As we approach the end of 2025 and another busy and successful season at Charnwood Tennis Club, Press Officer Andrew Smith and club stalwart Kevin Leck look back on the events of the year.

Andrew asked Kevin a few questions about competitive on-court activities, which Kevin answered and then turned the tables by asking Andrew to report on off-court activities including the social side and club facilities.

Andrew to Kevin…

Q1. Andrew:-  The season started way back last January when we entered three teams in the indoor leagues at Loughborough University. How did this go?

A1. Kevin:-   That seems a long time ago! Our three teams competed very well. The 1st team won four of their six matches against strong opposition, and were just edged out of second place in the top division. The 2nd team also played in division 1, inevitably finding the going tough, but earned a creditable draw with Syston I and finished the season in sixth place. The 3rd team played in division 3, and a couple of good wins saw them finish in third place. Everyone is looking forward to the new season which starts in January.

Q2. Andrew:-  From March onwards, outdoor league action commenced, where we fielded men's, ladies' and vets teams. How successful were these?

A2. Kevin:-   Possibly the real measure of success is the number of teams we fielded, demonstrating how many people were able to enjoy competitive tennis. Charnwood put out the following teams in 2025:

• National League: 2 men's teams, 1 ladies' team.
• Over-60s League: 1 men's team, 2 ladies' teams.
• Over-40s League: 3 men's team, 4 ladies' teams.
• Summer Doubles League: 5 men's teams, 7 ladies' teams and 6 mixed teams.
• Mercury Cup: 1 mixed team (the maximum allowed).
• National League Seniors: 1 men's team, 2 mixed teams.

I make that 35 teams, which is pretty impressive. There is not enough space here to review every achievement, but I will just point out a few of the highlights.

• The men's National League 1st team won Leicestershire's Open Division 1.
• The men's Over-40s 1st team won division 1A to regain its place in the Premier League. 
• The women's Over-40s 2nd team won division 2A.
• The women's 3rd team won summer division 3A.
• The National League Seniors 45/40 mixed team reached the national semi-finals.

In fairness, there were many more excellent performances which did not bring any silverware. This was a very positive season overall.

Q3. Andrew:-  This was followed by the prestigious Club Championships, singles and doubles. What were the highlights of these?

A3. Kevin:-  The men's and ladies' doubles events were all about participation this year, with the introduction of a rule precluding players from the top two teams teaming up. It was great to see so many players on court enjoying friendly competition. The mixed doubles tournament did allow the stronger players to play together if they wished, and produced worthy winners in club Player of the Year Russell Mayes and Club Captain Holly Cheeseman. Both tournaments were well attended and some great tennis was played.

Q4. Andrew:-  Bringing the season to a close is the Winter men's and ladies' doubles league. How is this going?

A4. Kevin:-   Some interesting weather conditions have added to the drama, but, as the season approaches its conclusion, the women's 1st team stand third in the Premier division, and the men's 1st team are third in division 1A. All of the teams have battled hard in a league which always provides an entertaining conclusion to the year's competitive tennis.

Q5. Andrew:-  Have there been any other performances of note?

A5. Kevin:-  I think we have covered all of the teams above, but we should not forget those club members who take part in prestigious competitions outside the local and National leagues. A few examples are (apologies to anyone I've forgotten!):

• Mary Nevill regularly representing the county in her age group and competing successfully in ITF Seniors tournaments.
• Caroline Wilkinson, Isabella Cockrell, Rachael Slaymaker and Claire Elkington representing their respective age-group County teams.
• Rob Leck representing the International Club of Great Britain against their American counterparts, as well as playing for the County in Summer and Winter County Cups.

These players are all great ambassadors for the club.

Q6. Andrew:-     How would you sum up the playing side of the club from the less experienced players up to and including those who play at County level?

A6. Kevin:-  The fact that Charnwood can field so many teams in a variety of competitions is testament to the enthusiasm and positivity that exist in so many areas of the club. New players are encouraged to compete, and there are some very strong players who are superb role models. The playing side of the club is in excellent health.

Kevin to Andrew 

Q1. Kevin:-  You are known as an enthusiastic participant in the club's social tennis sessions. What opportunities are available for those who want to meet other players in this way?

A1. Andrew:-  Yes indeed I really enjoy social play on a Saturday afternoon, I leave the serious matches to better players than me!!  It's a splendid format, brilliantly managed on the day by Russell Mayes, with the emphasis on fun as players change their partners and opponents on a regular basis. There are various other social play sessions throughout the week, both in the daytime and evenings. These are well and enthusiastically attended accommodating players of all levels.  

Q2. Kevin:-   One of the main attractions of Charnwood Tennis Club is its high quality court surfaces. What work is being done to maintain this advantage?

A2. Andrew:-  Absolutely!! We have eight courts, four savannah, three clay and one hard court, so players can gain experience and skills from playing different courts. We have experienced some ponding issues following recent heavy rain, but the Committee is working incredibly hard with various agencies to resolve this.

Q3. Kevin:-  Eagle-eyed visitors will have noticed some improvements to the clubhouse. What can you tell us about these?

A3. Andrew:-  The Club has installed seating and worktops inside the club house so members can watch the tennis from the comfort of a warm environment. These have been done by members of the club and look incredible and are a fantastic facility. This was part funded by an extremely generous donation from club legend John Newton who sadly passed away in June.

John was an active member of the Club for many years and an incredibly talented player who held his own well into his 80s, he loved the Club and is much missed by all members who encountered him. This is particularly pertinent for me as John was a great friend to me both on and off the courts. He was incredibly generous with his time and was even brave enough to try coaching me!

I am really pleased that the club recently established a “Lifetime Achievement Award”, recognising long term commitment to the Club. Posthumously, John was one of the first two winners of this award. The other was Caroline Wilkinson who has been amazing for us and is currently the Head of Adult Coaching.

Q4. Kevin:-  What social activities are organised for club members which do not take place on a tennis court?

A4. Andrew:-   Charnwood Tennis Club places great value and importance on its excellent social scene where camaraderie and long term friendships are forged. These include quiz nights and also an annual Christmas Walk for folks of all ages.  It's great that there are many families in the club with parents introducing the next generation to the sport and the club.

Players within the club also enjoy a tremendous social scene. In December, various groups within the club celebrated successful years by enjoying Christmas Dinners!!

Q5. Kevin:-  How does the club interact with the local community?

A5. Andrew:-  This is an extremely important issue for both the Committee and the wider club. At our Club Championships we ran raffles and other fundraising events raising just shy of £300 for the local charity, Rainbows.

In March we held our annual women's charity tournament in aid of The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and raised a fabulous sum of £985.

In May we hosted our annual Open Day, with coaching on offer for potential members. This was well attended, and a number of people joined the club as a result.

Barcelona’s Football Club's moto is “Més que un Club” and I firmly believe that this is the same with us!!