Marlborough Tennis received national recognition and credit last night (Thursday, April 24) when it was named ‘Club of the Year’ at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) awards ceremony held at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. But Marlborough won not one, but two trophies. Hilda Moore received the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award. HRH the Duchess of Gloucester, Honorary President of the LTA, presided over the evening and complimented the finalists and volunteers for ‘their zeal, talent, and enormous inspiration to British Tennis’. Scott Lloyd, Chief Executive of the LTA, recognized that grassroots tennis was critical to success. He stated that the United Kingdom is now the leading country in terms of tennis players per capita. Sue Barker CBE, a former TV presenter and professional tennis player ,was effusive in her praise for everyone attending, describing everyone as a winner.

Marlborough Tennis received one of 300 nominations for the ‘LTA Club of the Year’ award, beating out four other clubs. There are over 3500 clubs nationwide. Four of these originated from Wiltshire. Laura Robson, a former British No.1 and Olympic silver medalist who is now the Tournament Director for the women’s WTA 500 event at Queens Club in London for the first time in over 50 years, cited the investment in the new clubhouse, as well as the strong emphasis on participation and activities, as important strengths.

Andrew Payne, Chair of Marlborough Tennis, stated, “We were just astounded to receive not just one, but two National Awards, which is tremendous recognition for our town and community. The place is literally throbbing with enthusiasm. Thank you to everyone who has supported the club throughout the years by volunteering, as well as the community and commercial assistance that has been so readily given.” Marlborough Tennis is a Charitable Incorporated Tennis Club with six courts and is entirely volunteer-run. It is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty adjacent to the Golf Club. With 327 members of all ages, the club has had substantial development and engagement in a variety of tennis events. The club is also hosting a ‘Bright Ideas for Tennis’ event this Sunday between 10-3pm. This is a charity fundraiser for disadvantaged youth tennis and will feature two top British professional tennis players.