From the first issue of the Red Kite we have: Sue H Remembers

Continuing our fascinating insight into the history of the club, Sue has been kind
enough to offer some of her favourite memories:

“I have served on the Committee for a total of ten years, both as secretary and membership secretary and under a number of different chairmen, Brian B,
Barbara B, Graham J, Frank C and finally Robert B; all of whom have done a
sterling job in making Goring Tennis Club the wonderful and successful club it
is today.”

As she remembers:

 “Play in those days was only in the summer months as the courts were not the all-weather ones we have now. Consequently, in the Spring, dusty racquets were brushed off and rusty shots were given a helping hand by Daphne A who very generously gave free coaching, if we turned up promptly at 9.30 am! She was known for her strictness, but many of us who play today owe her a great deal”.

It seemed a far off dream to have floodlights and a clubhouse way back in 1977. It certainly was an uphill struggle, but one which the various chairmen have faced square on, especially Frank C and his advisers Roger P and Robert B who put in endless hours of research.

Whilst on the committee, I also enjoyed recruiting not only new members for the club, but also members to stand on the committee. My greatest success was Peter B who had just arrived to live in Moulsford and was at a village function. I approached him and asked him if he would be our Treasurer. He was not even a member of the club at the time! But he duly joined and stayed as our excellent treasurer for 5 years, during the very crucial years of the club development.

I was a very diligent and painstaking membership secretary even going as far afield as Malaga in Spain to collect the membership fees from Patrick de la C V, who had recently moved out there! And, of course, I enjoyed a wonderful holiday (Not paid for by Goring Tennis Club, I might add!)

In closing, I would just like to say how marvellous it is to have our own clubhouse, where we can socialise after our games of tennis and enjoy a much needed cup of coffee. When I joined in 1977 this was not possible, but instead we would always arrange to meet at different people's houses and the hostess would put on a delicious spread. No wonder the ladies of Goring Tennis Club are well known for their cakes and cream teas.

I could easily write a book with the memories I have, but I have only been asked to write a short Member's Profile.”

Sue H