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RON WOOLLACOTT
There are no doubt many players who unfortunately did not have the chance to meet Ron Woollacott and appreciate the achievements in tennis that he made.
As a player, he had a stint with Leroy Tennis Club, but moved to Enfield Tennis Club where he remained until his death in 1990.
While at Enfield he held various administrative positions, including President of the Club for over 20 years. At Association level, was elected on the Junior Committee in 1970, was delegate to the Association from 1973 to 1982 and was Vice-President of the previous Northern Districts Tennis Association from 1978 to 1990. For many years Ron worked on the Tournament, Match and Grading Committees. Players benefitted substantially from his ability to organise, his flexibility and his effective direction and control, particularly during the Annual Tournament.
Ron was distinguishably rewarded twice for his services to tennis, the first being in 1981 when Enfield Tennis Club awarded him Life Membership and again in 1984 as Life Member of the Association.
Tennis News also acknowledged his efforts in January, 1981 when they named Ron as Administrator of the Month.
In the 1978-79 Season, Ron also had the honour of winning the Associations Award of Distinction - The Cec Lemmer Trophy, which is awarded for Sportsmanship in Saturday afternoon competition.
The President of the Association, Mr. Chris Formby, described Ron "as being by nature a quiet and gentle man - one of a few remarkable people we are fortunate enough to meet in a life time."
Personally, may I say it was an honour to know the man and have the pleasure of playing against him on many occasions, all of which he displayed true Sportsmanship.
His death in 1990 not only was a loss to his loved ones, but also to the Association and friends.
GREG BOYCE Night Tennis Co-ordinator |
