Our guest of honour on Thursday 19 March at 10.30 will be Shirley Critchley, local tennis player, former No.4 veteran player in the world, who has had an incredible career in tennis as well as participating in some great adventures around the planet.
She will be giving an illustrated talk on the history of Wimbledon. Her grandfather was a member of Wimbledon in 1877 and her mother was a Wimbledon player.
She has had a celebrated career on court playing for Dorset and in the Millennium Vets tournament at Wimbledon she won the Ladies doubles in her age group.
Outside of tennis Shirley joined the Scientific Exploration Society having heard a lecture by the famous explorer, John Blashford-Snell. Thereafter followed trips to Nepal on a conservation quest, Southern India, Bangladesh, and then to South America as their Community Aid Officer. She has also given lectures on fifteen cruise ships including the QE2.
Shirley will be giving a fascinating illustrated talk about the history of Wimbledon followed by a Q&A session.
To secure a ticket for what should be a very popular event, please sign up at the clubhouse cafe, Sam at Sea Events, or email David Lloyd david@lloydy.net.
The cost is £10 per person to include coffee / tea and a cake with all profits going to "Bright Ideas For Tennis", a brilliant charity which uses funds to raise vital awareness for disability tennis including wheelchair, blind, deaf, and players with learning difficulties. Because of the funds we are raising, the Charity, Bright Ideas For Tennis, will bring several Pro players to run open days at a club(s) in Dorset.
And finally, at a sprightly 93 years old, Shirley still plays tennis regularly for fun, a fantastic role model and inspiration to us all !