vince and Joshua Tallent opening and batting through for a 10 wicket win against Normandy, and a 170 run partnership between Joshua Tallent (93) and Amjad Husain (82) against Sunbury.

Against Sinjuns, Eric Anand made 73 and Joshua Tallent 61 in Wimbledon’s 274-6 declared. We then bowled them out for 92 with Eric Anand taking 6-34 and Anthony Kane 4-56. Dulwich, who were slightly above Wimbledon and leading the table at that point, would be met the following week.

On World Cup Quarter Final day, Dulwich won the toss and put Wimbledon in to bat. We struggled to 197 all out off 45.1 overs, with Alistair Muirhead carrying his bat for 81*. After watching England do the business against Sweden, Dulwich got off to a flyer, with their opener cracking a 28 ball 50 and racing on to 72 out of 115 off 43 balls. Wimbledon fought back manfully, but in the end Dulwich’s excellent start told, and Dulwich got home by three wickets (Jamie Andrews taking 4-45). From that point onwards, Dulwich were in the driving seat in the League, and despite a couple of hiccups, never relinquished their lead, going on to win the 2018 title.

Overall, 40 players participated in 4th XI League cricket in 2018 (a reduction on the previous year), with the leading run scorers being Joshua Tallent (586 runs) and Amjad Husain (485 runs), and the leading wicket taker Jamie Andrews with 20, and several 4th XI players went on to contribute to the 3rd XI League-winning side, which bodes well for the future.

WCC 5TH XI CAPTAIN’S REPORT – TIM ASH VIE

Seven wins was the second best performance in the division and most of them were by very large margins. However, a few too many losses and a couple of frustrating concessions to lower placed teams meant we ended up fifth when second seemed in reach for most of the season.

The bowling was typically well disciplined - nobody scored 200 against us all year - and in Naveed Kiyani we had the leading wicket taker in the League (26 @ 10.3). His accuracy and change of pace combined with an ability to shift easily from around to over the wicket meant he presented the opposition with a constantly changing set of challenges. u

Above right: WCC 3rd XI; above left: WCC 2nd XI Left: WCC 5th XI

Sam Dickson bowling for Academy

WCC 2nd XI

WCC 4th XI


L E T ’ S P L AY C R I C K E T

Cricket camp with coach Kieran Tallent

Girls training session with Jamie Ash Vie umpiring and a girl bowling during Sunday Training Session

U11A undefeated league cricket team 2018

Above (main picture): Girls Friday night training Left: U11 NEC cricket team 2018

W W W.T W C S P O R T. C O . U K / H O C K E Y

INDOOR CRICKET

Winter sees most of our cricketers retire to the comfort of their living rooms to ease aching bodies and recover from a gruelling season of high performance cricket. There are however some players in our ranks that are constantly in search for the next over, wicket or run!

Throughout the winter we have an indoor side that competes in weekly

Thursday night fixtures in a 6-a-side competition. In true Dons fashion

we have put in some dominating performances and have won and retained the Surrey title two years running. This year was no different and David

Wills led from the front as our skipper. The 2018/19 season will

be underway with a new captain at the helm, David has retired and makes way for Carlton Anand. We wish Carlton and his experienced team all the very best on this new campaign.

O ur Junior section grows from strength to strength each year. The number of boys and

girls that turn out for the Club in both matches and on practice days is a delight to witness. We really are a formidable force starting from the very successful ECB U5 All Stars programme, all the way through the age groups to our U15s, Development and Academy sides.

There was much to celebrate this year with each age group putting forward a number of players to trial for the Surrey County Age Group programme. The criteria to be selected to attend these trials is set very high, and I am delighted to announce that

33 of our young players have been successful and have been selected to their County Age Group squads for the 2019 season.

Many of our Junior teams finished as either winners or runners up in their Leagues and Cup competitions. When casting my eye over these fantastic results, there is one team in particular that deserves to be highlighted, our U11A team. The squad enjoyed a flawless season with 10 out of 10 wins in the MSL Div 1 League, with big wins over Spencer, Esher and East Molesey. They almost completed the double after they reached the MSL Cup final, but narrowly missed out to an equally strong Esher team. The quality of the cricket on display that day was phenomenal, as was the support shown by the wider Club from the boundary.


NEAL HARVEY

The batting had some great moments and was led by Kane Laurence who was also the highest run scorer in the League (375 @ 47) - every one of them walloped with gusto. Kane’s 116 against Old Wimbledonians was the highlight of the year while Umair Anis (91*), Kieron Tallent (84) and Will Thomas (68) played three of the other great knocks of the season. But overall our batting was a bit erratic and we struggled to overcome the more proficient attacks like Sanderstead and Cheam.

The 5ths is really about bringing through young talent and among the 20+ Juniors who played for us this year, four U14 players made particularly telling contributions in their first season in adult cricket: Will Royall, Charlie Whipple, Freddie Simpson and Jenny Dawson – the first of our Junior girls to play Senior cricket. I expect all of them will be pushing for selection to higher teams soon but not before they’ve helped win a few more games for the 5ths next year.

T he Cricket Academy continued to thrive during 2018. Spread across three age groups

and four competitions, results although sometimes disappointing, were always competitive. On another front there was considerable success. The primary objective of the Academy is to make it easier for young players to play Senior cricket during the summer, so I am pleased to announce that this year, significantly, 16 year old Jamie Ash Vie and 15 year olds Pravin Kiritharan, and Pranav Khera debuted for our third XI. 14 year old Tim Lloyd again played 3rd team cricket. Khera scored a 113 for the 4th XI. Kiritharan took seven wickets for the 3rds. 17 year old Billy Sewell turned out for our 1st XI and contributed strongly to our 2nds scoring 226 runs for them. 19 year old Sam Dickson was a regular in our 1sts and took 18 wickets in Senior cricket and scored a 100 for the 3rds. Several of the Academy made considerable contributions to our 3rds and 4th XIs, most notably 19 year old Josh Tallent – who was the top runs scorer for the 4ths with 586. As always we continued to prop up the 5th XI. In total 36 young players aged between 14 and 19, played some Adult cricket during the season. I am very happy with that. u

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Boys Sunday training

Girls training with Tim Ridler demonstrating hand bat face control (a shot)



SOCIAL MEDIA:

@WIMBLEDONCRICK

WIMBLEDONCC

WIMBLEDON CRICKET CLUB


The Men’s 1st had a tough start to their 2017/18 campaign, but managed to win their final 12 matches, including three

in eight days, to finish top of the Premier League; a great achievement considering the number of times our international players were made unavailable.

We see a similar story in this current 2018/19 season. It has been a challenging start to this campaign with the Men’s 1st team being hampered with the unavailability of the seven England players due to National commitments. We also said goodbye to some quality stalwarts: players like Simon Mantell,

Phil Ball and Jonny Kinder will be hard to replace. Ben Hawes has been unable to continue as head coach; our new coaching team of Gareth Hall and Andrew Brogden has an exciting challenge on their hands, but I am full of optimism that this team will find its rhythm.

This season saw the return of Jack Waller - England and Great Britain International; a player who began his hockey with the Wimbledon Junior programme. It’s fantastic to see a player of his quality come back home. Jack, along with Ian Sloan, Phil Roper and Mikey Hoare has been selected for the England team competing

in the World Cup in November 2018. The England men came a credible 4th.

The European Hockey League campaign in the 2017/18 season saw us drawn in an early round against Bloemendaal, the eventual winners, losing narrowly. The 2018/19 campaign was in Barcelona, where we drew with Manneheim from Germany, and won against Dinamo Elektrostal from Russia. The guys put up a great show, but unfortunately missed out on the next round due to goal difference.

A massive thank you to our sponsors who help us make these trips possible and to our wonderful travelling supporters group. u

BY SIMON ORGAN DIRECTOR OF HOCKEY

TWC HOCKEYANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR OUR MEN’S AND LADIES’ 1ST TEAMS, AND OUR JUNIORS

CONTINUE TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.

TWC CRICKET is proudly sponsored by:

S am Dickson, born in 1999, first started playing for Wimbledon Cricket Club age 7. He attended

Shrewbury House and then Cranleigh School. Sam was a key player in his school first XI who won the National School Cricket competition, which spanned across two years.

Alongside his school and university (Durham) cricket, Sam grew up playing for Wimbledon CC at the Junior age group levels, and was selected into the Surrey County age group squads. He made his first appearance for a Wimbledon Senior team when taking the field for the mighty 5ths. His achievements on the field led selectors to promote him through each side until he made his 1st XI debut aged only 16. Sam is an integral part of the 1st XI team, and has a big part to play in the 2019 campaign with both the ball and the bat.

Sam has now played for every team in the Club apart from the Vets which will hopefully come one day in the future. ■

PLAYER PATHWAY

Our Academy boys also play in the Surrey Trust Sunday League which we play as an U21 side, and the County age group competitions at U19 and U17 levels. Results as noted were variable. In the Surrey Trust Sunday League we finished 6th, played eight, won two. However we managed to score over 200 in every outing, and in our first match of the season we beat East Molesey, who went on to win the group and the County final. George Harvey who hit 122 not out against Guildford in 80 balls, was our top run getter with 177. Billy Sewell contributed 150. Our bowling attack was led by 15 year old Pranav Pandey, a leg spinner, who took 13 wickets, including a 5fer against Worcester Park.

We had high hopes for the U19s in the ECB U19 T20 competition, and we started with a bang posting 241 against East Molesey in the first match, but we were just short in our 2nd game vs Esher. Another loss against Spencer meant we finished third in the group, but qualified for the Quarter finals, where we were well short on the day, losing by 49 runs to Sutton. Fortuitously, Sutton then pulled out of the competition, so we were through to the Finals day. Once again we were short on runs, and lost our semi-final by two runs. Sam Dickson was outstanding for this team, taking 10 wickets at an average of 10, and an economy rate of 4.5, and scoring 171 runs. Ed Cooper’s big hitting gave us 166 runs in four innings, and Billy Sewell scored 137.

The Under 17s were going well in the County Cup, but there was an unexpected wobble against Banstead which cost us the group, and qualification, played three, won two, lost one.

I mention Jack Hannaford’s match winning contribution of 24 and three overs for 14 runs against Cheam, and Rahul Desai’s 70 runs. The other competition for the U17s is the Mid Surrey 30 over tournament. We lost our first match against Malden Wanderers despite Pranav Khera’s five wickets, but the demolition of Spencer in our second match bowling them out for 85, and then chasing that down in 13 overs thanks to Jack’s 44 in 31 balls, gave us a Net Run Rate advantage and passage to the Final against Esher. Billy with 72, and Pranav Khera with 82 meant we posted 197 for three, and Esher never threatened with Khera and Pandey both taking three wickets each. Esher finished on 153 all out, which meant we had won the Mid Surrey U17s 30 over competition for the first time. So we finished on a high on 31st August.

Once again Billy Sewell top scored with 215 runs, Khera scored 115 and Hannaford 94. Khera also took 10 wickets, and Pandey six.

There was a buzz in the U17s, a coming force, which was demonstrated not only by our winning of the Mid Surrey trophy and the coming together of a team, but also in the inroads made by those boys into adult teams. The U19s are already becoming stalwarts of the 3rds and 4ths. We have noses in the 2nds and 1sts, so the fruits are beginning to be seen of our Academy set up, which I am looking forward to continuing next season. It is a rare privilege. ■

Billy Sewell receives the Mid Surrey U17 Trophy from Neal Harvey, chair of the Mid Surrey Cricket League

FORDHAMS P O R T S

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19T H E W I M B L E D O N C L U B / A N N U A L R E V I E W / 2 0 1 818

L E T ’ S P L AY H O C K E Y L E T ’ S P L AY H O C K E Y


The Men had a good year with their indoor campaign, qualifying for the finals in the Olympic Park by topping the qualifying league. Sadly we missed out on a medal.

In the lower Men’s Xls it was a mixed season, but overall successful, particularly the 4th Xl, which won promotion for the second year running. The 2nd and 3rd Xls only lost nine games between them, comfortably finishing near the top of their respective leagues. The Masters teams all showed solid improvement over previous years as the numbers of available players increased. This season we can now proudly boast a 5th team.

Sadly both our Bens have moved on. Ben Marsden stopped at the end of the 2017/18 season; 10 wonderful years where he has helped transform our hockey club into such a great environment. Ben Hawes stopped as Head Coach to the Men’s 1st team at the end of September, no longer able to combine it alongside his job away from hockey. We also said goodbye to Mike Causer, the Men’s Honorary Treasurer, who sadly passed away

at the beginning of this season. All three will be missed, but never forgotten by our Club.

LADIES’ HOCKEY The plan for our talented Ladies’ 1st team continues to be promotion into the England Hockey Premier league, but as is often referred to, “sport is about inches”. In 2016/17 we won the League, but missed out in the playoffs, in the 2017/18 season we finished 2nd in the League, never managing to recover from an early loss at the beginning of the season. We have the same ambition this season, and are on track to finish ‘there or thereabouts’, but maybe with a healthier outlook to take each day as it comes.

It is a fantastic environment to develop as a player in our 1st team, coached by ex International and Dutch hoofdklasse coach Simon Organ. We are so blessed to have Olympic Gold

medallist, Crista Cullen in our selection, next to this we have two current Great Britain Internationals in Anna Toman and Suzy Petty, four Scottish Internationals (Mairi Drummond, Fi Semple, Nikki Lloyd and newcomer Fi Burnett). Sally Sime joined us this season and is currently in the England U18 selection, Raph Robeson (keeper) is also new to the selection and is currently in the England U16 selection, and Lynn Vanderstichele is in the England U21 selection.

The Ladies’ 1As had a tough season in 2017/18, but have set their sights on promotion for this season; sometimes

an unhealthy distraction, but it does mean the team is working hard and focused to achieve a top four finish to play in the restructured National League. We have enough good players to support this, so hopefully we can fulfil our target.

The 2nd team was relegated last season, but is doing better this season. The 2As were also relegated last season, but currently sit top of their league; hopefully they can maintain this for a quick return. It is a young team, so do have a lot of potential to keep developing.

We are very fortunate to have a development team with the ladies,

where talented Juniors have the opportunity to play in a team with some experienced ex 1st team players. Every two years these Juniors move on, providing a wonderful springboard into senior hockey.

The Ladies’ 3rd and 4th teams have a well-coordinated training programme. This has been really beneficial to our 3rd team, with improved performances in matches. The 4th team has traditionally been an U18 team playing in the Senior leagues, but with players leaving school it does take time to remould a new group. With all teams working together, this is going to happen! u

Above: our men in training shirts; Right: a group of loyal supporters

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L E T ’ S P L AY H O C K E Y


Our ambition at Wimbledon is to create one of the strongest Youth structures in the UK, implementing a quality player and coach education. To manage this we need quality people and a lot of volunteers!

‘TOTAL HOCKEY WIMBLEDON’

We have two main aims for Junior hockey at Wimbledon:

1) Inclusive great club - to provide a fun and rewarding team experience for every one of our Juniors, and 2) High performing - to provide a pathway from grass-roots to first team and international level hockey for our most committed and talented hockey players.

JACK WALLER GAINS HIS FIRST FULL GREAT BRITAIN CAP 15 years ago, young Jack joined our Junior section and went on to play throughout his teenage years before moving to Durham University after attending Kingston Grammar and Whitgift schools. Jack has recently been voted England Hockey Young Player of the year and has returned to play for our Men’s first team following his time captaining both Durham and the GB Under 21 team. The Waller feint (his signature move) has proved so successful that he has recently been selected for a number of full international matches against Belgium, France and Spain and is now about to play his first Senior tournament: The World Cup! Jack was seen sharing his silky skills at the October half term Junior Camp as well as coaching our Development players during a recent Friday night. When he’s not playing for his country, Jack is keen to help inspire our young players by delivering coaching to our Juniors.

YOUNG (WIMBLE)DONS REACH FOR THE SKY

It’s been the third record-breaking year in a row for our England Hockey player pathway representations with 60 boys and girls being selected for the 2018/19 Surrey squads and beyond. This is a five-fold increase in our numbers from three years ago. 11 representative players were also selected for the regional Performance Centres and special congratulations to Raph Robeson and Charles Bowen-Rayner who have made the England U16 squads, and to Sally Sime and Lynn Vanderstichele who have made England U18 and U21 squads respectively. And thanks to all our up-and-coming stars who are giving back through their help coaching other younger players.

We are currently working hard to further evolve our own player pathway to ensure we are giving the pitch-time, support and challenge needed to develop our most committed players to be the best they can be and are in discussions with England Hockey to ensure we are aligned with their Talent Development Framework.

THE U15s GO DUTCH

Boys and girls from our U15, U14 and U13 squads were lucky enough to play visiting Dutch team Wagenegen during the October half term break. Congratulations to all those players who notched their first ever international goal or assist!

UNDER 7S & 8S JOIN THE PARTY We have launched Sunday membership for U7s and U8s this year and our new young players seem to be having a blast. With more professional coaches than we’ve ever had and a number of new parent coaches joining the team, this group is being well looked after.

MATCHES, FESTIVALS, CUPS - WE LOVE ‘EM

Anyone involved in Junior sport knows that most boys and girls love playing matches. With over 100 extra fixtures this year compared with two years ago, our boys and girls are getting plenty of match exposure. This is helping all levels of the club – especially the lower teams who historically didn’t play so many fixtures. The extra match schedule has put a huge demand on the coaches, match managers, umpires and especially the administrators who have to bring all the ingredients together to make the magic happen. We are hugely grateful for your tireless efforts and we appreciate we have thrown many of you into the deep end again this season with an expanded programme.

SCHOOL SCOUTS ARE ON THE PROWL

As our reputation for producing high quality young players grows, so does interest from local hockey-focussed schools. Top hockey schools including: Kingston Grammar, Whitgift, Surbiton High, Epsom College and St John’s Leatherhead are interested in finding out more about our programme and our young players with a view to offering sports scholarships and bursaries. With over 10% of our U11 squad last year receiving sports scholarship from top hockey schools (another club record!), we are working closely with these schools to ensure our young players are well looked after with a number of new school vs club fixtures being slotted into our schedule.

FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD THEY COME - OUR GAP PROGRAMME IS LIVE

Thanks to the fantastic work of Charlotte Lawson-Smith leading the project, we now have six Gap coaches working for the club full-time. The coaches have been very kindly hosted by members’ families. As a small thank you for hosting, a number of host family children enjoyed special one-on-one sessions with our star GB players over the half term with more planned later in the season. u

Above: Ladies’ 1st team with ball patrol. We are always looking for junior teams to volunteer to be ball patrol for our 1st teams. Right: EHL BU14


L E T ’ S P L AY H O C K E YL E T ’ S P L AY H O C K E Y

TWC HOCKEY is proudly sponsored by:


SOCIAL MEDIA:

WIMBLEDONHC

@WIMBLEDONHC

WIMBLEDONHC

ONE PERSON’S GRAVEYARD IS ANOTHER PERSON’S PLAYGROUND - FRIDAY NIGHT HOCKEY IS BIGGER & BETTER

For the first time in the Club’s history, we are delighted to offer midweek coaching to every boy and girl in the Club who has a Sunday membership. We understand that because some sessions are held on a Friday night, this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, for the boys and girls who have got on board, they have enjoyed some phenomenal coaching from very high quality coaches. Both our Head of Boys’, Tom McCarthy, and Head of Girls’, Fiona Semple, have already led Friday sessions this season. We hope more Development players take the opportunity to join us.

Friday Night Hockey is thriving for our waiting list players who are currently being offered a Friday Night membership.

tQUICK START HOCKEY AND CRISTA CULLEN TAKE MERTON BY STORM

Our schools outreach programme (charity called Quick Start Hockey), has grown from eight schools in its first season last year to 20 schools this season. We are now operating in just under half of the primary state schools in Merton and are delighted that we are now giving free coaching in the some of the most deprived parts of the Merton borough. Our PE lessons, assemblies, lunchtime and after school clubs are inspiring several 1000s of young boys and girls who haven’t played hockey before and who sometimes don’t get too much sport through their school curriculum.

We are so lucky to have Crista Cullen (MBE) as our Ambassador. She continues to inspire at every assembly and her Rio Olympic gold medal has been through the hands of more school children than a Fortnite joystick.

WE NOW HAVE A WORLD-CLASS PITCH

It’s here, at last - we have a new pitch! A world-class water-based pitch has just been laid at Raynes Park High School. The Club has negotiated a long-term agreement to have exclusive use of the pitch outside of school hours 12 months of the year. The facility will enable us to bring more young people into the sport we love as well as offering more pitch time to our existing young players.

BALL PATROL

We are always looking for junior teams to volunteer to be ball patrol for our 1st teams and a good opportunity to win the chance for your youth team to be coached by one of our stars!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Because of all the improvements we have made, we need even more volunteer help. Should anyone be willing and able to give more of their time to support our great Club, please get in touch. The areas where we are looking for more help next include:

1) Club and Schools outreach administration and finance

2) Umpiring

3) Coaching

4) Team management - managing teams for weekend fixtures

5) Fund raising - helping the club kick off and run a number of fund raising projects

6) Junior communications and social media

Our progress is dependent on the outstanding volunteer help we receive. So thank you to everyone who has contributed to date and we look forward to working with you to push Wimbledon Hockey forward again this season.

Anyone interested, please contact Paul Knowles: [email protected] DONS! ■

WELCOME SIMON ORGAN OUR NEW

PLAYER PATHWAY

S ince September last year we have had a new Director looking after our programme. We knew we had a challenge

ahead of us to replace Ben Marsden. after the amazing progress he has helped us achieve.

His successor is Simon Organ. Like Ben, he is an ex International player who has spent the last 14 years coaching overseas. The last 10 of these have been in The Netherlands, where Simon coached both Men’s and Women’s hoofdklasse teams, as well as being a high performance youth coach and Director of Hockey at HC Klein Zwitserland. Prior to this Simon coached the Belgium U18 Girls’ as well as being the Assistant Coach to South Africa Men’s team. As well as being Director, he is also the Head Coach to the Ladies’ 1st team, and assisting the coaching of the Men’s 1st team. ■

My first memory of hockey was watching my Dad play for his Wimbledon

Vets team. I remember attempting to replicate on the sideline what I saw my Dad do on the pitch and I really appreciated the skill, competitiveness and social aspects of the game. This peaked my interest in hockey and was the start of my journey with WHC.

As a young player I loved playing in Junior club tournaments with my mates and to this day I am still in contact with many of them. After a spell playing football, my hockey was propelled by Ben Marsden joining the Club. I respected him enormously from watching him play for the 1st XI most weekends and it was amazing to learn from someone so experienced.

Having trained hard at Club and school, I was fortunate enough to be selected for the England U16s. Although it was an honour to represent my country, I lost my passion for the game and this coincided with me not being selected for the England U18s a year young.

The following year I broke into the Wimbledon 1st XI which only reinvigorated my hockey journey. I learnt so much from all of the lads and especially some of the guys who I now play alongside with in the Senior Men’s England and GB squad. My personal highlight was scoring against East Grinstead at Lee Valley in the Premier League final where Wimbledon won and gained a spot in the EHL for the first time ever. That year I also went on to captain the England U18s.

Although I was very excited to join Durham University and DUHC in 2015, I felt a mixture of emotions as I knew I had unfinished business with WHC and the EHL.

In my three years at Durham we won the North Conference with an unprecedented unbeaten season (2016-2017) and won BUCS Gold in my final year.

During this period I also represented the England and GB U21s, winning the 2015 edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup and playing in the Junior World Cup in India. A year later I became

captain of the Great Britain U21s. I captained the side

at the Euros (where we were unbeaten), to the final of the SOJC in 2017 and to the final of the Euros in 2018.

An extraordinary year culminated in me winning

the England Hockey Junior Performance Player of the Year.

After graduating I knew I wanted to rejoin my boyhood Club which had reached new heights while I was away and whose desire to win the Premier League and EHL firmly align with my ambitions. I am so lucky to be back playing with my mates and seeing guys around the Club, who I have known for such a long time.

I am also incredibly fortunate that my international journey has continued to the Senior England and GB Men’s team. After making my debut for GB against Belgium in October, I played in a four Nations tournament in Valencia and I am currently at the World Cup in India representing England. ■


L E T ’ S P L AY T E N N I S

W W W.T W C S P O R T. C O . U K / T E N N I S


TWC TENNISTHE TENNIS SECTION HAS HAD ANOTHER GREAT YEAR, FROM A GLORIOUS SUMMER

OF ENDLESS GRASS COURT PLAY TO FANTASTIC RESULTS FOR OUR REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS.

T he Tennis section has had another great year. In August we were one of six domestic tennis clubs

to be invited to take part in the All England 150th anniversary celebrations and we hosted Harvard and Yale as part of their summer tour.

Our club tennis continues to be strong with good attendance at our mix ins and social tournaments, the current waiting list of over 400 people shows the desire in the community to be a part of this truly fantastic venue.

tennis and some exceptionally long, hard fought matches in fantastic sunshine on our grass courts.

The stand-out performance came from Laura Morrill, our Ladies’ Team Representative who won three titles. The Ladies’ Singles, the Mixed Doubles with Cam Hulett and, partnering her sister Hannah Morrill, to take the Ladies’ Doubles event.

SURREY LEAGUESOur teams have had another great year, in the 2017/18 winter season we entered a total of ten teams,

BY SIMON AINLEY DIRECTOR OF TENNIS

The Junior programme is starting to produce some good results, as four of our best young players who have come through the programme were selected by Surrey this year.

It’s been a hectic but enjoyable year and I hope you enjoy some of the memories over the next few pages.

THE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPSThe Club Championships is always one of the highlights of the year, this year we were due a bit of luck with the weather and thankfully we got it. Spectators filled the balcony witnessing some great

THE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 E V E N T W I N N E R S R U N N E R U P

M E N ’ S S I N G L E S Stuart Searle Gerald WuL A D I E S ’ S I N G L E S Laura Morrill Katie JonasM E N ’ S D O U B L E S Sebastian Bradley & Timothy Roberts Travers Barr & Cameron HulettL A D I E S ’ D O U B L E S Laura Morrill & Hannah Morrill Erin Lorencin & Kerry EstrellaM I X E D D O U B L E S Cameron Hulett & Laura Morrill Ben Drake & Georgie MacPhailO V E R 4 0 s

M E N ’ S S I N G L E S Asif Afridi Karl AltenburgL A D I E S ’ S I N G L E S Denise Gwatkin Nicola MilburnM E N ’ S D O U B L E S Asif Afridi & Nicholas Ogle Mario Fionda & Stef LavallL A D I E S ’ D O U B L E S Nicola Cooper & Alice Shimmin Bim Newton & Susie ReidM I X E D D O U B L E S Nicholas Ogle & Gwen McCullock Stef Lavall & Mandy SpicerO V E R 5 0 s

M E N ’ S S I N G L E S Brian Flasck Mario FiondaL A D I E S ’ S I N G L E S Susie Reid Alice ShimminM E N ’ S D O U B L E S Mario Fionda & Declan Power Jim Whittaker & Paul ZoltowskiL A D I E S ’ D O U B L E S Susie Reid & Alice Shimmin Denise Gwatkin & Katie JonasL A D I E S ’ C O N S O L AT I O N S I N G L E S Rowena Chowdry Diana DeliaM E N ’ S C O N S O L AT I O N S I N G L E S Stephan Israel Peter ScullO P E N L A D I E S ’ C O N S O L AT I O N S I N G L E S Charlotte Mitchell Rowena Chowdry

J U N I O R S

U 1 4 B OY S ’ S I N G L E S Harry Haynes Freddie HaynesU 1 4 G I R L S ’ S I N G L E S Ciara Fox Lucy King-ChristopherU 1 8 B OY S ’ S I N G L E S Matis Hulett Max Roux

eight of these teams won their divisions with the other two finishing third. In the 2018 summer season five of the ten teams won their divisions.

It is difficult to single out specific performances, but I feel I have to mention the over 50s Ladies’ team which has again won the Division One County Championships in both seasons, the latter under new team captain Sarah Jordan. The Ladies’ first team winning Division One and retaining their County Championship title was another highlight. u

The Club Champs Men’s Doubles winners: Sebastian Bradley, Timothy Roberts, Club

President Mary Preece and runners-up Travers Barr and Cameron Hulett

Below: Ladies’ Doubles winners - Laura and Hannah Morrill; various Club

Championships trophies

27T H E W I M B L E D O N C L U B / A N N U A L R E V I E W / 2 0 1 826 W W W.T W C S P O R T. C O . U K / T E N N I S

L E T ’ S P L AY T E N N I SL E T ’ S P L AY T E N N I S

Wimbledon 150th Team: Gerald Wu, Mario Fionda, Robert Cagungo, Bim Newton, Emma Kudzin

and Alice Shimmin

Dudley Inter Club winning team: Alice Shimmin, Susie Reid, Clare Wood and Katie Jonas (captain)

Above: Social mix in and mini tennis session

Inter Club Squad: Jurate Hardy, Susie Reid, Mandy Skinner & Clare Wood

INTER CLUB

Our ladies Over 50s inter club team: Clare Wood, Alice Shimmin, Susie Reid, Jurate Hardy, Mandy Spicer, Sarah Jordan, Bim Newton & team captain Katie Jonas, were crowned national champions after the finals weekend played in Dudley in November. The team will now represent Great Britain in the international finals played at La Manga next year.

SPECIAL EVENTS

On 3rd and 4th August 2018 The Wimbledon Club was one of six clubs in the UK to be invited to take part in the All England Club’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. It was a fantastic event with a tournament on the Friday followed by an awards evening. Saturday was social tennis and croquet followed by a gala evening.

Alice Shimmin and Mario Fionda were runners up in the Over 55s, Emma Kudzin and Bim Newton were

4th in the Open/Over 45s Ladies, while Gerald Wu and Robert Cagungo were 6th in the Open/Over 45s Men.

JUNIOR PROGRAMME

I am really pleased with the way the Junior programme is evolving, you only have to walk into the dome on a Monday or Wednesday afternoon to recognise the improvement in our youngest players. These players will be the backbone of the Junior programme for years to come so it is essential that the fundamentals of the game are embedded at this stage.

Our young players: Max Brooke, Alexandra Nedyalkova, Stefaniya Kupriyanova and Zyg Garner were all selected by Surrey LTA for County training. A fantastic achievement. u

The Men’s teams have made fantastic progress in the Surrey leagues, the first team

winning division three in both seasons is a significant step towards the levels we want the Men’s teams to be playing at. Well done to captain Seb Bradley and all of the squad. In the summer season three of the four Men’s teams won their divisions. Everybody involved deserves huge congratulations.

TEAM TENNIS

Our Mens 1st team won Surrey division two this summer gaining promotion to division one while our Ladies finished second in the regional South East division.

SURREY LEAGUE 2017/2018

T E A M D I V I S I O N

G E N T L E M E N

T W C 1 M E N 3 Champions promotedT W C 2 M E N 5 west 3rd placeT W C 3 M E N 6 west 3rd placeT W C 4 M E N 12 west Champions promotedL A D I E S

T W C 1 L A D I E S 1 County ChampionsT W C 2 L A D I E S 5 west Champions promotedT W C 3 L A D I E S 5 east Champions promotedT W C 4 L A D I E S 17 east Champions promotedT W C L A D I E S M I D W E E K 7 Champions promotedT W C L A D I E S O V E R 5 0 s 1 County Champions

SURREY LEAGUE 2018

T E A M D I V I S I O N

G E N T L E M E N

T W C 1 M E N 3 Champions promotedT W C 2 M E N 7 Champions promotedT W C 3 M E N 10 west Champions promotedT W C 4 M E N 12 west Runners upL A D I E S

T W C 1 L A D I E S 1 Runners upT W C 2 L A D I E S 4 Runners up promotedT W C 3 L A D I E S 4 4th

T W C 4 L A D I E S 17 west Champions promotedT W C L A D I E S M I D W E E K 4 4th

T W C L A D I E S O V E R 5 0 s 1 County Champions

“

Below: Mixed Doubles Finalists: Melanie South, Sebastian Bradley, Laura Morrill, Cameron Hulett

BY STACEY ROSS DIRECTOR OF SQUASH

TWC SQUASHDAZZLING PERFORMANCE FROM GRASS ROOTS TO VINTAGE WAS A KEY FEATURE

OF A YEAR IN WHICH THE LADIES ALSO CONTINUED TO SHINE.

O ur new Junior Academy, introduced during the year, is already achieving results.

Ayesha Khan and Sana Khan, both of whom have played for less than a year, are improving at an incredible rate. Sana was runner up in the U11s and Ayesha came fourth in U13s in the County Champs. Talent certainly runs in the family as Danish, 7, and Daniyal, 9 look set to emulate their sisters’ successes.

Coach Jordan Warne, who has represented England at Junior level, is in charge of the weekly Junior Academy where there are just seven players, each chosen for their dedication and attitude from the 100+ weekend squash regulars.

JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS BOYS

A David and Goliath encounter was witnessed in the final as George Downes and Felix Exelby tussled it out while demonstrating excellent spirit and flair

in front of a sizeable crowd. Rallies were hard fought and intense. In the end, it was George who closed out the match in three very closely-fought games.

George’s win marked a proud moment for the TWC coaches. He started out as a member of the Booster Squad on Friday evenings playing with his friends until he was encouraged to move to a more advanced group on Saturdays where he went from strength to strength. Hard work and the right attitude really can bring success. u


TWC TENNIS is proudly sponsored by:

SOCIAL MEDIA:

@TWCTENNIS

TWCTENNIS

Our annual Whitsun week regional tournament was again a huge success with record entry numbers, a huge thanks goes to David Fuchs for running the event so well.

JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Each year the coaching team decides upon a Junior Player of the Year, this year the player to receive the award as well as two Yonex rackets is Alexandra Nedyalkova (Sasha).

Alexandra has been representing The Wimbledon Club in the teams for over four years, in 2018 she was a semi finalist at the Surrey County Championships as well as many consistent successes at regional grade three events. Well done, Alexandra!

JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS

T E A M D I V. P L A C E

M I X E D R E D 1b 4th

M I X E D O R A N G E 1a 4th

M I X E D G R E E N 1c 4th

U 1 2 B OY S 1c 4th

U 1 4 B OY S 1d 3rd

U 1 4 G I R L S 1a 6th

U 1 8 B OY S 1a 6th

A lexandra joined TWC in January 2013, when she turned five. Her first coach

was Georgie Desch. In April 2015 she was invited to play for The Wimbledon Club Red team in the Aegon team tennis event.

At the same time she started playing local tournaments, in February 2016 (when she was eight years old) Alexandra won her first ever tournament, a Grade 5 Mixed U8 in Bishops Park. Later she won a few more tournaments with Red ball. In April 2017 Alexandra won her first ever Grade 3 tournament at Sutton Tennis Academy, and was runner-up in several others. She was then invited to join the U9 Girls’ Surrey County training camp.

In September 2017 Alexandra was selected for the U10 Girls’

Surrey County training squad and in May 2018 she made the top 8 in Surrey when Sophie Cockell, Surrey Tennis County Manager U10,

invited her to train in the Surrey County training camp and

to play some matches for the County team. From this season she has been training with the U11 Surrey County squad and has

a rating of 8.2Alexandra’s family

is heavily involved with The Wimbledon Club: her mum, Olga is the ten and under Girls’ team captain and her younger sister Alisa trains in the Mini Red programme and represents TWC in the Mini Red team.

Currently Alexandra is coached by TWC Head Coach Ross Sheppard, she was recently awarded The Wimbledon Club Yonex Junior Player of the Year award. ■

PLAYER PATHWAY

MEET MICHAELA KNESPL – OUR TENNIS ADMINISTRATOR

Michaela joined TWC as Tennis Administrator in January 2018, having previously been coaching tennis at local clubs in South

London, and before that having been the University Tennis Coordinator at Loughborough University where she played and coached tennis. A typical day at the Club includes her dealing with tennis members’ enquiries on the phone and by email, monitoring

Junior Tennis programme registers, booking out courts, promoting and advertising holiday tennis camps, putting together the weekly newsletter and generally helping out with any tasks that see the operational side of the Tennis section running smoothly for our members. Michaela also assists the team of tennis coaches in running Mini Tennis twice a week.

“It is nice to put faces to names and be out on court as well as the office,” she says, adding, “it is also important that there is a female coach present to aid in the tennis development of young females and their skills.” Welcome to The Wimbledon Club!

T H E W I M B L E D O N C L U B / A N N U A L R E V I E W / 2 0 1 8 2928

31W W W.T W C S P O R T. C O . U K / S Q U A S H T H E W I M B L E D O N C L U B / A N N U A L R E V I E W / 2 0 1 830

L E T ’ S P L AY S Q U A S H

in the Vets, Vintage and fourth teams each week, not only as player, but also as a first class captain of two sides. This is more than enough squash for most, not to mention the headache of arm twisting and cajoling the players that goes with the territory of captaincy. To be this committed, when eligible for the over 70s age group, is impressive.

Outside team squash, Howard still finds time to fit in some friendlies, if there is such a thing. He seems to revel in teasing and frustrating the more mobile with his finely tuned lob-and-drop game that is honed to an art form. It’s a pleasure to watch and his reading of the game is superb.

MEN’S FIRST TEAM

For the past 15 years the Men’s first team was sponsored, allowing TWC to be represented at the highest level in the Surrey Cup. Our members could see pros play on home soil and the side was very successful. Only once did they drop down to the second division. However, now our members can see an even higher standard of squash at our annual PSA International tournament. We took the decision, not lightly, to move to the second division as this would also provide our own members with the opportunity to play regularly in the firsts.

The Men’s first team is now compiled of non-pros, with the exceptions of long-time first’s player Peter Marshall who is the former world number two, Steve Richardson an Irish international and myself, Stacey Ross, a former world number 39. The team is currently sitting at the top of the second division which means we may face returning from where we came. u


LADIES’ TEAM SUCCESS

It was another triumphant season for the Ladies’ firsts. The team won the top division of the Surrey Cup for the second year in a row, dominating throughout to win convincingly by 36 points.

The newly formed seconds, captained by Jillian Ledwick, have no fewer than 13 nominated to play this season – a staggering number that shows a strong appetite to play team squash.

HOWARD CHERLIN

You might know that Howard is ever so slightly competitive. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say he likes to win on a grand scale, in which case it may not surprise you to learn that he is now the over 70s British Open Masters champion. He was after all a twice winner of the over 55s age group, the last title win came when he was

very nearly 60 years old.Back in the latter part of the ‘70s, Howard was

ranked inside the top 10 players in the UK as well as playing for and captaining England at all five year age groups from

45 to 60 while holding down a full-time job as a money broker at Harlows and Tullet and Tokyo. Howard and I both worked at Tullet’s

in the same profession, though not quite at the same time.

Originally a club member back in the ‘80s, Howard re-joined some 10 years ago. He now represents TWC

GIRLS

Due to the large entry, the Girls’ Club Champs had A and B tournaments. In the A final friends Kendal Smithers and Milly Rickards had a tightly contested five-game battle that featured a great comeback from 2-0 down by Milly. Kendal, showing great composure in the fifth, played some of her best squash to clinch her first ever TWC Girls Championship.

In the B final, Melodie Humbert beat Marusia Patskov. Both girls have shown huge improvement over the last 12 months.

Such a strong entry shows how the pioneering policy to be the squash hub for girls in the South East is working. We have one of the few in-club Girls’ squads, currently with a healthy 35 members. We also have more Junior girls playing squash than at any other club in the county. This is a great testament to the super efforts of Sarah Davis and Emma Mathews to develop Girls’ and Ladies’ squash at the Club.

CAMPS

Our very first Girls’ camp was held in October to discover whether a girls-only environment would be welcomed. Twelve girls enrolled, nine of whom had never attended a squash camp before. This is encouraging. Dates for similar camps are to be confirmed.

Junior Club Champions

Plank challenge

Above and main picture: Girls’ Tournament

Howard Cherlin (in the middle) – our

own British Open Champion

Ayesha Khan (left) and her sister Sana (below)

Girls Tournament U9s Winner Esther Chak

“



Established 1921

Residential & Commercial • Estate Agents & Valuers • Lettings & Management

208 & 208A Mitcham Road, Amen Corner, Tooting, London SW17 9NNSales & Lettings: 020 8672 1066 Email: [email protected]

TWC SQUASH is proudly sponsored by:

ASK Q!B A R � N E W M E N U � S H O R T S P O R T S � E V E N T S � C L A S S E S

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SOCIAL MEDIA:

@TWCSQUASH

TWCSQUASH

WHAT IS PILATES?Pilates is a series of finely tuned exercises which focus on breath, alignment, balance, strength and flexibility. It has a strong mind/body connection, so you may like it if you enjoy Yoga but need a more intense core workout. Pilates is practical and problem solving.

It teaches you to move in a safe and efficient way reducing unnecessary stress in the body and risk of injury.

OBJECTIVES THAT CAN BE METYou learn how to engage core stability, relax muscles which are tense, and provide strength and tone, particularly of the abdominals, lower back, hips and glutes (the core muscles) of your body.

Using ‘The Core’ helps you to protect your back and is fundamental to all movement. Pilates lessons are very varied and stimulate your ability to learn simultaneously on different levels: physically, intellectually and emotionally. The principles are concentration, control, flow, precision

and breathing. You can feel lighter, taller, calmer and more confident.

WHO IS IT FOR?Pilates is for all. It can enhance personal performance across the whole spectrum of human activity. It is

possible for practically anyone to rediscover freedom

and ease of movement.

Gradually you learn to apply your new understanding

and skill to everyday activities and sports. Pilates can help

people with their performance in tennis, hockey, squash or cricket.

Practising Pilates gives you the tools to manage injuries as well as reducing the risk of getting new ones.

LISA NEWSOM DAVISLisa, a qualified BASI International Pilates Teacher, has been teaching groups and one to one sessions for 14 years. Lisa has eight weekly classes at the Club and currently helps an array of club members of all ages. For more information, please email: [email protected]

$35,000 TWC SQUASH SQUARED OPEN 2018

Indicative of the strength of the draw, neither the World number 15 or 16, seeded one and two, reached the final. Instead it was former World number 9, Frenchman Mathieu Castagnet, who lifted the trophy and, with Galic flare, kissed the floor of Court 4 after an epic game in front of a packed clubhouse.

This was our first ever $35,000 event thanks to a $10k injection from a growing number of sponsors. It is definitely the way to go. The uplift in the prize purse brought a substantial increase in the calibre of the entry.

Plans are underway to increase the purse further in 2019 to appeal to the World’s top 10 players and make the event a major fixture on the world circuit. This will give members from all sections an even better experience of the tournament and its social aspects and generate more money for our charity, Squash Squared.

M illy passed the England Squash Level 1 coaching course with flying

colours earlier this year. She first volunteered to help coach our Juniors as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and has become a valued member of the Junior coaching team.

She joined as a Junior squash member in 2016 from Wimbledon Racquets and Fitness where she had played badminton.

She quickly developed the bug for squash and began to attend both our Girls’ Squad on a Friday

evening and our more advanced training on

a Saturday morning. Milly is a natural

coach who has a good rapport with our Juniors.

She is diligent, committed and a well

respected member of the team. We are very

grateful for her reliable weekly contribution to the squash section at The Wimbledon Club. ■

PLAYER PATHWAY

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TWC PSA invitation.indd 19

21/02/2018 13:03

Thanks to the fundraising Squash Squared is developing too.

By early 2019, more than a hundred underserved children a week will receive help with their studies and an introduction to squash. In partnership with KCS, nearby Albemarle School is joining the programme and a new school in Fulham will join in 2019.

Squash Squared was founded at TWC. It is the first squash and education programme in the UK and is aimed

at schools that would not ordinarily offer squash. Children receive an extra hour of tutoring each week after school, in smaller class sizes than at school, plus one hour of squash coaching and a meal afterwards. The children go home after their studies, exercised, fed and with homework completed. The programme also provides additional support to the children who need it most. ■

SQUASH SQUARED

CRICKET

Jonathan Speller : 07493 414155

HOCKEY

Simon Organ: 07483 817638

TENNIS

Simon Ainley: 020 8971 8090 Dominykas Jurkus: 07411 402910Georgie Desch: 07717 313246Ross Sheppard: 07730 560354Dan George: 07909 516235

SQUASH

Stacey Ross: 07811 465073Emma Mathews: 07766 147511 Jordan Warne: 07342 633061

SHORT SPORTS

Barbara Snapes: 07940 592132

PILATESLisa Newsom Davis: 07855 822902

Krithia Wildfire: 07759 614766

YOGA Linda d’Antal: 07900 070888 Annette Wiik: 07789 175481

For availability and class prices please contact the relevant instructor.

CLASSES


A L L YO U M I G H T WA N T TO K N O W : A S K Q !

RESTAURANT MEALSMost popular items are fish and chips, TWC burger, steak and not forgetting TWC club sandwich. Sunday lunches continue to be popular throughout the year and the chef has been committed to offering two roasts on the menu plus a choice of the main menu for those who prefer an alternative, so have the daily specials as well as the favourites on the main menu selection.

The chef has recently joined Instagram and pictures are now regularly uploaded. This can be viewed under @Chef_Mol.

Catering during the day: this continues to be a challenge during the week Monday to Friday. At the present time sandwiches can be purchased, along with bananas and muffins. This is an area where many suggestions have been put forward over my time here and these suggestions are still under consideration.

CRICKET CATERINGWe have been working very closely with Crispin and Jon to satisfy the requirements for the Cricket section. These have included catering for the annual Junior cricket awards and weekly BBQs during the summer months so that both cricketers

and supporters can indulge in our offering:End of season carvery dinnerSunday morning bacon baps and sausage baps have again been a success. Take away teas to local grounds on average two every weekend during the season.A Cricketers Special offered on Tuesday night in the restaurant for after training sessions.

HOCKEY CATERINGThis has been ongoing during the season on a Saturday and Sunday. A hot meal has been provided for the players after each match when played at the local grounds. Players and supporters have enjoyed the hospitality provided at the Club by the catering team.

We have a very good reputation for the quality of food and the hospitality we provide for the hockey community.

TENNIS TEASWe communicate with each individual team captain to tailor a tea that suits each individual team. This ranges from simple sandwiches with chips to a finger buffet style offering. Fresh fruit is always provided along with cakes.

At the Tennis AGM a curry night was provided.

BRIDGEWe have a bridge party at the Club every Tuesday night ranging from 8-12 people.

EXTERNAL EVENTS & PARTIESEvents that have been catered for include: Conservative AGM for Wimbledon, private members’ celebration parties, charity events, children’s birthday parties, weddings and anniversaries, Christmas parties internal and external, Junior helpers Christmas meal, Professional Squash Association tournament.

CATERING AT TWC AND THE ENVIRONMENTWe are conscious of ethical purchasing and whereever possible we use local suppliers to minimise food miles. We also have a partnership with a local wholesaler to recycle old cooking oil and a small amount of revenue from this contributes to saving on our food cost.

A L L YO U M I G H T WA N T TO K N O W : A S K Q !

TWC provides a fantastic value for money fitness suite,

which is fully air conditioned. Fitness Suite opening times:

OFF-PEAK Monday - Friday: 7:00am - 5:00pm (out by 5:00pm) 8:30pm-10:00pm

Weekend: 12:30pm - 9:00pm

PEAKMonday - Friday:

7:00am - 10:00pmWeekend:

7:00am-9:00pm

ANTHONY DUNBALL

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TOTAL MEALS PRODUCED & SERVED

BY CATERING OVER THE YEAR:

EVENTS INTERNAL, EXTERNAL

AND PARTIES:

TENNIS TEAS:

2676HOCKEY TEAS:

RESTAURANT MEALS:

9281

4650

1510

CRICKET TEAS/ LUNCHES:

To all our Friends at The Wimbledon Club - just to say thank you for all the tennis balls - they brighten any a dog’s day! From all of us here at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. To find out about what we do, please visit: www.battersea.org.uk

OPENING TIMES

RECEPTIONMonday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm

BARMonday - Sunday 9:00am - 11:00pm

RESTAURANTTuesday - Thursday 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Friday 5pm - 9:30pm

Saturday 12:00noon - 9:30pm

Sunday 12:00noon - 4:00pm

SUITE

2018 has been another busy year in the bar... especially with the particularly good summer weather

making everyone extra thirsty which now seems to have continued through into autumn... The balcony has been a well-used area of the club this year with everyone making the most of the extended summer.

The bar is now the place to watch sport on television with our new 75 inch HD screen above the trophy cabinet, Sonos surround sound system and a second screen in the Lounge corner where during the summer you can also keep an eye on the live Cricket on the field.

We have now been with Fuller’s Brewery for a year and Veltins Lager in particular has proved very popular, a new addition, Sipsmith Gin is recommended for those less beer minded. Our new wine list also features some very delicious wines for those who are little more adventurous and we are also offering a Wine of the Month which is excellent value for money.

The club continues to host a large variety of functions including each of the sports section shindigs, birthday parties for the young and mature! Wedding

anniversaries, Quiz Nights, etc.Also do look out for the posters

advertising the events at the Club (tickets to be booked on-line) Here’s to a great 2019 at the Club! Mandy, Geoff & the bar team

MULTISPORTCLASSES & CAMPS

Our courses offer an excellent route into our Cricket, Hockey, Tennis and Squash programmes. In addition to weekly term time courses, we offer camps during school holidays. The sessions help to develop social, educational and sports related skills: independence, co-operation, team work, competition, discipline, empathy, agility, balance, coordination and speed plus foundation sports skills.

Tiny Tennis / Mini Tennis / Miss-Hits Classes: these sessions follow LTA guidelines and aim to provide children with the FUNdamentals

of tennis - developing footwork and coordination skills, racket skills, swing shapes and all basic tennis shots.

Mini Red Match play: these sessions are for children able to serve, rally and play a basic game of Mini tennis. They aim to supplement the child’s technical sessions by providing match practice and tactical advice. Match results are submitted to the LTA.

To book on a course or make an enquiry, please email: [email protected] including your child’s name and date of birth.

A FUN AND EXCITING WAY FOR YOUR CHILD TO LEARN TO PLAY EVERY DIFFERENT KIND OF SPORT AT THE WIMBLEDON CLUB.

THERAPIES

Treatments should be booked direct with the relevant therapist:

OSTEOPATHYRichard Searle: 07931 542317

[email protected]

SPORTS MASSAGERobbie Milne: 07768 [email protected]

PHYSIOTHERAPY & PT SESSIONS

Please contact Dean Hughes [email protected]


G O O D B Y E & H E L L O


G O O D B Y E & H E L L O

I t is with a heavy heart that I am moving on from The Wimbledon Hockey Club this summer. I have

been offered the role of Director of Sport at Cheltenham College and I will be starting my new role in late August.

I would like to say a huge thank you to you all for your support and contribution over the years. It has been a privilege to play a part in our wonderful Club.

The last 11 years at Wimbledon have been hugely enjoyable and I am proud to have been involved in the Club during a period of significant transformation. We now have a record number of people playing hockey and enjoying success. I sincerely hope that this momentum continues.

The introduction of a new water- based pitch this season is another massive step in the right direction. This should facilitate the next generation of players to come through and enjoy their hockey on a world class surface, creating a new chapter in the Club’s history.

Many thanks to the senior management group at The Wimbledon Club for supporting the vision for hockey over the years and to the staff, sponsors, current and past hockey Committee members, players and families, for the brilliant work they are doing to support the Club.

The next steps will be to recruit a new Director of Hockey and to hand over the operational side of things. I am confident that with the processes we have in place the club will be in great shape moving into the 2018/19 season. ■

I t is with sadness that after three years of dedicated work for The Wimbledon Club, we say goodbye to Nicky Pym, who has decided to leave her role

as Team Sport Coordinator.Nicky has been an invaluable member of the team

here at TWC, starting her role as joint Cricket and Hockey coordinator and more recently moving over to work for the Hockey section.

We will remember Nicky for her hard work, commitment and for always going above and beyond both in the office and out on the pitch/court/field etc!!

CLARE WOOD

W e are delighted to welcome Fiona Semple (née Bruce) to the Club as she takes

over from Nicky Pym as Hockey Administrator :

· Glasgow born and bred!· Scottish international player,

35 caps, competed at European Championships A Division in London 2015

· Prior to moving was an eternal student - Law degree (2013, LLB (Hons)) and Diploma in Legal Practice (DipLP, 2014) from The University of Glasgow. Bachelor of Sciences in Sport (BSc w. Distinction, 2017) from University of Strathclyde

· Alongside studies, played Junior and Senior international, coached at a school and my former club (Clydesdale Western). I have now been a coach for 11 years

· Moved from Glasgow to Surrey and joined Wimbledon HC for season 2017-2018, a member of Ladies 1s and has loved my first season at Wimbledon. Everyone is so welcoming, and friendly, and I already feel like I’ve been at the club for years!

· Performance Coach at the Club

What I hope to bring to the role:· Continue (or at least strive to!)

the incredible work done by Nicky· Love working within TWC and

can hopefully add to the already friendly, and ambitious atmosphere

· Bring my playing and coaching knowledge to the forefront of the role and along with the Director of Hockey, develop a strategic coaching plan which will align playing styles and methods of all age groups. ■

I am delighted that Simon Organ joined us as the new Hockey Director from the Autumn 2018. Having recently relocated to the UK after

a 14 year period coaching and playing at the highest level in South Africa, Belgium and Holland, Simon is currently the Director of Hockey at Queen’s College in Taunton.

Simon has been head coach and assistant coach to men and women in the top leagues of Belgium, the Dutch Hoofdklasse and Dutch Overgangsklasse

which has given him world class technical and tactical experience.As well as the ability to work with players with high individual demands and

expectations, these leagues are largely made up of professional and international players, so you have to have strong interpersonal skills as well as a thorough knowledge of the game to be successful.

Aside from his role as a top coach in The Netherlands, Simon has also previously overseen a Hockey section as a Technical Director at HC Klein Zwitserland, responsible for the hockey education plan for the youth (6 to 18 year olds).

This highly relevant experience as well as being an extremely personable character made Simon really stand out when we were considering all of the candidates against the criteria we have specified for the job.

I’m sure Simon will continue the hockey journey here at TWC and we wish him every success with the new role. On behalf of the Management Committee of the Club we would like to welcome Simon in his role as the new Hockey Director. Simon brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge and is ideally equipped to continue building on the success the Club has enjoyed over the last decade. We are looking forward to Simon being a part of our team of outstanding Directors of Sport leading the way. ■

O n behalf of the Management Committee at TWC we were delighted to welcome Jonathan Speller to the Club in January 2018 as the new Cricket Director.

Jonathan joined us from Spencer Cricket Club and brought with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. Jonathan has over 16 years of experience in professional cricket in a variety of roles, including playing, coaching and managing. With Jonathan on board we are confident the Cricket section will continue to go from strength to strength under his leadership. ■

On behalf of the Management Committee of the Club, I would like to say a huge

thank you to Ben for his outstanding contribution to the success of the Hockey section during his 11 year tenure at TWC. He has transformed the Hockey section into one of the most successful Clubs in Great Britain. Over the last four years the Men’s first team have won two play-off finals and won the Premier League twice, each year qualifying for the European Hockey League. Last season the Wimbledon Men’s team reached the final four of the EHL, making them the highest ranking UK team in Europe for the last seven years. The Ladies’ first team continues to go from strength

to strength and last season made the play-offs for promotion to the Premier League.

The Junior section is thriving and has a record number of junior members at 750, with waiting lists in all age groups for the boys and girls. All these achievements can be attributed to Ben and his dedicated team.

The Club is very proud of everything the Hockey section contributes to TWC under the leadership of Ben. He has shown total commitment and endeavour during his time here to leave the Club in a stable and strong position. We wish Ben well in his new role as Director of Sport at Cheltenham College, they are lucky to have him and he will be missed here! ■

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MEET ‘Q’ , AKA JULIE QUESTER, WHO HAS TAKEN UP A VARIETY OF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DURING HER TIME HERE AT TWC. CURRENTLY SHE IS THE DIRECTOR’S ASSISTANT AND RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL EVENTS.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT TWC? 18 years, but I have been a member of the Hockey section for 38 years.

WHAT IS IT YOU MOST LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people, the surroundings and the variety of work, each day is different.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? Seeing other people happy makes me happy!

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS. Quirky, conscientious, honest.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VALUE YOU BRING TO THE TEAM?Knowledge of the Club and problem solving.

WHO IS YOUR GREATEST ROLE MODEL AND WHY?Carl Lewis for his running style and he has a good heart. My hockey hero is Ruth Hine (née Hawes) a member of Team GB, she was the reason I originally joined TWC to play hockey in 1980. I also admire Annie Lennox, her music was inspirational for me in the ‘80s.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2019?

Competing and completing the 2019 London Marathon for Linden Lodge. I am also excited to be leading and making progress with the Club sustainability project.

Q & A : M E E T T H E T E A M

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O B I T U A RY

MIKE CAUSER HOCKEY MEMBER

M ichael Causer passed away peacefully on the evening of 2nd November 2018

at the Princess Alice Hospice in Esher.Mike was a patron and very keen

supporter of the Club, a member of the Committee, Honorary Treasurer of the Men’s Hockey section and the founder, manager and driving force behind the Masonians and then the Wimbledonians squad.

Mike’s energy, commitment, enthusiasm and cheerful disposition will be greatly missed.

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AS A CLUB WE SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES ON AN ONGOING BASIS . FOR 2018 WE CHOSE TO SUPPORT MOLLY’S SMILE FUND .

Over 70 Molly’s Smile Fund volunteers raised nearly £5000 this year for St. George’s Hospital GICU

as our 2018 charity of the year. 13 days in sweltering heat under

the kind shade of Molly brollies and all in matching branded t-shirts, swaying (no rattling) purple buckets, we smiled and schmoozed in baking sunshine with over 70 of our Molly’s Smile team and collected £4500 from corporate clients visiting the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the Wimbledon Club.

In June Chris Baker, Julie Quester and the Molly’s Smile team brainstormed the opportunities afforded by the Championships for the Club’s charity of the year.

Our infectious energy, beguiling drive and annoying tenacity won Chris’ head and heart. Our keen collectors would be in car park 5 for the full fortnight fundraising for Molly’s Smile.

Molly had opened an unbelievable door to a huge and incredible ‘on the world stage event’, fundraising for her thriving fund.

It was both inspiring and bruising to be front line engaging (no ‘give us ya money’ allowed), with clientele enjoying show court tennis, fine dining and chauffeur driven carriages.

We didn’t see a tennis ball all fortnight, however we smashed it out of court on donations.

September Junior prizegiving gave us the opening for a trademark Molly’s Smile bootcamp on the cricket pitch, rolling fitness fueled fundraising is our usp. Thanks to Stacey and his younger crew, we raised £300. I rudely and bravely hijacked the bar full of proud parents with an impromptu ‘give us ya money’ appeal.

A Christmassy pop-up sale at the club organised by Amanda Hamlyn hauled an unexpected and delightful £300, bringing our 2018 total to nearly £5000.

The money will be spent on the transformation of a grim roof space in St. George’s GICU. This will bless the unit with an uplifting oasis garden vista of tranquil and calm. Potted trees, planting, stones and hand built ceramic totem stacked pod sculptures will be enlightening and life affirming .

All to ease and offer a wonderfully creative and holistic distraction to those living with, caring for and working with the critically ill in the department.

Huge appreciation and mighty thanks to TWC event organisers, to Chris who had great belief and faith in us, to our fabulous volunteers, to the Molly’s Smile event team, my partner in perseverance Linda Fallis and to our gorgeous late Molly and her beautifully blooming legacy.

For 2019 we will be fundraising for GICU nurse trauma training at St. George’s. www.justgiving.com/jane-burdett5

More details and how to donate are at: www.mollyssmilefund.orgJane Burdett ■

F U N D R A I S I N G : W H O W E S U P P O RT

MOLLY’S SMILE FUND

Volunteer Caroline Threadgold and me outside AELTC

GICU Matrons Lindsey Izard, Susan Reynolds and me

Julie Quester with Linda Fallis and me

Fortnight highlight. Me and Jake Wood. Molly loved Eastenders. She watched it in GICU, she was born to the theme tune in St. George’s delivery

suite back in 1995. It was the last thing she watched.

T H E W I M B L E D O N C L U B / A N N U A L R E V I E W / 2 0 1 8

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