| * * * * * |
| COMING SOON |
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| CHAIRMAN'S DAY |
| Sunday 7th September 2008 |
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| at Kent Elms Tennis Club |
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| BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW |
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| L & W PRESENTATION |
| DINNER DANCE |
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| Friday 17th October 2008 |
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| at Saxon Hall, Aviation Way. |
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| This web site was designed |
| by Pat Taylor and went live |
| on 8th January 2006. |
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| If you have any news, |
| comments or corrections |
| please email Pat at |
| tayptrck@aol.com |
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CLUB NEWS
Wednesday 16th July 2008 - CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDERS FINISH THE SEASON
In spite of the awful weather, it was a highly successful summer season for Kent Elms Tennis Club who finished the season with critical championship deciders in both Mixed division 1 and Ladies division 1. Although we were unable to get the result we wanted in either of these matches, nothing could detract from the solid perfomances of our teams in all divisions. In Mixed divisions 1, 2, 3 & 5 our teams all finished 2nd, while our Ladies in divisions 1 & 2 finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. Our Men's first team have made it back into division 1 after finishing 2nd behind league locked Thorpe Bay, while our other two men's teams both consolidated their places in divisons 3 & 4.

Saturday 5th July 2008 - SUPERSTARS BANQUET ENDS A WET SEASON
The 12th Superstars Banquet served food and drink a plenty as the club gathered to celebrate what was a highly successful season, in spite of another summer of awful weather. A fabulous four course meal, with as much wine and beer as you could drink, was accompanied by the usual fun quiz which was played between the courses. Everyone was pleased that the Chairman, Jan Thorpe, was able to attend after recently undergoing a hip replacement operation. He thanked Keith Smith (quiz), Di Taylor (food) and Pat Taylor (admin) for organising the event.
Saturday 21st June 2008 - CREAM TEA WITH NORMAN & EDWINA
Members arriving for social tennis where greeted with a mouth watering display of food as Norman McCouat and Edwina Buchan once again invited everyone to join them for a traditional cream tea. The tennis was brought to a temporary halt at 2.30pm as Norman & Edwina began their service. There were fruit scones, fresh strawberries, both whipped and clotted cream, together with a choice of rasberry, strawberry or victoria plum jam. Tea or coffee was served to order. The Secretary, Mary Moxom, thanked Norman & Edwina for all their hard work and generosity.
Sunday 27th April 2008 - KENT ELMS DOMINATE WINTER FINALS
Kent Elms Tennis Club were delighted to be hosts of the 23rd Leigh & Westcliff Winter Championships but even more delighted when their players took all the top honours. In the Ladies Doubles, Mandy White & her daughter Holly got things underway by beating their Kent Elms team mates Jo Hancock & Steff Haddrell 7-5 6-1. In the Men's Doubles, Kent Elms old stagers Pat Taylor & Terry Savage defied the odds to beat clubmates Phil Stevens & Nelson Okomi 6-3 3-6 7-6, while in the Mixed Doubles, Kent Elms duo Phil Stevens & Steff Haddrell saw off the challenge of Pat Taylor & Lisa Gordon 6-3 6-2. Kent Elms enjoyed further success in the Ladies Doubles Plate where Julie Rackham & Lisa Gordon beat Lauren Duffield & Gemma Smith (Leigh) 6-2 6-2. In the Men's Doubles Plate, Dave Goodman & Cliff Warwick (Wickford) beat Stewart Clarke & Bob Chapman (Wickford) 6-0 6-0, and in the Mixed Doubles Plate Dave Goodman & Tricia Goddard (Wickford) beat Andrew Gardiner & Jane Hunter (Leigh) 6-1 6-1.
Wednesday 23rd April 2008 - KENT ELMS MAKE IT A CUP DOUBLE
It was yet another titanic struggle as Kent Elms took on Thorpe Bay in the final of the Ladies Winter Knockout Cup. Mandy White & Sharon Scarf got us off to a great start by beating Kris Newberry & Ann Murray 6-4 7-5 before the visitors hit back with Sue Sergent & Annemiek Binnendyk beating Jo Hancock & Steff Haddrell 7-6 6-2. However, the cup was secured when Mandy & Steff teamed up to beat Sue & Kris 6-0 in a stunning play-off set. This win follows last weeks victory in the Mixed Winter Knockout Cup where we defeated Leigh Tennis Club in a rain affected final. The key to this success was a fabulous semi-final win at Thorpe Bay which also ended in stalemate after Phil Stevens & Steff Haddrell defeated Geoff Burdett & Sue Sergent 7-5 4-6 6-4 and Nigel & Mandy White went down 6-3 3-6 4-6 to Alan Rayner & Sally Magerison. However, a glorious victory was secured when Mandy & Phil teamed up to beat Alan & Sue 6-2 in the play-off set.
Saturday 19th April 2008 - MORE GUEST STAR MISERY AT CHINESE MEAL & KARAOKE NIGHT
The organisers could hardly believe their bad luck when, for the sixth year running, the mystery guest star failed to turn up at the annual Chinese Meal & Karaoke night. Remarkably the gathered masses showed little sign of anger and many admitted that it was not really a surprise. In less time than it takes to get a firm grip on your chop sticks, four brave damsels had formed themselves into a girl group, and with Brenda Lincoln, Marilyn Sharples & Vera Cheesman on backing vocals, Edwina Buchan took the lead with an unforgettable version of Daydream Believer. In no time at all the missing guest star was forgotten and everyone was in raptures as Jason McGinley belted out Saturday Night At The Movies. This was rapidly followed by a number of classic performances which included Pat & John Rogers (Dancing Queen), Andy Stone (Quando, Quando, Quando), Nelson Okomi (Rivers Of Babylon), Brenda Lincoln & Vera Cheesman (Let It Be), and Martin Needs, Jason McGinley & Andy Stone (Hey Jude). Perhaps the performance of the night came from rocking John Rogers who gave a hysterical impression of Mick Jagger doing Brown Sugar.
Saturday 5th April 2008 - PIZZA, PASTA . . . AND SO MUCH MORE
It was another gloriously successful night for organisers Pat Townsley, Brenda Lincoln and Jan Thorpe, as the themed evenings at Kent Elms continued with an Italian Night. There was a wonderful array of home cooked food with, of course, pizza and pasta, together with a delicious selection of sweets, giving members and friends the true taste of Italy. There was even the traditional Italian washing line overhead bearing an intriguing array of laundry, and also some games which included an Italian language test. Well done the organisers.
Sunday 30th March 2008 - KENT ELMS TRAVEL TO BILLERICAY
The sun came out just in time as Kent Elms Tennis Club hit the road and travelled to Billericay Tennis Club for a friendly match. Competition was fierce as six mixed pairs from each club competed over twelve eighteen minute sessions. An excellent afternoons play was rounded off with food and drink provided by the Billericay team. Kent Elms was represented by Mandy & Nigel White, Phil & Hanna Stevens, Chris & Julie Rackham, Jo Hancock, Pat Townsley, Brenda Lincoln, Marilyn Sharples, Trevor Brealey, Jason McGinley & Gary Nichols.
Sunday 16th March 2008 - WINTER LEAGUE PERFORMANCES ARE SATISFACTORY
Although there have been some disappointments, it was generally agreed that the performances of our ten teams in the Leigh & Westcliff Winter League were satisfactory. In the mixed league our first team pressed Thorpe Bay strongly, but had to settle for second place after two matches were agreed draws due to inclement weather. The second and third teams also perfomed well finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively. Our team in division 5 were very unfortunate when the final match of the season produced the only result which could relegate them. The good news is that this makes way for our team in division 6 to be promoted, which is a great achievement for them as the three girls have just moved up from the off-peak section. Our men's teams all did well finishing 2nd in both divisions 2 & 3 and 4th in division 6. In ladies division 1 Thorpe Bay won for the first time ending our record run of 7 successive wins. Sadly, our Ladies in division 2 have been relegated.
Saturday 15th March 2008 - GARDINER & DUFFIELD MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW
It was Leigh versus Kent Elms in the finals of our winter floodlight tournament, formerly known as the Doreen McLellan Tournament, but now renamed the McLellan-Perkins Trophy. There was also a new organising team of Pat Townsley & Jo Hancock. The name and the organisers may be new, but the weather was familiar. It rained most of the evening which meant that all competitors, together with umpires Jo Hancock and Dawn Collins, and scorer Norman McCoaut, took a good soaking. There were no such problems inside the clubhouse where a large crowd of Leigh and Kent Elms supporters enjoyed the two matches in warmth and comfort and with the added benefit of much food and drink. In the end it was victory for both Leigh pairs. In the main event Chris Gardiner & Lauren Duffield (Leigh) made it three wins in a row as they cruised to a 6-2 6-2 over Phil Stevens & Steff Haddrell (Kent Elms). Earlier, the plate final had been a real cliffhanger with Alan Steel & Clair Elliot (Leigh) just edging out Kevin Harvey & Julie Rackham (Kent Elms) 6-4 4-6 7-6.
Monday 31st December 2007 - FIREWORKS WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR
New Years Eve at Kent Elms began with a three course meal organised by our very own hostess's, Pat Townsley, Brenda Lincoln & Pat Rogers. This was followed by games and quiz's prepared by Pete Clark, who then rounded things off with a spectacular firework display at twelve o'clock, and of course a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
Saturday 22nd December 2007 - CHRISTMAS UNDERWAY AT KENT ELMS
Celebrations got underway at Kent Elms as members and friends gathered to wish each other a very merry Christmas. A superb range of food was accompanied by two games from Keith Smith, another from Norman McCoaut, and a raffle from Jan Thorpe & Pat Townsley. The evening was rounded off with the traditional bout of carol singing.
Saturday 24th November 2007 - PETE & CYNTHIA SERVE UP TRIVIA & CHIPS
It was quiz time again at Kent Elms Tennis Club as Pete Clark & Cynthia Collier served up their own particular brand of trivia, together with a very large portion of fish and chips. The pace was manic as the questions came thick and fast, with the table consisting of Dawn & Keith Collins, Marilyn & Chris Sharples, Danny & Linda Lovett & Pete Welsh emerging as winners. Yet strangely there were no losers as Pete & Cynthia awarded prizes to everyone present! Now, thats what I call a contest!
Saturday 10th November 2007 - BARN DANCE GOES WITH A SWING
It was bales of straw and a range of dodgy cowboy outfits as 80 members from Kent Elms & Leigh Tennis Clubs joined forces to stage a Barn Dance at St Margarets Hall, Leigh. The dance floor was packed throughout the whole evening as The Famous Potatoes guided everyone through some familair and some less familiar routines. Everyone agreed that the atmosphere was superb and a great night was had by all.
Friday 28th September 2007 - DINNER DANCE MOVES TO AVIATION WAY
Saxon Hall, in Aviation Way, was the new venue for the annual Leigh & Westcliff LTA Presentation Dinner Dance, instead of the usual Hollywood Restaurant. The thirteen members and friends from Kent Elms who went along thought the new surroundings were extremely pleasant, although the main hall was smaller than the Hollywood. A very good meal was followed by the presentation of League, Cup and Tournament trophies. One thing that remained the same was Paul Brandon's disco which kept most people on the dance floor until 1am.
Sunday 16th September 2007 - MANDY REGAINS LADIES TITLE
At the Leigh & Westcliff LTA Summer Tournament Finals, played at Westcliff Lawn Tennis Club, Kent Elms Mandy White regained the Ladies Doubles title she was forced to concede through injury last year. Playing in a new partnership with daughter Holly, they beat Linda Vaughan & Sue Levy (Westcliff Hard) 6-2 7-6. Mandy went on to make it a treble by also winning the Veteran Mixed Doubles with husband Nigel, beating Tim Padbury & Heather Bell (Thorpe Bay) 0-6 6-4 7-5, and then taking the Veteran Ladies Doubles Plate with Pat Townsley, beating clubmates Brenda Lincoln & Marilyn Sharples 6-0 6-2. Jo Hancock & Steff Haddrell were unlucky to lose a very closely fought Veteran Ladies Doubles final against Ann Murray & Heather Bell (Thorpe Bay) 6-4 6-7 6-7. Kent Elms were also represented in the Mens Doubles Plate where Jan Thorpe & Jason McGinley lost to Graham Wells & Alan Worsdale (Southend Lawn) 6-3 6-2. In the other main events Paul Gardiner (Leigh) retained the Men's Singles when he held off a very strong challenge from his brother Chris to win 7-6 6-3. Lauren Duffield (Leigh) won the Ladies Singles for the second time defeating the defending champion Nalandi Sharma-Ebdon (Hadleigh Park) 6-3 6-4. Paul & Chris Gardiner (Leigh) won the Men's Doubles title for the third year running beating clubmates Daniel Thrale & James Thompson 7-5 6-4. Chris Gardiner & Lauren Duffield (Leigh) won the Mixed Doubles title for the third year running beating Dan Thrale & Katrina Duffield (Leigh) 6-2 6-2.
Friday 14th September 2007 - MIXED TEAM LOSE SUMMER KNOCKOUT FINAL
Kent Elms reached the final of the Summer Mixed Knockout Cup but were unable to get the better of a very powerful Leigh team. Mandy & Nigel White lost 6-1 6-3 to Chris Gardiner & Lauren Duffield while Phil Stevens & Steff Haddrell went down 6-3 6-3 to Paul Gardiner & Gemma Smith.
Wednesday 12th September 2007 - NELSON SINKS THE OPPOSITION
Nelson Okomi is the new Kent Elms Singles Champion after an amazing 6-0 6-2 win against the reigning champion, Tony Phillipps. Nelson has charmed everyone since his arrival at Kent Elms, and he is certain to be a popular champion. The final was followed by an evening of food, drink and merriment.
Sunday 9th September 2007 - CHAIRMANS DAY IS A GREAT SUCCESS
It was another bumper turnout at Kent Elms Tennis Club, as Chairman Jan Thorpe welcomed members to his own very special Chairmans Day. There was a highly competitive tournament run by Norman McCouat, together with a lavish buffet. Prizes were awarded to Gary Nichols (Mens A), Brenda Lincoln (Ladies A), Peter Welsh (Mens B) & Kylie Barrett (Ladies B).
Sunday 26th August 2007 - KENT ELMS TRAVEL TO LEIGH
Kent Elms players travelled to Leigh Tennis Club to compete in a friendly match involving six men and six women from each club. The players were divided into four teams who competed against eachother over twelve 18 minute sessions. An entertaining afternoons play was rounded off with some excellent food provided by the Leigh players. Kent Elms representatives were Jo Hancock, Brenda Lincoln, Marilyn Sharples, Pat Townsley, Dawn Collins, Hanna Stevens, Nigel White, Mark Hughes, Jason McGinley, Andy Pond, Gary Nichols & Richard Crews.
Friday 17th August 2007 - JOE STEVENS IS THUNDERBALL WINNERPhil & Hanna's son Joe Stevens took the U12 prize in the Championship section of the Deanes Thunderball Tennis Tournament, finishing twelfth out of 28 competitors. This was Joe's first ever tournament. To check out the final results table click on
Thunderball Results.
Saturday 21st July 2007 - I VILL ZEY ZISS UNLY VUNCE
Mor zan arf ze memburrs urtending ze Kent Elms Franch Nite gott intu ze spirett of zings bi drezzing up az carracturs froom ze tellivizzion seriez "allo allo". Ze extremillee authenzic franch menyou wazz nott macched bi ze horribal fooney franch akzents. Zevverel orse razzes werr eld wiv much munnies changging ands. Wynning jokkees ver Nigel, Maggie an Phil butt ze bumpurr payowt camm ven ze wank outzider Diane womped ome in ze finul wace. Herr Flick vanked organuzzer Pat Townsley an err abel azziztunt Bren Lincoln forr al zairr ard vork.
Sunday 15th July 2007 - NOT SO SECRET 40TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR TREVOR
Members and friends gathered at Kent Elms Tennis Club to attend a "surprise" 40th birthday celebration for Trevor Brealey. In spite of the best efforts of wife Jane and close friend Jerry Hamilton, it was generally agreed that this was the least secret birthday party ever. On the positive side, Jane did a terrific job with the food, and the weather was absolutely brilliant. Trevor is now an official member of the "old farts" club.
Saturday 14th July 2007 - A SEASON OF CONSOLIDATION FOR KENT ELMS
The 2007 summer season has ended with Kent Elms Mens Division 1 team slipping back into Division 2 after losing out in a relegation battle with Southend Lawn. Meanwhile, our other two mens teams consolidated their positions in Divisions 3 & 4 following promotion last year. In Ladies Division 1 we had to settle for second place after our usual battle with Thorpe Bay, while in Division 2 we did well to finish third. We retained our positions in the top three mixed divisions after finishing fourth, third and fifth respectively, while in Mixed Division 5 we perfomed exceptionally well in finishing third.
Saturday 7th July 2007 - SUPERSTARS BANQUET BRINGS THE SEASON TO A CLOSE
The 11th Superstars Banquet once again served up a splendid four course meal as the Leigh & Westcliff summer season draws to a close. With as much wine and beer as you could drink, the evening rolled along in its own merry way. As usual, a fun quiz was played between the courses which was won by the table consisting of Mandy, Nigel, Jason, Sally, Margaret, Kathryn, Pete & Cynthia. The Chairman thanked Pat & Di Taylor for organising the food and drink, Bren Lincoln & Pat Townsley for table decoration, and Keith Smith for producing the quiz.
Saturday 23rd June 2007 - AFTERNOON TEA WITH NORMAN & EDWINA
It was a full house at Kent Elms Tennis Club as members took up an invitation from Norman McCouat and Edwina Buchan to join them for afternoon tea. The competitive merry-go-round of social tennis was brought to a temporary halt at 2.30pm as Norman & Edwina began serving tea. Everyone was then invited to help themselves to a magnificent feast which included salmon, cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, together with a dazzling selection of cakes. The Chairman, Jan Thorpe, thanked the hard working duo for providing such a generous gesture of hospitality.
Sunday 29th April 2007 - MANDY & GAIL MAKE IT FOUR IN A ROW
At the Leigh & Westcliff LTA Winter Tournament Finals, Kent Elms pair Mandy White & Gail Webster beat club mates, Jo Hancock & Steff Haddrell 6-2 6-2 to win the Ladies Doubles for the fourth year in a row. In the Mens Doubles, Chris Gardiner & Ian Beverly (Leigh) beat Danniel Thrale & James Thompson (Leigh) 6-4 6-4 while in the Mixed Doubles, Chris Gardiner & Lauren Duffield (Leigh) beat Danniel Thrale & Katrina Duffield (Leigh) 7-5 6-4. In the Mens Doubles Plate, Trevor Margerison & Trevor Brown (Thorpe Bay) beat Andrew Tanner & Andy Deeming 6-3 6-1, in the Ladies Doubles Plate, Debra Rose & Karen Mills (Rayleigh) beat Jane Hunter & Claire Elliott (Leigh) 6-2 6-3 and in the Mixed Doubles Plate, Ian Beverley & Gemma Smith (Leigh) beat Paul Gutteridge & Lisa Gordon (Leigh) 6-4 3-6 7-5.
Wednesday 25th April 2007 - LADIES TRIUMPH IN WINTER KNOCKOUT CUP
Kent Elms Ladies have won the Winter Knockout Cup 3-1, after another titanic battle with Thorpe Bay. Mandy White & Gail Webster started slowly against Kris Newberry & Annemiek Binniend, before cruising to victory in two straight sets. Steff Haddrell & Julie Rackham got off to a flying start against Sue Sergent & Heather Bell, before the Thorpe Bay pair fought back to make it one set all. This is the third time that Kent Elms Ladies have won this trophy in the last four years.
Saturday 21st April 2007 - GUEST STAR DISASTER AT CHINESE MEAL & KARAOKE NIGHT
It was a case of Deja Vu for a hardy band of music lovers when, for the fifth year running, the mystery guest star failed to appear at the Kent Elms Chinese Meal & Karaoke Night. As on previous occasions, the assembled masses refused to be disappointed. Before anyone could say "I want my money back", Edwina Buchan had leapt to her feet to fill the breach with her mesmorizing rendition of "These Boots Are Made For Walking". And before the applause had time to die away, John Rogers was letting rip with his own personalised version of "All Right Now". Thereafter came a whole string of indescribable performances which included Peter Clark & Chris Sharples (Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen), Bren Lincoln & Mary Smith (That Old Devil Called Love), Pat Rogers & Vera Cheeseman (Up On The Roof), and Margaret Ward & David Cheeseman (The House Of The Rising Sun). A further extra special mention should be given to Edwina Buchan for her version of "Fun Fun Fun" which she went on to complete even though the words failed to appear on the screen. However, most observers would agree that the highlight of the evening came with a heartrending version of "Love On The Rocks" by Phil Stevens & Andy Stone which left a large section of the audience in tears.
Wednesday 21st March 2007 - JAN TAKES OVER THE CHAIR
At the club AGM on Wednesday night Jan Thorpe took over as Chairman from Dawn Collins, who has decided to step down after doing the job for the past four years. In another important change, Peter Clark has taken over as Treasurer from Pat Taylor.
Sunday 18th March 2007 - KENT ELMS ARE MOST SUCCESSFUL CLUB EVER!
Kent Elms Tennis Club have become the most successful championship winning club in the history of the Leigh & Westcliff League, having this season won their 37th title. Over the past few years the club has been closing in on Westcliff Hard who previously held the record for most championship wins. The role of honour currently reads Kent Elms 37, Westcliff Hard 36, Invicta 23, Hadleigh Park 17, Rayleigh 13, Thorpe Bay 9, Westcliff Lawn 8, Hockley 5, Leigh 5, Wickford 4, Southend Lawn 2, Rochford 1, Leigh Rd Baptist 0, Crowstone 0 & St Peters 0.
Saturday 17th March 2007 - GARDINER & DUFFIELD RETAIN DOREEN McLELLAN TROPHYChris Gardiner & Lauren Duffield (Leigh) beat Steve & Dawn Higgins (Rayleigh) 6-4 6-7 6-3 to retain the Doreen McLellan Trophy in a repeat of last years final, played under floodlights at Kent Elms Tennis Club. Earlier, Mark & Debra Rose (Rayleigh) fought back from 5-3 down in the final set against Martin Needs & Debby Lincoln (Kent Elms) to win a tremendously exciting plate event final 6-2 3-6 7-5.
Click here for full results.
Sunday 4th March 2007 - PAT & TONY CELEBRATE 50 YEARS TOGETHER
It was a much calmer atmosphere at Kent Elms Tennis Club as members, friends and family gathered for the second night running to celebrate the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Pat & Tony Townsley. With a son-in-law who works as a chef, good food was guaranteed; and Pat & Tony were relieved that no-one demanded a speech!
Saturday 3rd March 2007 - IT'S A SURPRISE 60TH FOR BREN
Kent Elms Tennis Club was packed to the rafters for a surprise party to celebrate Bren Lincoln's 60th birthday. Daughter, Debby, lured her unsuspecting mum to the club where Pat Townsley was supposed to be having a quick drink with those who couldn't make her anniversary celebrations scheduled for the next day. Much food and drink was followed by a comic look at Bren's life over the past 60 years. Thanks go to all the helpers, particularly Pat Townsley & Jan Thorpe who manned the bar throughout the evening. Thanks also to all those who successfully kept the secret!
Monday 19th February 2007 - KENT ELMS LADIES SET NEW RECORD
Kent Elms Ladies are Leigh & Westcliff Winter Division One champions for the seventh year in a row, breaking the record they shared with Westcliff Hard who won six in a row between 1988 & 1994.
Saturday 3rd February 2007 - INVICTA REGAIN QUIZ NIGHT TITLE
Kent Elms have failed to defend their title at the Leigh & Westcliff Trivia Championship held this year at Hockley Tennis Club. Some of the questions were a nightmare, and so was the parking, as the annual quiz night was won yet again by those masters of trivia, Invicta, with Kent Elms close behind in third place.
Sunday 31st December 2006 - NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS GO WITH A BANG
Pat & John Rogers were the inspiration behind Kent Elms New Year celebrations which provided a fun filled night of music, food and games, culminating with an impressive firework display. It was all hands on deck as members and friends set about welcoming in the new year. Pat & John Rogers got things going by taking charge of food, Pete Clark & John Rogers organised the games, Bren Lincoln decorated tables, Tony Townsley took charge of sound, Pat Townsley ran the bar, with Pete Clark & Cynthia Collier preparing the firework display. Just about everyone else pitched in with clearing up operations and a great night was had by all. Well done everybody!
Saturday 16th December 2006 - PARTY TIME AT KENT ELMS
Once again, Pat Townsley & Moira Matthews were manning the cocktail bar as members and friends gathered for the Kent Elms Christmas Party. Music and games were accompanied with food and drink a plenty, and rounded of with a bout of carol singing. A few late night party people kept the evening rolling on untill 1am.
Thursday 30th November 2006 - GOODBYE MABEL
It was with great sadness that friends and family gathered at Sutton Road Cemetery to say goodbye to Mabel Perkins who passed away on 18th November 2006, aged 84. Mabel was the devoted wife of the late John Perkins, who founded Kent Elms Tennis Club. She was born Mabel Emma Pollard in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1922. During the war she served as an officer in the army, and it was here she met John. After marrying in 1947, they established a grocery business in Westcliff and in their spare time enjoyed playing tennis. In 1948 John formed Kent Elms Tennis Club. Although injury eventually forced Mabel to give up tennis, the club continued to play a major part in both their lives. John's death in 1994 was a severe blow from which she never really recovered.
Saturday 25th November 2006 - QUIZ NIGHT IS JUST RIGHT!
It was a night for memorizing trivia, and everyone seemed to agree that the organisers, Pete Clark and Cynthia Collier, got it just about right with their relatively informal quiz combined with a substantial fish and chip supper. At the end of seven fiercly contested rounds the team consisting of Dawn & Keith Collins, Marilyn & Chris Sharples, and Mary & John Moxom were declared the winners.
Saturday 28th October 2006 - HOLLYWOOD WELCOMES THE STARS
The Hollywood Restaurant was once again the venue for the annual Leigh & Westcliff LTA Presentation Dinner Dance. Twenty members and friends from Kent Elms went along and enjoyed a good meal (for the third year running!), followed by the presentation of League, Cup and Tournament trophies, and finally Paul Brandon's disco (featuring his usual array of funny hat's).
Saturday 14th October 2006 - TONY'S TREBLE IS FOLLOWED BY SEX ON THE BEACH
Congratulations to Tony Phillipps who has won the Kent Elms singles title for the third year running. On each occasion he has seen off the challenge of Bryan Bone, this time by a score of 6-0 6-3. The event was combined with an extremely entertaining Cocktail Party organised by Pat Townsley and Moira Matthews who were offering Hawaiian Caress, Between The Sheets, and Sex On The Beach.
Sunday 8th October 2006 - KENT ELMS ENTERTAIN LEIGH
Kent Elms were hosts to Leigh Tennis Club in an entertaining friendly match where each club fielded six mixed doubles pairs. The contest consisted of 36 hard fought eighteen minute matches played over a four hour period. An enjoyable competition was blessed with warm sunny weather and rounded off with some excellent food and a well earned drink from the bar.
Monday 2nd October 2006 - NEW COURTS READY FOR ACTION!
Kent Elms Tennis Club is ready for action following the construction of a third floodlit court and the re-surfacing of the existing two floodlit courts. The refurbishment programme has also included new seating in the clubhouse. Match play gets underway Monday 2nd October with the men's first team at home to Hockley. Social tennis resumes on Tuesday 3rd October.
Sunday 17th September 2006 - FIFTH TIME LUCKY FOR JO & STEFF
At the Leigh & Westcliff LTA Summer Tournament Finals, played at Rayleigh Tennis Club, Kent Elms Jo Hancock & Steff Haddrell finally took the Ladies Doubles title for the first time after beating clubmates Pat Townsley & Judy Chambers in the final. They had been runners-up on four previous occasions. Jo & Steff also took the Veteran Ladies Doubles on a walkover. It was bad luck for Mandy White when an injury forced her to concede the Ladies Doubles Semi-Final and Veterans Ladies Doubles Final (both with Gail Webster), and also her Mixed Doubles Semi-Final (with Pat Taylor). In the other main events Paul Gardiner (Leigh) won the Men's Singles for the first time beating clubmate and defending champion, Daniel Thrale. Nalandi Sharma (Hadleigh Park) won the Ladies Singles for the first time beating Jo Day (Southend Lawn). Paul & Chris Gardiner (Leigh) retained the Men's Doubles title beating clubmates Daniel Thrale & Ian Beverley. Chris Gardiner & Lauren Duffield (Leigh) retained the Mixed Doubles title in a repeat of the winter final against Steve & Dawn Higgins (Rayleigh).
Sunday 20th August 2006 - TREASURE TROVE FOR BREN, DEBBY & PAUL
A Sunday afternoon treasure hunt, organised by Dawn & Keith Collins, has been won by Bren Lincoln, Debby Lincoln & Paul Vincent one point ahead of Vera & David Cheesman and Helen & Chris Russell. All the competitors made it back to the club in time to enjoy a barbecue which included some extra special dishes prepared by Dawn Collins and Moira Matthews.
Friday 18th August 2006 - THUNDERBALL SUCCESS FOR JAMES WHITEMandy & Nigel's son James White put in an excellent performance at the Deanes Thunderball Tennis Tournament, finishing eighth out of 34 competitors. This included a fine straight sets win over third place man John-Reece Blatchford. To check out the final results table click on
Thunderball Results.
Friday 14th July 2006 - KENT ELMS MEN RETURN TO DIVISION 1
The 2006 summer season has seen Kent Elms men making a return to Division 1 after winning Division 2 by a healthy 9 point margin. This follows relegation from Division 1 in 2004 and a runners-up spot in Division 2 in 2005. Our men's second team are also promoted to Division 3 on the back of an impressive 13 point winning margin. Not to be outdone, the men's third team are also expecting promotion to Division 4 following their runners-up spot behind a league locked Thorpe Bay. Kent Elms ladies have also had a successful season, with the first team finishing runners-up in Division 1 and our second team winning promotion back to Division 2 after relegation last year. Our three top mixed teams consolidated their positions in Divisions 1, 2 & 3 by finishing 4th, 3rd and 2nd repectively. Meanwhile, our Mixed Division 5 team were disappointed in finishing third after leading the division for most of the season.
Wednesday 12th July 2006 - KENT ELMS LADIES PIPPED AT THE POST
Kent Elms Ladies, who have been Division 1 champions for the past four years, were unable to make it five in a row after being pipped at the post by Thorpe Bay. The drama unfolded in the last match of the season against Rayleigh when Mandy White & Gail Webster unexpectedly lost a magnificent unbeaten run stretching back three years. Congratulations to Thorpe Bay who are champions for the first time.
Saturday 8th July 2006 - SUPERSTARS BANQUET SERVES UP FOUR COURSES
The 10th end of season Superstars Banquet once again served up a four course meal together with as much wine or beer as you could drink. A fun quiz, played between the courses, was won by Chris & Marilyn Sharples, Jo & Malcolm Hancock, Danny & Linda Lovett, Jan Thorpe and Pat Townsley.
Saturday 1st July 2006 - ROS & MICHAEL TIE THE KNOT
Friends and family gathered at St Peter & St Paul's church in Hockley to witness the marriage of Rosalind Savage to Michael Mangion. Ros has been a member at Kent Elms Tennis Club for the past six years and all her friends and team mates at the club send their best wishes.
Saturday 17th June 2006 - PHIL & JO WIN MID-SUMMER MIXED TOURNAMENT
Phil Stevens & Jo Hancock won the Kent Elms Tennis Club mid-summer mixed tournament ahead of runners-up, Jan Thorpe & Pat Townsley. The event, organised by Norman McCouat, was played on a perfect summers evening with competitors enjoying a taste of Chairman Dawn Collins 'special recipe' carrot cake.
Sunday 30th April 2006 - MANDY & GAIL ARE CHAMPIONS THREE YEARS RUNNING
At the Leigh & Westcliff LTA Winter Tournament Finals, Kent Elms pairs featured in three of the six events. In the Ladies Doubles, Mandy White & Gail Webster won for the third year running, beating clubmates Jo Hancock & Steff Haddrell 6-2 6-4 in the all Kent Elms final. Further success came in the Men's Doubles Plate where Jan Thorpe & Jerry Hamilton (Kent Elms) beat David Nelson & Richard Warner (Rochford) 6-2 7-5. In the Mixed Doubles Plate, Martin Needs & Debby Lincoln (Kent Elms) enjoyed an extremely close fought match before going down 6-4 7-6 to Paul Gutteridge & Lisa Gordon (Leigh). In the other three finals, Chris & Paul Gardiner (Leigh) beat Chris Nelson & Tim Collett (Rochford) to retain the Men's Doubles, Chris Gardiner & Lauren Duffield (Leigh) beat Steve & Dawn Higgins (Rayleigh) to take the Mixed Doubles, and Nicky Dickens & Gaye Caulkett (W Hard) beat Holly White & Emily Hunter (Leigh) to win the Ladies Doubles Plate.
Saturday 29th April 2006 - GUEST STAR MISSES CHINESE MEAL & KARAOKE NIGHT
Thirty committed music lovers refused to be downhearted when, for the fourth year running, the mystery guest star failed to appear at the Kent Elms Chinese Meal & Karaoke Night. As on previous occasions, this brief moment of disappointment was rapidly forgotten as Zeno "Mr Smooth" De Souza stepped into the breach to perform his breathtaking version of the classic "Love Letters In The Sand". As if that wasn't enough, the assembled masses were then stunned by the shock appearance of Edwina Buchan & Keith Collins who proceeded to knock everyone senseless with their version of "Achy Breaky Heart". Other memorable performaces came from Pete Clark & Chris Sharples (Dance The Night AWay), Phil Stevens (When I Fall In Love), John Rogers (Brown Sugar), Bren Lincoln & Vera Cheesman (Fever), Edwina Buchan & Dawn Collins (These Boots Are Made For Walking) and many many others before microphones were finally prized from hands and everyone was escorted from the premises at 1am.
Wednesday 26th April 2006 - KENT ELMS IN CLIFFHANGING WINTER CUP FINALS
Kent Elms won the mixed winter knockout cup 3-1 against Thorpe Bay after the vital deciding set was won on a tie-break. A week earlier Thorpe Bay had prevented Kent Elms making it three in a row in the ladies knockout cup, with the match decided in a tense playoff set, following a 2-2 draw.
Monday 17th April 2006 - MARY & JOHN TAKE EASTER MONDAY HONOURS
Mary Moxom & John Sligo took the ladies and men's prizes at the Kent Elms Tennis Club Easter Monday Tournament which was organised by Norman McCouat and open to both full and off-peak members.
Saturday 18th March 2006 - GARDINER & DUFFIELD WIN DOREEN McLELLAN FINAL
Chris Gardiner & Lauren Duffield (Leigh) beat Steve & Dawn Higgins (Rayleigh) 6-3 6-4 to win the 28th Doreen McLellan Memorial Tournament staged under floodlights at Kent Elms Tennis Club. Earlier, Claire Bullman & Stewart Clark (Wickford) beat Paul Phillips & Linda Gaze (Leigh) 6-2 6-2 to win the plate event.
Thursday 16th March 2006 - THIRD COURT THIS YEAR; ARTIFICIAL GRASS IN 2008
The club AGM has agreed to re-surface existing courts and build a third macadam court during August this year. A switch to artificial grass will be undertaken in 2008.
Sunday 12th March 2006 - KENT ELMS LADIES EQUAL THE RECORD
Kent Elms Ladies are Leigh & Westcliff Winter Division One champions for the sixth year in a row, equalling the record of Westcliff Hard who won six in a row between 1988 & 1994.
Saturday 4th February 2006 - KENT ELMS ARE QUIZ NIGHT CHAMPIONS
Kent Elms Tennis Club are the new Leigh & Westcliff Quiz Night champions. Our quiz team, led by Chairman Dawn Collins, won the title at Thorpe Bay Tennis Club, where they edged out the previously unbeatable Invicta team, led by John & Gill Tanner.