1. NEWSletter
Autumn 2012
Wimbledon beat Northern
to be ECB National Inside
Twenty20 winners Page 5
New Hon Sec,
Richard
In a thrilling night fans watching on Sky The success completes what is probably Holliday
TV and at the Edgbaston ground saw the best year in the Wimbledon CC’s
Wimbledon Cricket Club beat Northern 150 year history.
Cricket Club to become winners of the
Page 9
ECB National Twenty20, on 6 September. Neil Turk was man of the match.
He scored 30 and Graham Grace scored London & SE
Wimbledon bowled Northern out for 32. In the semi-finals Wimbledon Squash Club
90 runs in 19 batted and made 91-3 161- 4 beat Cuckney (Nottinghamshire of the year
in 16.2 overs. Premier League) 144 all out by
6 wickets.
Page 11
Best year ever
dedicated to Bill
Page 16
New junior
working team

2. Individual
sessions
Call practitioners for an appointment Bar opening hours
Monday to Saturday from 9am – 11pm
Personal training Dean Hughes, 07956 186373
Sunday 9am – 10pm
Osteopath Tuesday & Thursday afternoons,
Restaurant opening hours
Richard Searle, 07931 542317
Tuesday to Friday 7pm – 10pm
Massage Thursdays & Friday evenings, Saturday & Saturday 12 noon – 9pm
Sunday afternoons: Teresa Stopa, 07881 902688 Sunday 12 noon – 4pm
Closed Mondays
Massage Saturday & Sunday mornings,
Last orders are 10 minutes before closing time.
Travers Barr, 07884 331378
To book a table in the restaurant, 020 8971 8091
Classes
Pilates Krithia Wildfire, 07759 614766 Court booking number
Tuesdays 12 to1.30pm, 7.30pm to 9pm, After noon weekdays and all day weekends
Call to check availability. 020 8971 8099.
Krithia also does individual lessons Cancellation number: as above
or 020 8971 8090 for cancellations on the day only.
Lisa Newsom Davies, 07855 822902
Mondays 9:15am and 8pm Subs due dates
Tuesdays 9:15am and 10:30am February: Fitness suite
Thursdays 10:30am and 1:15pm May: Tennis, Associate, Cricket
September: Squash
Yoga Heather Kemp, 07979 614766
October: Hockey
Wednesdays 10am and 7:30pm
Discounts
Zumba Angela Oliviera, 07900 334 952
Generally 10 per cent is offered to members by:–
Coaching
The Tennis Gallery
Tennis Alex Morris, 07808 224 603
Tennis artefacts and memorabilia, next to
Rod Booth, 07984 492 998
Wimbledon Park Tube at 144 Arthur Road.
Squash Stacey Ross, SRA coach 07811 465073 020 8715 8877
Paul Reilly, 07787 122494
Ahmed Indian restaurant, 2 The Broadway,
Sarah Davis, 07833 668499
SW19,
Cricket Sean Davies, juniors 07766 082496 020 8946 6214
Playball, Angie Dillon, 07919 157748 PWP Sports shop, 258 Wimbledon Park Road,
SW19, 020 8780 3062
Clubhouse
Reception opening hours DeMont Digital Services
Monday to Friday 9am – 5:30pm Certified Help Desk Specialist, 020 8549 9553
Contents
1. Winning cricket 11. Cricket - Crispin Lyden-Cowan
3. News - Richard Holliday 13. Tennis - Mary Preece
5. Obituaries 14. Hockey - Ben Marsden
7. News from the Bar 16. Juniors
8. Squash - Stacey Ross
The Wimbledon Club Newsletter, Autumn 2012
Editor: Jan Comer at Aurora.
Production: thecircus.uk.com The Wimbledon Club
Editorial committee: Andrew Preston, John Williams. Church Road
Printer: Stabur. Wimbledon, London SW19 5AG
Photographs by Sam Lloyd, Johnny Bouchier. Tel: 020 8971 8090 Fax: 020 8971 8095
Thanks to all our contributors. www.thewimbledonclub.co.uk
2

3. News
Hon Sec - the
first few weeks
Richard Holliday, Club honorary secretary
As I think John Major said on becoming Prime Minister, management committee had all stepped up and
“Who would have thought it!” Nobody was more were seeing to it that all the jobs that needed doing
surprised than me at my appointment as Hon Sec and were done.
I am sure that some of my hockey friends are probably
There was, however, a feeling that the Club had become
still in a state of shock!
so much more focused on high sporting achievement
I joined the club 43 years ago and, because my family and success through the appointment of professional
have lived in close proximity, we have all spent a good sports directors on one hand but still relied heavily on
many weekends playing or watching sport at the Club. part-time unpaid honorary officers on the other.
On one occasion our sons, Oliver and David were ball
In the modern world of work finding volunteers with
boys for Gabriella Sabatini and her coach on the
the time to manage on a day to day basis was, it was
grass courts.
thought by my interviewees, going to be harder and
Inevitably, of course, there have been great harder to achieve.
changes at Church Road (on both sides of
It was also clear that the panel felt there
the street) and I have watched as the little
clubhouse in the corner first morphed into
“Who were many administrative and management
areas where improvement was required and
a new clubhouse in the 70s and was then would would indeed need a focused professional
demolished to make way for the grand
building that we now enjoy.
have to identify and implement new systems
As an inevitable result of this long
thought it!” and provide leadership.
To be honest, I was surprised how much time
association my family and I of course
was required of those in honorary positions, how difficult
have a deep affection for the Club and I count
it is to be on top of all the issues that constantly crop up
myself extremely lucky to have been able to play
and have good management contact with all the stake
hockey in such splendid surroundings for so many
holders, all of the time.
years and with so many members who have
become lifelong friends.
So it wasn’t too hard a decision to take when I
New director
was asked if I would stand for election as Hon Sec. Well, you will now know that Clare Wood has been
appointed as Club director and I am sure that she and
SWOT her achievements will feature in future editions of this
My first thought on my appointment was that I should newsletter.
try to understand what the issues were among members
Let me say here how pleased I am that, after an intensive
of the General Committee and staff. So I set about
and comprehensive search and interview process,
asking questions, trying to find out what the general
we have been able to secure the services of such
consensus was regarding Strengths Weaknesses
a highly successful athlete and sports administrator.
Opportunities and Threats.
The Wimbledon Club has developed and thrived in the
I conducted 23 interviews and was able to present my
highly competitive and ever changing world of sport
findings to the Gen Com.
over the years I have been a member and I am sure
It became clear that the general view was that the that the era to come led by Clare will see continued
appointment of a Club director was a most pressing development and sporting success.
requirement.
I am sure we will strive to be the best we can be in
I should point out, I think, that as far as I could tell the all our sports but still maintain, I trust, the friendly,
club was running very well. Members of staff and the family club atmosphere that we all cherish.
3

4. News In Brief
The end of an era
Mary Preece, chairman of Tennis
Lesley Charles Lesley Charles, our Club
coach since 1989, retired
at the end of July this year.
Club gardens, winner of Merton in Bloom’s Best
Commercial Premises in 2011 and nominated in Of course she remains a
2012 – green fingers crossed member, so we will still see
her – but probably not at
the social mix-in sessions!
Bridge success Lesley has given wonderful
service to the Club over
the years, managing to
for Tennis be endlessly positive and
encouraging regardless
of the standard of her pupils. She will be a hard
act to follow.
We are pleased to have Rod Booth back at the Club as
head of adult tennis, responsible for all aspects of our
Add a picture of two adult programme, including:
cards of cards??? • Social tennis sessions on Wednesday evening
6-9pm and Saturday afternoon 2-5pm (full
members only)
• Associates class on Monday evenings 8-9pm
(associate members / self rating 1)
The Tennis section enters a team in the Surrey Tennis
Clubs’ bridge league every year. The league has been • Improvers class on Monday evenings 7-8pm
running for 13 years and this year our team won the (self rating 2-3)
Broadbent Golder Plate, which can be seen in the trophy
Rod will also be organising new member play-ins;
cabinet in the bar, in the knockout competition – our first
running box leagues, a tennis ladder, and the summer
success. The team members were Tony Hughes, Wendy
and winter tournaments. Rod is available for private
Johnson, Gill Martin, Mary Preece and Judy Tomline.
individual and group adult tennis lessons and can be
contacted at:
tennisadultcoach@thewimbledonclub.co.uk
or on his mobile: 07984 492998.
Alex Morris, who will be familiar to most members,
has been promoted to head of junior tennis,
responsible for all aspects of our junior programme.
This includes mini-tennis sessions
four days a week for U8/U9/U10 with junior tennis
academy squads for stand-out players; junior mix-ins
on Friday afternoons; team training sessions
on Saturday mornings and an academy squad for
older juniors on Monday evenings. Our teams compete
in AEGON Team tennis in all age groups throughout
ptures
ervish ca the summer and we are committed
ember Karen D went to ensuring all our juniors have the opportunity to
mittee m ame as it
Te nnis com the O lympic fl reach their full potential. Alex is available for private
raph of
a photog Road in July
. individual and group junior tennis lessons and can
dow n Church be contacted at:
4 tennisjuniorcoach@thewimbledonclub.co.uk
or on his mobile: 07809 434165.

5. News
The new Hon Sec -
Richard Holliday
By Ben Rea
Along with several school friends Richard joined deputy chairman. With determination and zest
Wimbledon Hockey Club fresh from school in 1969. these two almost single-handedly reversed the
And apart from a brief sojourn with Hampstead he Club’s fortunes to such an extent that within
has remained a hockey stalwart ever since then. four seasons the first Xl had been promoted to
Until he became Hon. Sec. at the 2012 AGM, the England Hockey National League, a higher
Richard may not have been too well known outside position than ever before in our illustrious 130
the hockey section, but almost everyone will have years as a hockey club. And of course under Ben
been aware of his lusty tenor voice, often heard in Marsden, appointed by the two Richards as
the bar when singing was the order of the day. director of Hockey, we are now on the brink of
promotion to the premier league of the top 10
In his hockey career Richard has played at almost
clubs in the country. Not surprisingly Richard was
all levels over the years, from first Xl down to
nominated and elected as a Club vice president at
masters (over 40) standard. A bustling centre
this year’s AGM. It was only after his nomination
forward he often upset the opposition during
that he was asked to take on the job of Club
matches, but was always the first ‘to kiss and
secretary. Luckily he agreed to take on this job
make up’ in the bar afterwards. Not everyone
and is now settling in well and coping with all
remembered his name, but no one forgot the
the onerous tasks now required of him.
character.
As well as being a Club man Richard is a
Club’s first England Hockey coach
Wimbledon man having lived with his wife
Richard was the first England Hockey qualified Carolyn and two sons in SW19 for the past 40
coach in the Club and again he has been single years or so, being involved in many local activities,
mindedly dedicated in offering his coaching advice not least as lead tenor with the Wimbledon
and help to both the ladies’ and Junior sections, Light Opera Society.
as well as, of course, all levels in the men’s section.
But it is as a player that most will know him best,
not least for being the Club’s leading goal scorer
in eight separate seasons and for his successful
captaincy at some of the lower levels. As his
playing days became less frequent so he took up
umpiring, not only for the Club but also for Surrey
and latterly for The Southern Counties Umpires
Association.
In 1995 he was elected a hockey Vice President,
but loath to sit on his laurels put his talents
towards sorting out the masters/veteran part of
the Club. So he might have continued, but in the
early 2000s the Club began a disastrous run on
the pitch with relegation seemingly happening at
all levels every year. In conjunction with Richard
Creed and a few others Richard decided that
drastic action had to be taken to prevent the
Club disappearing into the lowest reaches of
hockey. Richard Creed became chairman and
Richard Holliday hon. sec., hon. treasurer and Richard Holliday
5

6. Obituaries
Bill Burton (1928-2012) past president 2008-2011
The sudden death of Bill Wimbledon over some 20 years, his tactical
Burton came as a great shrewdness, strength of character and equanimity
shock to all who knew of temperament held together constantly changing
him. His many friends teams, who in those laisser faire pre-league days
were deprived of often contained a fair proportion of gifted but
a charming and dilettante performers whose commitment fell far
entertaining companion, The Wimbledon Club lost short of his own.
a most loyal and supportive member and cricket and
cricketers everywhere a shrewd and knowledgeable Paradoxically, a bowling action memorably described
devotee of the game. as ‘like an octopus falling out of a tree’ and a batting
technique based on a dour defence and an attack
Bill obviously enjoyed his wartime Malvern schooldays, that relied heavily on a swing of the bat that
even when exiled to Harrow, and in years to come he despatched the bowling, irrespective of where it was
often yearned for a life as a schoolmaster in one of pitched, beyond long leg seemed quite at odds with
the ancient public schools, a position his humanity, the elegance of all his other activities.
sympathetic judgment of character and love of books
would have served him well. However, economic While committees were an anathema, Bill dutifully
factors decreed that after a period in the RAF heavily served his time on wider club matters and he will
involved in the Berlin Airlift he joined Sandemans, be remembered especially for his leadership and
the well-known wine shippers, where his charm guidance during the eventful years of his Presidency
and acuity gained him worldwide respect. 2008 to 2011.
Yet it was for his connections and love of cricket that Summers at Church Road will never be quite the
he will be most remembered. His great strength lay in same without Bill. Our deepest sympathies go
his ability to assess objectively the state of the game to his family and to Mona; it may be some small
and equally the strengths and weaknesses of those consolation to them to know that their loss is
involved, be it friend or foe. As a captain of shared by so many others.
Ron Oliver (1936 - 2012) club bar steward 1984 - 2003
Older members will be following the 1969 typhoon. In 1981, Ron received
saddened to hear that a Commendation for Brave Conduct after averting
Ron Oliver, the former a potential gas explosion at his barracks. His army
club steward, passed career culminated in 1984 on receipt of the British
away on 14 June at the Empire Medal from the Queen.
age of 76 in Spain, to
where he and Carol had Reluctant to leave the unique camaraderie of the
retired. Ron’s career at forces, Ron joined the staff of The Wimbledon Club
the Club spanned almost with some trepidation following his discharge in
19 years (1984 – 2003). 1984. Most of Ron’s jokes and anecdotes cannot be
He exemplified all the attributes of a Wearsider and repeated in a family newsletter; however, Sam Lloyd
an army veteran: loyalty, integrity and an infectious used to hold a fairly comprehensive anthology of
sense of humour, coupled with a robust aversion to Ron’s ‘funnies’.
patronising members and unruly children. Leaving behind an extensive family of children and
Born in Sunderland in 1936, Ron left school at 15 and grandchildren, Ron and Carol decided to embark
spent the next 11 years working three miles under on a new life in Torrevieja in southern Spain, with
the sea at Vane Tempest Colliery in County Durham. Ron operating a taxi service to nearby Alicante
Fearful of contracting silicosis, Ron signed up with the airport and Carol arranging changeovers for
Army Catering Corps in 1962, though we never let holiday accommodation.
him loose on our food counter! As a staff sergeant, We extend to Carol and the family our deepest
his tours of duty included Singapore, Malaysia, sympathy at their sad loss.
Northern Ireland three times, and Bangladesh, where
he was engaged in resettlement and reconstruction
6

7. Remembering
Patsie,first
Lady President
By Ben Rea
I was already a member, albeit of the hockey
club, when the Staniszewskis arrived at Church
Road to join the Club in 1954, so I think I can
claim to have known Patsie longer than most.
She was already a formidable tennis player in her
own right. In those days the tennis section was
a bit stuffy and tended to turn up for a casual
game of social tennis followed by a cup of tea
and then went home. Patsie and Andrej were too
good not to realise that the section needed a bit
of a shaking up, which they duly achieved. All of
a sudden matches were now played and won at
all levels, but of course the social side continued.
When Andrej became Tennis hon secretary and in 1961. But Miss Wade soon moved to Tunbridge
ruffled feathers that needed ruffling, it was Wells and then to international stardom, while
Patsie who was quietly in the background Patsie was able to once again reign supreme as
soothing damaged egos and picking up the the champion of The Wimbledon
pieces with all her charm, tact Tennis Club, which sounded very
and patience. When Andrej “four ladies grand until one remembered the
eventually stood down as
Tennis secretary to be replaced singles titles, six small establishment across the
road, the AELTC, famed for its
by the less abrasive Patsie there
were audible sighs of relief
ladies doubles titles croquet, or so I hear.
from the cricket section who, and five mixed Patsie served as Tennis secretary
rightly, saw an end to the for some 25 years, during
endless arguments about the doubles titles” which time playing membership
merits of club funds being quadrupled. It was her proud
spent on a heavy boast that she knew every one of them,
roller or whether two or four tennis courts which was true.
should be sited on the cricket outfield.
Latterly as her prowess inevitably waned, Patsie
If you look at the many honours boards at the gradually became a very caring Club member.
Club you may well be surprised, but probably She was interested in how all the sections were
not, that the name Staniszewski appears more doing and was often to be found as a spectator
than 100 times. Patsie was no slouch, winning at sports other than her beloved tennis.
four ladies singles titles, six ladies doubles titles
and five mixed doubles titles. In her pomp in the Patsie was the first Lady President of The
early 60s she would have won the ladies’ singles Wimbledon Club, an honour richly deserved and
four years on the trot but for the intervention of that gave her much pleasure. We shall miss her
one Virginia Wade who had the temerity to win smiling friendly face and her words of wisdom.
7

8. News from the bar
By Mandy and Geoff Spicer
The unpredictable weather and the Olympic Tennis We have quite a few functions coming up. Some
over the road is certainly reflected in how much will have been and gone by time the newsletter is
we have seen you all over the spring and summer. published, but they are worth mentioning as they
It wasn’t what you’d call Pimm’s weather really. sound fun. There’s Hockey’s party on 29 September
However, draught Peroni, which we added several with an emergency services theme and live music,
months ago, is proving to be very popular with Midnight Train jazz and blues band on 5 October
Club members and visiting sporting teams. We to entertain us all and World Squash Day on 20
will be expanding our range of bottled lager and October which is being celebrated by an after
ciders soon, so keep your eyes peeled for some new event party at the Club with band Riot.
additions. Our guest bitters continue to cause much
interest, most popular so far has to be Harvey’s
Sussex Bitter.
For your diaries
Hope to see you at:
• Saturday 8 December:
Winter Wonderland Christmas Party and The Quiz Night
Danny Lee Band for all members and their
guests at the Club • Friday 8 February:
• Wednesday 9 January: Please see Club notice boards for further details
and buy tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs panto at
See you in the bar!
the Wimbledon Theatre starring Priscilla Presley
and Warwick Davis
End of season works
By Edward Thom, Chairman Grounds committee
The Grounds Committee (GC) has be scarified, seeded and top dressed. This will
now been running for 21 months, repair and start the preparation works for next
and was formed by the General season. The grass tennis courts will have similar
Committee as a formal sub group following the works starting on the first Monday in October.
extensive works on both the grass tennis courts This work is necessary to ensure that the grass
and on the cricket outfield, also used by the germinates and starts the growing process before
hockey section. The GC is made up of one there is a drop in ground temperature.
representative from tennis, hockey and cricket I am advised that grass does not normally grow when
with support from Brian Gibbons and Paul Brind, the ground temperature drops below 5 degrees.
head groundsman.
The Tennis Dome project is being managed
The remit of the GC is to monitor and to oversee through the Tennis committee, and once
all external facilities, ie those outside of the construction has been handed over post
clubhouse and indoor sports hall. completion, will come within the GC remit.
The key tasks for the next period concern the The GC would like to thank Paul Brind and his
end of season ground works. In the second half team for their sterling work over the summer
of September the cricket square and outfield will coping with an unusual mix of weather.
8

9. Wimbledon Lakeside Squash
London and SE Squash
Club of the year
Stacey Ross, director of Squash
Surrey cup
This 2012/2013 season will see a change in how members did exceptionally well last season to
the top end league is structured. Division one, get promoted, meaning we now have two teams
where our strongest team plays its squash, has, on in Surrey Cup’s division one, a great achievement
a trial basis, been expanded to encompass division no doubt. The aim for this season will be to
2. Our second team consisting of home-grown Club keep both teams in the top division.
Lakeside Men's First team Surrey Cup 2012/13 Division 1R
DAY date OPPONENTS H/A TIME RESULT
W/C 8-Oct Rac 1 a 7.30
Wed 17-Oct West Byfleet 1 h 7.30
W/C 22-Oct Wimbledon R & F 2 a 7.30
Wed 07-Nov Colets 2 h 7.30
W/C 12-Nov Surbiton 1 a 7.30
W/C 19-Nov WEEK OFF
Wed 28-Nov St. George's Hill h 7.30
W/C 03-Dec Surrey Sports Park a 7.30
Wed 12-Dec Christopher's h 7.30
Wed 09-Jan Rac 1 h 7.30
W/C 14-Jan West Byfleet 1 a 7.30
Wed 23-Jan Wimbledon R & F 2 h 7.15
W/C 28-Jan Colets 2 a 7.30
Wed 06-Feb Surbiton 1 h 7.30
W/C 11-Feb WEEK OFF
W/C 25-Feb St. George's Hill a 7.30
Wed 04-Mar Surrey Sports Park 1 h 7.30
W/C 11-Mar Christopher's a 7.30
Team round-up: summer Surrey Cup Lakeside venue for Silver junior event
Lakeside hosts three events a year to outside
Finishing positions
players, two junior events and one adult, all
Lakeside 1: Mid table of which are now well established tournaments
Lakeside 2: 6 out of 8, remaining in the same division on both the junior and senior circuits.
Lakeside 3: Top half
Lakeside 4: Last and face relegation
The culmination of our successful track record in
hosting these events has lead to England Squash
allowing a Silver event to be played out here at
Queen’s cup – good start Lakeside next season. Silver events attract the
Last season was the first year the Lakeside women country’s elite junior players and are the pinnacle
put in a team for the Queen’s Cup inter-club of the junior calendar. This will be a great
league. Matches were played against Hurlingham, showcase for our facility and will make
Queen’s Club, Lambs, Charing Cross and Lakeside the venue for one of the most
Cumberland and captained by Louisa Knight. prestigious tournaments in the UK.
The girls finished middle of the table; a respectable
place for their first year in the league. Good luck
in the season starting off again this October.
9

10. Wimbledon Lakeside Squash
London Squash Camp
England internationals and national coaches
descended on our courts over the summer
to provide training camps for our adults and
juniors. Peter Barker WR 6, Daryl Selby WR 11
and Adrian Grant were among other players
who delivered a master class to many of our
members. The weekend was a mix of squash
and gym-based training that allowed those
who attended to pick the brains of the top
players in the world and get an insight into
their views on the game.
Off-peak court usage
Running 13 teams from five courts and a healthy schools in order to fill this gap. Ricard’s Lodge,
general demand for match play in the evening can St John’s Bosco College, Rutlish, Southfields
put a strain on court availability post 6pm. While Community College and Albemarle Primary
evening time sees us sweating the assets, the off- School are all now making good use of our
peak hours have previously posed a challenge as courts during the day alongside established
to find ways of how to avoid the courts lying idle. Willington School. Other schools are also in
the pipeline as are alternative groups such as
Time has been spent forging links with local U3A, a group of retirees.
Club of the year
England Squash has revived the Club of the
Year award by inviting active clubs with a
good all round programme of squash to
enter. The criteria on which clubs are judged
include the overall coaching programme for
juniors and adults, beginners and team
players, the quality of the club’s facilities and
the provision the club makes for the local
community.
Lakeside was the winner of the London and
South East division and runners up nationally.
This is acknowledgement at the highest level
of the standard the club has set in terms of
the coaches we have delivering squash to our
members, as well as overall programme we At the awards Club chairman David Johnson,
have in place. Julie Quester, Stacey Ross, Sarah Davis
10

11. Wimbledon Cricket Club
Best year ever
dedicated to Bill
Complied by Crispin Lyden-Cowan
Wimbledon CC can rightly claim to have had their best We were profoundly sad to lose one of the Surrey
year ever, winning the top three premier titles and runners Championships’ greatest advocates, and our former
up in the 4XI Premier league. However, to win the President, Bill Burton, in January 2012. We dedicate our
National T20 title, live on Sky Sports at Edgbaston, 2012 success to Bill, who would have been our proudest
representing Surrey, must surely be the greatest of supporter.
accolades that will live long in the memory.
and then simply chasing down the runs needed to win week
after week. It seemed that no matter when a bowler needed
changing we had the quality to keep attacking the opposition
without a let up in performance despite the change of bowler.
Seb Franke-Matthecka took two five wicket hauls in as many
weeks and Tim Monteleone seven wickets at Normandy.
The captain joined in with five at Malden. While the batting
seemed nervy at times, it’s always worth remembering that
all 11 players may bat in a game of cricket and it matters not
how many wickets you lose so long as you win. Other teams
may have felt that they pushed us close, but we found a way
to win, and the confidence you can achieve through getting
through a tight game is infectious. We felt enormous pride as
a side when two opposing captains commented that, ‘we just
couldn’t believe your depth....we thought we were through
First XI: Back Row: Tim Monteleone, Gerry Penford, you but then another quality player came to the crease’.
Andrew Loubser, Darren Hooey, Dylan McNeilage, J Snape
By mid season we were top of the league after a draw at
From Row: Barry Perry (Scorer), James Brown, Graham Grace, home to Guildford and that is where we stayed for the rest of
Neil Turk (c), Ray de Passos, Seb Franke-Matthecka the season. The title would be retained if we won two of our
last five one day games. At Guildford the opposition felt they
First XI had scored enough setting us 270 to win but a skilled run
The aim for the 2012 season was very clear, retain the Premier chase, which included our only ton of the year, put us on the
League title and win the Surrey Twenty20 Cup. Similarly to last brink of the title. We won in no small part to the batting of
season the League Title was won with two games to spare and Turk and Grace who formed a solid base all season that
was a perfect addition to the Twenty20 Trophy that was won allowed the more free spirited players to take risks.
at Sunbury in July.
Eventually the Championship was Wimbledon’s after a
Pre-season was a virtual washout and in the initial 50 over Saturday when all games in the League were abandoned.
matches we won two matches against Camberley and Reigate While it was odd to win the title in the bar, we felt we had
but lost to Banstead. A disjointed league table showed been the best team all year and deservedly took the
Wimbledon playing catch up cricket as other teams completed Championship - finishing the season with good wins against
rain affected games. Against Camberley we chased down 260 Sutton and Normandy at home.
and were indebted to James Brown who throughout the
We amassed fewer points in the league than last year, due to
season played to his maximum potential, winning games for
the rain, but the seasons were quite similar in how we played.
the club in whatever situation was presented to him. A second
The team winning always comes first. Every individual
away win at Reigate was very exciting for the club as they
contributed a match winning performance at some point
couldn’t chase down the 276 runs we set them with
and much were not just what many would consider statistical
disciplined accurate bowling from all the attack.
highlights. The importance of ‘winning one for the team’
Time cricket needs quality bowlers who can perform over goes beyond 50s, 100s and five wicket hauls of an individual.
a sustained period of overs. The team was blessed in this
The only statistic that matters within our dressing room is
department by a quartet of tall fast bowlers who shared
where we are in the league. It is with great honour and
out the new ball and first change roles dependent on what
pleasure that we can say, we are at the top.
opponents we faced or the pitches we found ourselves playing
on. Add in the wicket taking ability of Tim Monteleone and the Our grateful thanks go to Barry Perry, our omnipresent scorer
accuracy of Will Leith and we had control of large parts of and to groundsman Paul Brind who battled all the odds to
matches and a pattern emerged of restricting the opposition produce good strips.
11

12. Wimbledon Cricket Club
Second XI games over five years, assuming his position behind the
stumps with 72 catches and 15 stumpings.
The defence of a league title is always a challenge, none
more so in 2012, with wet weather and soggy outfields Our grateful thanks go to Alex Anderson our scorer and
giving everyone a slow start to the season. our omnipresent umpires.
The early win on the first day of the season, when a lot of
other matches were abandoned, got us off to a good start,
and victories throughout the season, punctuated by some
spectacular losses, such as at Normandy being bowled
ridiculously cheaply, meant we were always in contention.
Our star performers with the bat included Johnno Gordon
(356 runs and our only centurion), James Reynard (355
runs), Joe Lukens (336 runs) and Mark Costin (316 runs).
Our bowlers were dominated by Johnno with 28 wickets
and Gavin Yell (19) and Duncan Howells (15).
Our season was one of team performances, with someone
stepping up to the plate in most matches, inspiring the Second XI: Back Row: Andrew Loubser, Gavin Yell,
team to great catching, sublime fielding and all round Charlie Leonard, Joe Lukens, Alex Hunt, Mark Costin.
magnificent cricket.
Front Row: Faiz Ebrahim, Tom Eaves (c) Dylan McNeilage,
We are sad to see Faiz Ebrahim retire, having played 71 Johnno Gordon, (missing Pete Thompson).
Fourth XI
After a tough start to the season, which included three close
losses and a tie, finishing only four points behind worthy
leaders Dulwich was, while frustrating, an excellent result.
Consistency of availability remained an issue throughout –
we used 14 opening pairs over the season We were
delighted that so many of our younger players have
established their places and look promising for future years.
Inconsistent batting, Amjad Husain and Josh O’Rourke being
notable exceptions, contrasted with a bowling attack that
performed well week after week: Kane Laurence and Ian
Caskie took 60 wickets between them, and both went at
less than 3 an over. A settled batting line-up next season
will be a priority if we are to reclaim the title.
Premier 3rd XI Champions: Back Row: Jonathan Broad
The season’s highlights came mainly in August and
(scorer), Grant Turtle, Paul Warbis, Chris Nolan,
September, by which time a solid side was developing,
James Watson, Tom Linley, David Lewis (Umpire)
which bodes well for next season. Best moments? Amjad
Front Row: Dilshan de Silva, Ali Muirhead, David Wills, batting like it is 1987, before ‘retiring-tired’, Ian Caskie top-
Harry Houlder (c) Grant Kuiler, David Roberts scoring wearing prescription sunglasses, Kane rolling back
the years (to 2010), and not breaking down (more than
Third XI once), and, of course, Sami’s ongoing incomprehension
2012 was an interesting season for Wimbledon Third XI. of London’s transport network.
Over the winter, we were unable to secure a home ground,
and so our home fixtures took place at one of four different Wimbledon Lakeside Fourth XI
venues. The team did not let this affect them however, This year, Wimbledon Lakeside Fourth XI has some 37 players
returning a 100% winning record at home. representing the team during the season, with many a Friday
Throughout the season, our bowlers excelled, regularly spent scraping a side together. After six games, Lakeside was
bowling teams out for under 150. Tom Linley and Kishore rooted to the bottom of the table with a solitary win.
Seshadri share the prize of leading wicket-taker, with 23 This is where the season was transformed. With many young
each, both at under 13 runs apiece, and we had eight players returning from school and university cricket, the side
bowlers take 10 or more wickets. On pitches affected by went unbeaten in the last eight games to finish third.
such a wet summer, the batsmen found the going tougher,
and yet we still had some great performances – David Wills The batting was led by Mark Cairns (148 at 29), Tristram Moody
topped the runs tally in the league with 405, including a (145 at 48) and Jamie Andrews (139 at 70), whose captaincy
hundred and two fifties, and Chris Nolan and Grant Kuiler was a major factor in winning so many games. But it was the
also scored over 300 runs. strength of the bowling that made the difference. Numerous
games were won inside the first 10 overs with the opponent’s
Great appreciation must go out to the core of the team, top order lying in ruins! Ben Roe led the attack with aplomb
consisting of Tom Linley, David Wills, Chris Nolan, James despite his young age and was renowned for devastating
Watson, Grant Kuiler, Grant Turtle and Dilshan De Silva, opening spells. He was supported by Dinesh Thuru (13 at 8.38),
whose regular availability and consistent performances Jamie Andrews (9 at 6.44) and Charan Singh (9 at 9.89).
paved the way for Wimbledon to take the league title,
which was secured on the last day of the season, in front Special thanks must go to Bob Cairns for managing the team,
of around 100 supporters, completing a stunning season ferrying players around, umpiring and frequently having to
for the team. play as a last minute replacement!
12

13. Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club
Warm weather at last
for finals day By Mary Preece, chairman of Tennis
The weather this year has been very disappointing and as a In the Open Tournament the results were:
result the grass courts were opened very late. On the positive
side the three new synthetic clay courts have played extremely Men’s Cameron
bt
Alex 6-3,1-6,
well in the damp conditions and have proved to be very singles Hulett Morris 7-5
popular with most members. The air-dome is now up again Ladies’ Melissa
singles Pine
bt Lisa Pryce 6-2, 6-2
and prices and booking procedures are generally the same as
Alex Morris Travers
last year. The one change is that the session time for the singles Men’s
doubles
& Stephen bt Barr & Cameron 6-1, 7-6
court is now one hour to fit in with coaching times, the price Morris Hulett
has been reduced accordingly. If you have forgotten your Georgie
Ladies’ Debbie-Lou Carey
password or how to use the system, you can get a reminder doubles
MacPhail & bt & Alice Shimmin
6-1, 6-3
by emailing tenniscom@thewimbledonclub.co.uk. Lisa Pryce
Mixed Nicholas Massiere
Travers Barr
Six Americans doubles & Lisa Pryce
bt & Melinda
Massiere
6-1, 6-2
We plan to run six indoor American tournaments in the air- Men’s vet
Martin Cornish bt Duncan Riefler 6-1, 6-4
dome and sports-hall this winter and booking details are on singles
the tennis notice board at the Club. The dates of the Martin
Men’s vet Dan Maynard &
tournaments are:- doubles
Cornish & bt Paul Zoltowski
6-3, 7-5
Duncan Riefler
• Saturday 27 October • Saturday 24 November
Debbie-Lou
• Saturday 26 January • Saturday 16 February Ladies’ vet Denise Gwatkin 3-6, 6-4,
Carey & Penny bt & Alice Shimmin 6-3
• Saturday 16 March • Saturday 13 April singles Wyatt
Mixed vet Duncan Riefler Jonathan Salmon
bt 6-3, 6-2
Tennis finals doubles & Wendy Riefler & Liz Dale
Men’s 55 Graham
Last year we had appalling singles
Alan Tarney bt Gillett
6-1, 6-0
weather and our Club Finals day
Men’s 55 Peter Janzten Steve Evans &
was a complete washout. It was doubles & Jim Whittaker
bt Phil Hazlewood
6-1, 6-1
therefore something of a relief
Men’s 55 Brian Snapes &
to wake up this year to excellent doubles Jim Whittaker
bt W/O
weather – in fact, one of the
best days of the year. It was very
warm with a light breeze – In the Handicap Tournament the results were:-
perfect for all of us who were
watching from the balcony. Men’s
Adam Wood bt Paul Wickman 6-1, 6-4
And we were very well singles
entertained by some good Ladies’ 7-5, 5-7,
singles
Liz Dale bt Liz Touquet
6-4
tennis and exciting matches.
Ladies’ Rona Chester Anna Pankratva
doubles & Alison Sim
bt & Liz Touquet
6-1, 7-6
We held the prize giving in the evening at a buffet BBQ, which
was well attended. As usual, Kim and Dave looked after us very
well and we enjoyed being entertained by a young Jazz singer. Men’s Peter Scull &
doubles Paul Wickman
bt W/O
Teams
Our Men’s and Ladies’ teams have had mixed fortunes in
both the winter and summer leagues but they have generally
retained their positions in the top divisions of the Surrey
leagues. Our Junior boys’ teams have done very well this
summer winning both the Division 1 leagues at 14 and
under and the 12 and under age groups.
Re-surfacing
The Tennis committee has started the process of investigating
the options available and obtaining quotations for resurfacing
the three artificial grass courts next year. As things progress
we will have a small group of members trying out the various
surfaces before we make our final decision. We will keep
you informed as things progress.
13

14. Wimbledon Hockey Club
A great year in all areas
Ben Marsden, director of Hockey
With a record breaking crowned national champions for the second
season for the entire club,the year running.
question is where to start?
The men’s 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s and 6s have all finished
The ladies’ sides have gained in the highest positions in the club’s history
five promotions this season with the ladies’ first with the men’s fourths promoted to join the
team joining the men in the National leagues. thirds in the London league and the current
The ladies’ vets did us proud again and were men’s first team fielding three Olympians.
Ladies
It was great news as the ladies’ first team won the
South League Division 1, gaining promotion to the
National League Conference East. Special congratula-
tions are due for the exceptional work of Sarah Kelleher
(coach), Ann Baker (manager) and Lolly Glossop
(captain). The ladies 1a’s team won the Surrey Premiere
Division, gaining promotion. The ladies 2s came third in
the Surrey Ladies Division 1. While the ladies 2a’s were
relegated from their league, the Ladies 3s (Academy
side) had a superb season winning the Surrey Ladies
Division 3 and gaining promotion to Division 2.
The ladies have enjoyed fantastic success, with
consecutive promotions for the Wimbledon ladies 1s
Men
in the last two seasons, into the National League East The men’s first XI finished third in the East Conference
Conference – a new challenge that will raise our level of of The National League, the highest level ever
hockey and an exciting prospect for the future. The girls achieved by our club. It was a great all round team
have worked very hard and deserve their success. Their performance with notable hat trick performances
example and leadership has filtered through inspiring from Ben Hawes and Simon Lanyon. The award for
success at all levels. Players’ Player of the Season went to Ben Dando.
A special mention must be made for our player of the The men’s second XI also finished in a record spot for
season, Tamsyn ‘The Bullet’ Naylor for her consistently WHC by coming third in the London League Premier
excellent performances, Amy Couture in her first season division. The highlights including a first away win
was our top goal scorer, Abi Fincher-Jones (GK) for against Hampstead and Westminister HC in 10 years,
a stand out season. and the first double against Canterbury. Many thanks
are due to the leadership of Guy Harding and Will
We are extremely fortunate to have Sarah Kelleher, Grant.
former Irish international and captain as our coach.
Men’s third XI finished fourth in London League 1 –
The ladies have also become the driving force behind thank you to Morgan Knight and Jim Sayer.
the Club socials, which is helping WHC to become the
MUST JOIN club. Most improved players were junior protégés
Alex Newman and Robbie Stenning.
National League promotion team
Men’s fourth XI were promoted to join men’s 3s
in London League Division 1, a compliment to the
excellent leadership of Captain Shaun Lazarow
and erstwhile team manager Brian Hanlon.
The men’s 4s have achieved four promotions in
four seasons and were voted Higgins League Team
of the Season.
The 5s have consolidated in the London League
Division 4 and did us proud by finishing fourth
14 in London League Division 6.

15. Wimbledon Hockey Club
Golf day Coaching
Another great The quality of coaches, increasingly from first
success by Nick team players with national honours, continues
Burt saw hockey to improve and drive the growth and success of
players out at our junior members. Particular thanks to Tarek
Hampton GC in Abdullah, Dean Davis (Hems), Ben Dando, Matt
plus twos and Garnham, Jim Sayer, Jared Treadaway, Jonny
brollies Kinder, Brad Sellars and Shaun Lazarow.
(unfortunately).
Umpiring
Nick Burt
We rarely thank
our umpires
enough. We are
seeing a growing
A special thank you awareness by both
must go to Andrew the NPUA and
‘twinnie’ Sortwell SHUA of the great
for his massive strides made by
contribution to the Wimbledon HC in
club. Twinnie does on pitch manners.
a fantastic job We are particularly
organising the grateful to Ruth
fixtures and booking Hampson for her
for the entire section challenging role
which in itself is as umpire liaison.
a part time job. Ruth Hampson
Andrew Sortwell
Olympic year
This has been a wonderful year for the GB
Hockey spectator, with or without a gold
medal; Boris Johnson aptly reminded us
of the role Wimbledon Hockey Club
played in codifying the sport back in the
late 19th Century. The Riverside Stadium
brought together so many enthusiasts,
including 40 WHC members against
Spain, and many others in some thrilling
group matches. The loudest cheers were
for Ben Hawes who showed yet again
what a talent he has been for GB over
three Olympics and several world and
European Championships since 2002.
Ben was recognised with Life Membership
in a splendid evening in his honour at the
Club, attended by players, supporters,
members of the General Committee
and board of the Club. Ben Rea (President) receiving an Olympic shirt from Ben Hawes.
For further information and latest news visit our new website www.wimbledonhockey.com
15

16. Team
New Junior Working Team
A new Junior Working Team is to give a cross be taken to ensure coaching standards are
section view on all aspects relating to junior maintained and that coaches have the required
sport at the Club, Junior coordinator Julie qualifications, including in First Aid, and comply
Quester reports. The remit includes a number with CRB Disclosure, Equal Opportunities, Child
of tasks aimed at helping to develop juniors, Protection and the accreditations for each sport
coaching, qualifications and communications. (Clubmark – Cricket and Tennis, Club First –
Hockey and Club Charter – Squash).
The team is to develop strategies to help the
transition from Playball to junior and then to senior A new Junior sports website is also planned.
sports and is to link junior sports into the structure
If you have any queries relating to any of the above
of seniors sports.
please do not hesitate to contact any member of
There are to be more opportunities for junior the working team. We are here to help you. If we
players to achieve coaching qualifications within do not know the answer directly, we can normally
their chosen sports. As a part of this steps, are to find someone who does know.
Stacey Ross,
Squash director
Sarah Davis Head
Sean Davies,
Junior Squash coach
Angie Dillon, Cricket director Simon Eaves, Junior
Playball Cricket coordinator
Junior Working Team
Tarek Abdulla, Junior
Alex Morris Junior
Hockey, head coach
Tennis head coach
Georgina Headley, Paul Riley,
ladies Hockey senior Tennis
Ben Marsden, Julie Quester, Junior
Hockey director coordinator
16

17. Cricket
The wettest season on
record for the Wimbledon
Junior Cricketers
Playing record: Scheduled 156 Won 75 Lost 23 Abandoned 58
By Simon Eaves, Junior Cricket coordinator
The story of the season - Rain Cricket cancelled – almost 40% of matches
U15s Mid Surrey Cup Winners and League Runners Up U15Bs Fifth in NEC League – combined U15Bs and U14Bs
U14s Mid Surrey League Champions U13s Mid Surrey Cup Winners and U13B League Champions
17

18. Cricket
U12s Mid Surrey 8th and U12B League Runners Up U11s NEC and Mid Surrey Cup Winners, third in League and
Beddington Finalists - U11Bs NEC League Runners Up
U10s NEC League 10th - U10Bs 3rd in NEC League U9s Lots of games cancelled some good wins and semi
finalists in the NEC Tournament
U8s Excellent wins and NEC Tournament Champions U7s on Sunday mornings
U6s playing for the first time on Sundays Juniors at the Oval in August The coaching Team 2012
18
Many thanks to Junior sponsors Robert Holmes & Company

19. Hockey
Bigger than ever
By Tarek Abdulla
The Wimbledon Hockey junior section will be accommodate on Sunday mornings.
the biggest it has ever been this year. October These additional sessions mean that we
2012 will see the start of a Quicksticks session have 70 new juniors signed up to play,
for 4 to 7 year olds, as well as a Friday night aking our total to more than 400.
session for juniors that we are unable to
Girls runners up County players
Our girls U10 played fantastically in the Surrey Once again we have seen an increase in Wimbledon
tournament finishing runners up and progressing players representing their county, with 28 players
to the South round. Showing the great strength turning out for Surrey. Also huge congratulations
and depth in that age group, the girls were able to the following players who were selected to
to finish fourth in the South with a vastly changed attend Junior Regional Performance Centres (JRPCs)
squad, due to the Easter holidays. Only narrow • U18 Helen Clemmow, Alice Moseley,
1-0 losses kept them out of the medals. Rebecca Stormer, Alistair McFarlane,
Bruno Vanderstichele
Boys
• U17 Emma Headley, Kate Sullivan, James Wilmot
Our boys’ squads have been able to test
themselves against teams from a bit further afield, • U16 Kristin Read, Tilly Swan, Jack Waller
with teams coming from Belper as well as Holland • U15 Florrie McParland, Joshua Coniglio,
and Germany. Rory Jones
19

20. Squash
Phenomenal number
of active juniors
Stacey Ross, director of Squash
Fit for squash
We have in excess of 100 juniors who regularly
taking part in the organised Friday and Saturday
sessions and a healthy uptake of new junior
members this September has kept our junior
membership around the 165 level.This number
of active juniors is nothing short of phenomenal
in comparison to the national average and is
testament to the quality of coaches we have
delivering the weekly sessions.
Paul Reilly, Sarah Davis, Doug Revolta and Dominic
Sleeman work hard to keep weekly lessons fresh
and interesting using new and innovative routines,
warm ups and games such as squokey, squicket
and squiing to name a few.
Sadly we will be losing a great coach, Dominic
Sleeman in December. Dominic took on a full
time role at Milbourne Lodge School in Claygate in
September last year. Having juggled for more than
a year his 9 to 5 teaching role Monday to Friday at
the school, working weekends at Lakeside and that
of full time dad, he has very reluctantly been forced
to call it a day at Lakeside after four years. Dom has
been an inspiration to the hundreds of children he
has coached and he will be missed enormously by
the coaching team. We are truly very sorry to be
seeing him go and wish him huge success at
Milbourne Lodge.
Tennis
More juniors playing
at tournament level
Alex Morris, head of Junior Coaching
It has been great to see juniors developing Winners
through the tennis programme and playing We have had great successes with our 14 and
more at tournament level. under boys first team and our 12 and under first
Aegon team. Both won their groups in the Surrey Division
A total of eight teams represented the Club in the 1 league. Congratulations to the players for all their
Summer Aegon Junior Team Tennis. Next year, the commitment and hard work on the practice court.
size of our squads and the great momentum we We are all grateful to all the parents who took on
have should mean that we are able to add even captaining the teams and helping to organise all
more junior and mini teams. the matches.
20