February 2022
DFTC 2021 Xmas Party! What a wonderful way to celebrate our DFTC, with our first post restrictions event. With over 50 tickets sold there was a buzz of excitement as time drew near. The Cricket Club had put up a splendid tree and filled the whole clubhouse with decorations, with finishing touches added by Lesley and Wanda. The festive barman was wearing a dashing Xmas suit of red and white, offering help and advice and good cheer throughout the evening. Everyone was very welcoming, the booze flowed, and Wanda and Lesley sold raffle tickets, jokes and laughter were the loudest sounds in the room.
The caterers, Richard and Kerry, invited guests that ‘dinner was served’. The food was exceptional – tasty, authentic, different textures of India. The queue gave people an opportunity to chat to people they hadn’t spoken to earlier, with many returning for seconds and even thirds. The party continued with the raffle draw, votes of thanks, and then the dancing began…. all genres catered for. The party was joyful, like everyone was just so relieved they could have a great night, without Covid restrictions.
Our juniors were able to enjoy a final week of the term with Christmas festivities, fun coaching groups, competitions, prizes, ending with ten pin bowling at the Hollywood Bowl.
DFTC 2021 Xmas Party! What a wonderful way to celebrate our DFTC, with our first post restrictions event. With over 50 tickets sold there was a buzz of excitement as time drew near. The Cricket Club had put up a splendid tree and filled the whole clubhouse with decorations, with finishing touches added by Lesley and Wanda. The festive barman was wearing a dashing Xmas suit of red and white, offering help and advice and good cheer throughout the evening. Everyone was very welcoming, the booze flowed, and Wanda and Lesley sold raffle tickets, jokes and laughter were the loudest sounds in the room.
The caterers, Richard and Kerry, invited guests that ‘dinner was served’. The food was exceptional – tasty, authentic, different textures of India. The queue gave people an opportunity to chat to people they hadn’t spoken to earlier, with many returning for seconds and even thirds. The party continued with the raffle draw, votes of thanks, and then the dancing began…. all genres catered for. The party was joyful, like everyone was just so relieved they could have a great night, without Covid restrictions.
Our juniors were able to enjoy a final week of the term with Christmas festivities, fun coaching groups, competitions, prizes, ending with ten pin bowling at the Hollywood Bowl.
Thoughts from a Tennis Coach
Being a coach at DFTC is a fantastic, fulfilling job with one of the best aspects being that you get to work with players of all ages and abilities from our tots to our over 50’s to our county performance squads. This means that every day is different and exciting. The atmosphere at the club is always very welcoming which allows players from all backgrounds and of all abilities to thrive in a friendly environment.
Another highlight at DFTC is working within a professional and friendly team of coaches who are always incredibly supportive and accommodating. Tennis is a great game and if you are new to the game or have played for years the club has something for everyone. (Josh Wraith level 3 coach). To find out what sessions we offer please visit - www.downendandfrenchay.co.uk
Being a coach at DFTC is a fantastic, fulfilling job with one of the best aspects being that you get to work with players of all ages and abilities from our tots to our over 50’s to our county performance squads. This means that every day is different and exciting. The atmosphere at the club is always very welcoming which allows players from all backgrounds and of all abilities to thrive in a friendly environment.
Another highlight at DFTC is working within a professional and friendly team of coaches who are always incredibly supportive and accommodating. Tennis is a great game and if you are new to the game or have played for years the club has something for everyone. (Josh Wraith level 3 coach). To find out what sessions we offer please visit - www.downendandfrenchay.co.uk
January 2022
End of Year Roll of Honour of the Achievements of Junior Players at DFTC
The youngsters mentioned below (and just a few of whom are shown in the photo opposite) started their tennis careers at Downend & Frenchay Tennis Club. They have learned to play in various age groups and been able to compete in competitions suited to their ability. There are many more who enjoy learning the skills which they can continue using for life.
The following players were selected to represent Avon within Their County Performance Teams: Ben Brown, Dominic Foley, Arthur King, Tom Bewley, Kadie Robinson, Poppy Rickwood, - County Performance Squad, playing both National and Regional Level Competitions.
Kadie was recently selected for the qualifying draw at the Tennis Europe Singles Tournament and qualified for the main draw in the Doubles Tournament.
Jamie Salmon, Maya Glanvill, Sofia Anderson- County Performance Squad, and also playing at Regional Level Competitions.
Florence Butel, Isabella Butel - County Performance Squad.
New for 2021 Avon Tennis Performance introduced a new Under 8 category which the following played were selected for:
James Dick, Thomas Glanvill - County Performance Squad
Comments from parents of juniors:
Poppy Rickwood started playing tennis at DFTC when she was 6 years old. Her potential was spotted by Pete Caseley at an after-school club. We were invited to
DFTC for some tasters and joined soon after. Poppy was a natural, and under the performance coaching of Head Coach, Andy Hutton, Poppy’s tennis has gone from strength the strength - seeing her regularly compete in junior league, regional and national tournaments, as well as play for the county. Now 16 years old, Poppy continues to play to a high standard and very much enjoys her tennis. Enjoyment has always been our no.1 focus - but she still loves to win! It’s fantastic to see her play and we’re so proud of what she has achieved. Go Poppy! (Samantha Rickwood)
Dominic Foley started this tennis journey at the age of 6 and in 2018 he joined DFTC playing orange ball tennis through to yellow ball and been selected to play in numerous league fixtures for his club. Dominic has made great progress through the years, being selected for the U10, U11 and currently in the U14 Boys Avon County Performance
Training Squad. He was also chosen to represent Avon in the 2020 County Cup for the
Avon U11 Boys team. Dominic has enjoyed many successes, with his most memorable being the winner of the U11 Boys Singles Avon County Championships in 2020. He continues to train hard, develop his skills and enjoy his tennis! (Chantel Foley)
Tom & Jack Bewley: My two sons joined Downend and Frenchay tennis club in the spring of 2015. It was clear from the start that there was a positive atmosphere at the club with great coaches. Both boys still attend the club regularly for different reasons, Jack plays tennis in a group session on Tuesday's and has also started playing independently with another club player. Tom like Jack took to tennis well but wanted it to be his main sport so had individual lessons. Pete and Andy have given Tom the best support and coaching over the years which has enabled Tom to captain Avon and then play regional, then move on to Nationals, including the finals Roehampton National tennis centre. I'm sure both my sons will continue to play tennis as adults and get the social and health benefits which you get from a good club. (Nigel Bewley)
Something to think about for the New Year? See also: www.downendandfrenchay.co.uk
End of Year Roll of Honour of the Achievements of Junior Players at DFTC
The youngsters mentioned below (and just a few of whom are shown in the photo opposite) started their tennis careers at Downend & Frenchay Tennis Club. They have learned to play in various age groups and been able to compete in competitions suited to their ability. There are many more who enjoy learning the skills which they can continue using for life.
- Maria Budin - Currently on a Full Scholarship at Rice University in Texas USA, with their Division 1 Team.
- Kiera Gunning - Currently on a partial Scholarship at Averett University USA with their Division 3 team.
- George King - George is currently working hard within the competition circuit achieving great results with the aim of gaining a Tennis Scholarship at a USA University in the near future.
The following players were selected to represent Avon within Their County Performance Teams: Ben Brown, Dominic Foley, Arthur King, Tom Bewley, Kadie Robinson, Poppy Rickwood, - County Performance Squad, playing both National and Regional Level Competitions.
Kadie was recently selected for the qualifying draw at the Tennis Europe Singles Tournament and qualified for the main draw in the Doubles Tournament.
Jamie Salmon, Maya Glanvill, Sofia Anderson- County Performance Squad, and also playing at Regional Level Competitions.
Florence Butel, Isabella Butel - County Performance Squad.
New for 2021 Avon Tennis Performance introduced a new Under 8 category which the following played were selected for:
James Dick, Thomas Glanvill - County Performance Squad
Comments from parents of juniors:
Poppy Rickwood started playing tennis at DFTC when she was 6 years old. Her potential was spotted by Pete Caseley at an after-school club. We were invited to
DFTC for some tasters and joined soon after. Poppy was a natural, and under the performance coaching of Head Coach, Andy Hutton, Poppy’s tennis has gone from strength the strength - seeing her regularly compete in junior league, regional and national tournaments, as well as play for the county. Now 16 years old, Poppy continues to play to a high standard and very much enjoys her tennis. Enjoyment has always been our no.1 focus - but she still loves to win! It’s fantastic to see her play and we’re so proud of what she has achieved. Go Poppy! (Samantha Rickwood)
Dominic Foley started this tennis journey at the age of 6 and in 2018 he joined DFTC playing orange ball tennis through to yellow ball and been selected to play in numerous league fixtures for his club. Dominic has made great progress through the years, being selected for the U10, U11 and currently in the U14 Boys Avon County Performance
Training Squad. He was also chosen to represent Avon in the 2020 County Cup for the
Avon U11 Boys team. Dominic has enjoyed many successes, with his most memorable being the winner of the U11 Boys Singles Avon County Championships in 2020. He continues to train hard, develop his skills and enjoy his tennis! (Chantel Foley)
Tom & Jack Bewley: My two sons joined Downend and Frenchay tennis club in the spring of 2015. It was clear from the start that there was a positive atmosphere at the club with great coaches. Both boys still attend the club regularly for different reasons, Jack plays tennis in a group session on Tuesday's and has also started playing independently with another club player. Tom like Jack took to tennis well but wanted it to be his main sport so had individual lessons. Pete and Andy have given Tom the best support and coaching over the years which has enabled Tom to captain Avon and then play regional, then move on to Nationals, including the finals Roehampton National tennis centre. I'm sure both my sons will continue to play tennis as adults and get the social and health benefits which you get from a good club. (Nigel Bewley)
Something to think about for the New Year? See also: www.downendandfrenchay.co.uk
December 2021
A Coach’s Story
My name is Kirstie and I joined Downend & Frenchay Tennis Club in April of this year (2021). I have been a tennis coach for 8 years, before this I was a Hospital Play Specialist at the Bristol Children’s Hospital, which is a job I loved and was incredibly rewarding. Both of my children got into playing tennis at the ages of 4 and 6 and it soon became a massive part of our family life, it was then that I decided to train to become a tennis coach and found a career that is equally rewarding.
After going into lockdown during the pandemic I decided I wanted to push myself and take on a new challenge, which is how I ended up being part of the well established team of coaches at DFTC. They are a professional and friendly team who have been very supportive to me, making the coaching environment fun and an enjoyable place to be. In fact, everyone I have come across at the club have been accommodating and helpful. I deliver tennis to all ages; tots, juniors and adults. I really enjoy watching people progress in a game that I love to teach. Tennis is for everyone; it’s great to learn new skills, stay fit & healthy, meet new people and give yourself a new challenge which is so fulfilling. The club creates a very positive fun experience for both children & adults where friendships & skills can be developed for life. Something new that has been incredibly successful are our Tennis For Kids (renamed as Youth Start) Courses, put together for children aged between 4-11 years who have never played tennis before or have little experience. Since coming back from lockdown, 104 children have enjoyed this six week fun starter course. We will be continuing these right up until Christmas, these courses are packed full of games and drills to get children active. The tennis sessions are led by an LTA accredited coach. Each player receives, a racket and ball set, and a t-shirt all delivered for just £29.99 (+£4.99 P&P) Activity cards, a lanyard, stickers and a certificate are provided by the tennis coach. Please visit our website for more information. We have really enjoyed welcoming and getting to know so many new players to our tennis club. With the festive season fast approaching we also have our Christmas parties to look forward to. The last week before we break up for the Christmas holidays will be filled with lots of fun, wearing our Christmas jumpers and having the children’s Christmas bowling. Our Adult Christmas party is on Saturday 4th December at the cricket club house.
Tennis is a great game for all generations, if you are new to the game or have played for years the club offers something for everyone. To find out what sessions are available please visit our website: www.downendandfrenchay.co.uk
A Coach’s Story
My name is Kirstie and I joined Downend & Frenchay Tennis Club in April of this year (2021). I have been a tennis coach for 8 years, before this I was a Hospital Play Specialist at the Bristol Children’s Hospital, which is a job I loved and was incredibly rewarding. Both of my children got into playing tennis at the ages of 4 and 6 and it soon became a massive part of our family life, it was then that I decided to train to become a tennis coach and found a career that is equally rewarding.
After going into lockdown during the pandemic I decided I wanted to push myself and take on a new challenge, which is how I ended up being part of the well established team of coaches at DFTC. They are a professional and friendly team who have been very supportive to me, making the coaching environment fun and an enjoyable place to be. In fact, everyone I have come across at the club have been accommodating and helpful. I deliver tennis to all ages; tots, juniors and adults. I really enjoy watching people progress in a game that I love to teach. Tennis is for everyone; it’s great to learn new skills, stay fit & healthy, meet new people and give yourself a new challenge which is so fulfilling. The club creates a very positive fun experience for both children & adults where friendships & skills can be developed for life. Something new that has been incredibly successful are our Tennis For Kids (renamed as Youth Start) Courses, put together for children aged between 4-11 years who have never played tennis before or have little experience. Since coming back from lockdown, 104 children have enjoyed this six week fun starter course. We will be continuing these right up until Christmas, these courses are packed full of games and drills to get children active. The tennis sessions are led by an LTA accredited coach. Each player receives, a racket and ball set, and a t-shirt all delivered for just £29.99 (+£4.99 P&P) Activity cards, a lanyard, stickers and a certificate are provided by the tennis coach. Please visit our website for more information. We have really enjoyed welcoming and getting to know so many new players to our tennis club. With the festive season fast approaching we also have our Christmas parties to look forward to. The last week before we break up for the Christmas holidays will be filled with lots of fun, wearing our Christmas jumpers and having the children’s Christmas bowling. Our Adult Christmas party is on Saturday 4th December at the cricket club house.
Tennis is a great game for all generations, if you are new to the game or have played for years the club offers something for everyone. To find out what sessions are available please visit our website: www.downendandfrenchay.co.uk
November 2021
Tales from the Tennis Court
A member of Downed and Frenchay Tennis Club tells the story of her personal journey onto the courts
October, November, and December are thrilling times for adult tennis. The big dramatic skies over the tennis courts, the sun sets. The cold refreshing breeze on our hot faces. The occasional gust of wind that makes the balls fly as fast as Emma
Raducanu’s best! A delicious time to be outside playing tennis with good people.
I started playing tennis at the Downend and Frenchay Tennis Club in 2019. As an office worker, new to Bristol, in my forties, I was following self-help guides to join a minimum of 2 clubs, to build up my sense of belonging to Frenchay, improve my mental health and get fit. I chose Tennis and singing in a choir. With the global Pandemic, the choir stopped, but Tennis kept going and my enjoyment and love of the sport increased.
In 2019 I was a complete beginner. I’d not played tennis at school. I didn’t go to the gym. My only exercise was walking at the weekends and occasionally dancing at the pub with friends. My ability to catch a ball, let alone hit a ball with a racquet was nonexistent.
I remember when I joined, everyone was very kind, but I was embarrassed by my lack of any natural skill or ability. I discovered other beginners hadn’t played tennis for decades or had only played at school.
It was Chris, the coach, and the laughter and fun from my fellow beginners that made that first hour of tennis fun. It felt like 10 minutes of play - not an hour. Chris is one of the many exceptional coaches at this club. Kind, good humoured and talented. He encourages best practice in everyone. By listening to Chris and the other coaches I can now occasionally win a match at the women’s social evenings!
With home working and flexible hours, I now get to play tennis 5 times per week. Sunday at 6pm is beginners class. Regularly new absolute beginners join the group. Like me when I started, their coordination and ability to stand in the right position, assess speed of ball, hit ball, and get the ball to land in the right place seems impossible. I see their embarrassment and frustration. I know they will ‘get-it’, they just need to stick with these classes.
With determination, time, and practice some beginners now play for DFTC in Avon
League Matches. Many of us long-term ‘beginners’ remain in this class out of habit, but with the evolution of the club, us intermediates may need to move to a different class!
Saturday at 9am I play for 45 minutes in another beginners class. This is a small group of ladies and men. It’s great to start a Saturday with a coaching by Chris. We usually go to Starbucks next door afterwards.
Tuesday at 9am. Women’s tennis. Intermediate level doubles & singles. 1 to 2 hours. Followed by a drink at Starbucks.
Wednesday 6pm or 7pm, 1 hour of Intermediate/advanced Women’s doubles. Fast paced and determined players. Great for releasing work/life pressures.
Friday at 9am. Women’s tennis. 1 to 2 hours. Followed by a full English at Dings Rugby club.
Why You should join DFTC
Whatever level you are at, you will spend so much time concentrating on that little green ball that you won’t have capacity to worry about anything else. Plus, time whizzes by. 1 hour of high intensity exercise playing tennis feels like 15 minutes. Being outside and playing with fun people will make you feel good after you’ve played. That happy feeling can last the whole day and helps with sleeping.
Winter tennis is great. You can feel the autumn and winter moving in with all that fresh air. When you get home, your home feels even more cosy. Playing in the cold makes you feel very awake and alive. Sky is dramatic over the courts.
DFTC is welcoming and inclusive. Active in removing cliques. Where kindness and fun for all are the objectives. You’ll find players that have more, less, and equal skills to your own. There are many more classes than I have mentioned. Some for absolute beginners, some for advanced players. Plus, you can get private lessons.
It can be scary to try something new, but with DFTC, it’s worth it!
I look forward to seeing you soon, Wanda
Tales from the Tennis Court
A member of Downed and Frenchay Tennis Club tells the story of her personal journey onto the courts
October, November, and December are thrilling times for adult tennis. The big dramatic skies over the tennis courts, the sun sets. The cold refreshing breeze on our hot faces. The occasional gust of wind that makes the balls fly as fast as Emma
Raducanu’s best! A delicious time to be outside playing tennis with good people.
I started playing tennis at the Downend and Frenchay Tennis Club in 2019. As an office worker, new to Bristol, in my forties, I was following self-help guides to join a minimum of 2 clubs, to build up my sense of belonging to Frenchay, improve my mental health and get fit. I chose Tennis and singing in a choir. With the global Pandemic, the choir stopped, but Tennis kept going and my enjoyment and love of the sport increased.
In 2019 I was a complete beginner. I’d not played tennis at school. I didn’t go to the gym. My only exercise was walking at the weekends and occasionally dancing at the pub with friends. My ability to catch a ball, let alone hit a ball with a racquet was nonexistent.
I remember when I joined, everyone was very kind, but I was embarrassed by my lack of any natural skill or ability. I discovered other beginners hadn’t played tennis for decades or had only played at school.
It was Chris, the coach, and the laughter and fun from my fellow beginners that made that first hour of tennis fun. It felt like 10 minutes of play - not an hour. Chris is one of the many exceptional coaches at this club. Kind, good humoured and talented. He encourages best practice in everyone. By listening to Chris and the other coaches I can now occasionally win a match at the women’s social evenings!
With home working and flexible hours, I now get to play tennis 5 times per week. Sunday at 6pm is beginners class. Regularly new absolute beginners join the group. Like me when I started, their coordination and ability to stand in the right position, assess speed of ball, hit ball, and get the ball to land in the right place seems impossible. I see their embarrassment and frustration. I know they will ‘get-it’, they just need to stick with these classes.
With determination, time, and practice some beginners now play for DFTC in Avon
League Matches. Many of us long-term ‘beginners’ remain in this class out of habit, but with the evolution of the club, us intermediates may need to move to a different class!
Saturday at 9am I play for 45 minutes in another beginners class. This is a small group of ladies and men. It’s great to start a Saturday with a coaching by Chris. We usually go to Starbucks next door afterwards.
Tuesday at 9am. Women’s tennis. Intermediate level doubles & singles. 1 to 2 hours. Followed by a drink at Starbucks.
Wednesday 6pm or 7pm, 1 hour of Intermediate/advanced Women’s doubles. Fast paced and determined players. Great for releasing work/life pressures.
Friday at 9am. Women’s tennis. 1 to 2 hours. Followed by a full English at Dings Rugby club.
Why You should join DFTC
Whatever level you are at, you will spend so much time concentrating on that little green ball that you won’t have capacity to worry about anything else. Plus, time whizzes by. 1 hour of high intensity exercise playing tennis feels like 15 minutes. Being outside and playing with fun people will make you feel good after you’ve played. That happy feeling can last the whole day and helps with sleeping.
Winter tennis is great. You can feel the autumn and winter moving in with all that fresh air. When you get home, your home feels even more cosy. Playing in the cold makes you feel very awake and alive. Sky is dramatic over the courts.
DFTC is welcoming and inclusive. Active in removing cliques. Where kindness and fun for all are the objectives. You’ll find players that have more, less, and equal skills to your own. There are many more classes than I have mentioned. Some for absolute beginners, some for advanced players. Plus, you can get private lessons.
It can be scary to try something new, but with DFTC, it’s worth it!
I look forward to seeing you soon, Wanda