Earlier today we said our final farewell to one of the club's members who made a fantastic contribution to the success of the club.

Simon Stokes was a long time member of the club and a friend to so many people over the years. He always had time for everyone and he was the type of guy who always made you feel glad that you had met or played with him that day.  He and his wife Carole devoted many hours in volunteer roles at the club and were extremely generous in making the clubhouse a nicer place to be.

We asked a few other long time members to share their memories of Simon, here is what they said -

"Simon joined the club in the early days of its existence and over the years he became a regular member of the Men’s First Team.
His success on the honours board is a great reflection of his abilities on the court.He was very fit and enthusiastic and with that came a competitive edge that brought success over the years in both league and club competition.
His record speaks for itself but above all we remember him for his many personal qualities.He was always friendly and welcoming to players old and new and his enthusiasm bounced off and encouraged all who met him.
I had the privilege of playing in the league with Simon on many occasions and it was always a great pleasure to play with someone who was so fit and did all the running!
He served on the committee for many years and was Chairman for five years.
The club has lost one of its most valued members and he will be missed by all of us."
Mike Salter

"Simon came to the Club from a successful running career, as any one who played with or against him would know. His fitness and determination enabled him to compete with the best. This was evidenced by his two singles, seven mens doubles and seven mixed doubles (including four in a row with his daughter Emma) Club Championships. Simon supported the Club, not just as a team player, but as both Chairman and Club Captain for a number of years and he was instrumental in initiating our relationship with Cardiff Athletic Club, for which the Club must be eternally grateful, as without their support we would not enjoy the facilities and benefits we now have. Above all he was a gentleman and true sportsman. I cannot recall him ever displaying frustration or losing his temper. He was a joy to have around (despite being a Spurs supporter). He will be sorely missed."

Steve Finch

"It has been such a privilege to have known Simon on and off the court and be counted as one of his many admirers and friends and without a doubt the best doubles partner I and I would imagine anyone who had the pleasure to have played alongside him would have had.He was also a heck of a singles player too.He especially always had time for new and established members,a class act and a great guy.

The best of the best and a massive loss to Carole ,family , friends and Lisvane Tennis Club."

Mike Shipman. (pictured with Simon above)

Away from tennis Simon was a member of the Stokes Decorators family  - here is a report from 2013- https://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/stokes-been-painting-wales-more-2028416

Simon also played walking football representing Wales and was an impressive golfer too!