Carole joined Bridgwater Tennis Club in 1985 and has since been instrumental in the club’s development, having served in numerous committee roles. Appointed as Chair in 2018, she took charge at a challenging time when membership had dwindled to just 73 members. Under her inspirational leadership, the club’s membership has now increased significantly and continues to do so.

Carole has tirelessly worked to obtain crucial funding, enabling the club to re-surface old astro courts that had become unusable. Her effective grant applications recently led to additional funds, now being used to replace two clay courts with new hard courts. She has assembled a strong committee of volunteers and encouraged non-committee members to take on other important roles, helping the club run smoothly.

Just some of her other notable achievements include:

• The reinstatement of the annual Hedley Warren mixed open tournament after a long period of inactivity
• The introduction of a ladies’ doubles open seniors’ tournament supported by Somerset LTA which she has now been running for 5 years
• organising events such as fashion shows, and supported others in hosting quizzesand games evenings
•  facilitating LTA Junior Tour tournaments at the club.

All of the above activities generate additional income for the club.

Carole’s dedication extends beyond Bridgwater Tennis Club, as she has organised and represented the Somerset ladies’ seniors’ teams for many years. Bridgwater Tennis Club is incredibly fortunate to have Carole at the helm. Her dedication to the club is evident in the countless hours she devotes, by far surpassing her actual time spent playing tennis! She is a well-respected figure amongst the Somerset tennis community and fully deserves this recognition.

Many congratulations and very well deserved!