SHANNON TENNIS CLUB

Chronicle (Levin), 11 September 1947, Page 3

SHANNON TENNIS CLUB

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The annual general meeting of the Shannon Tennis Club was well attended by menibers and intending members. There is every indication of the club having a most successful season, as there are a number of younger players taking up the sport. The president, Mr. R. Vinsen, stated that it gave him great pleasure to present the annual report of the club's activities for the 1946-47 season. It was Mr. 'Vinsen's first year as president and he thanked the members for electing him to the club's highest office. When the club opened on November 2 last year, Mr. Vinsen said it was pleasing to see such a large number on the courts, visitors being present from Foxton, Levin, Tokomaru and Plimmerton, as well as a large gathering of local players. Mrs. V. Pope, a life member of the club, was called upon to hit the first ball over the net. As Mrs. Pope is a veteran player of the club, she had no difficulty in making this first service of the season elfective. With the courts declared officially open, the remainder of the day was spent in a "Yankee" tournament, which visitors and local players alike enjoyed. During the afternoon tea break, Mr. Frank Thurston was called fori ward to accept a gift from the members of the club as a mark of appreciation for all he had done during his sixteen years as president, and especially for the able manner in which he had held the club together during the difficult war years. Mr. Thurston's sincere interest in the club was shown by his being present for the opening, having made a special trip from Plimmerton. Continuing his report, Mr. Vinsen stated that it was pleasing to note that the membership had increased considerably. Subscriptions were over double those of the previous year although the expenses were greater. Mr. Vinsen commented very favourably on the financial position of the club, and extended congratulations ^und thanks to Mrs. C. G. Wishart for the very able way in which she had carried out the duties of secretary and treasurer during the season just completed. In outlining the club's playing activities, the president said thati association matches were played during the season and although the team was not always successful, there was no doubt that the members had received considerable experience from these games. Only one friendly match was played during the season, that being with the Tokomaru Club at Tokomaru-. This was most unfortunate, said Mr. Vinsen, as these friendly matches gave those players down the ladder 'an opportunity of gaining experi-' ence and improving their play, as well as meeting players from other clubs. He expressed the hope that the coming season would see more friendly games, if only for that reason. Mr. Vinsen stated that the keeness of members held remarkably well all through the season, and on most evenings a good number of players gathered at the pavilion waiting for a vacant court. In conclusion, Mr. Vinsen extended thanks to all members of the committee for their very able assistance and to those who had so willingly come forward to spend so ■much of their time in helping to

prepare the courts for play. Special thanks were also due to the.public of Shannon and district who had helped to raise funds to assist the club. Mr. Bovis was thanked for his duties as auditor. Election of Officers The election d£ officials for the coming year' Wais theii held and those who will flll positions on the club are as follows:— President: Mr. R. Vinsen (re-elected) ? vice-presi-dents: Messrs. G. Fitzgerald, W. C. Higgie, D. A. Jones-, V. -Pope, J?" P. McNeile and B. Gibbons; club cap'tain: Mr. C. Booker; ladies' captain: Mrs. D. Jones; vice-captains: Mr. A. Peni and Mrs. F. Butcher; handicap committee-: The captains and vice-captains and Mr. H. Pope"; secretary: Miss C. Burke; treasurer: Miss J. Clough; refreshment supervisor: Mrs. Rasmussen; general committee : Messrs. R. Vinsen, C. Booker, H. Moore, J. McDowell, Mesdames D. A. Jones, R. Higgott, C. G. Wishart, A. Peni, Misses C. Burke and J. Clough. It was agreed that a working bee be held on September 21 to make the courts in good condition for the official opening. Gn the motion of Mr. Vinsen it was decided to purchase two drums of top-dressing for the courts and have the pavilion painted. 1 The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.