Tony Spurgeon, who was an outstanding representative for Norfolk Tennis over more than six decades - as a player, captain and official - has passed away aged 82. He had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for a number of years.
Norfolk Tennis, and the entire tennis community, offers its condolences to Caroline; his two sons, James and Edward, and all his family. A very modest gentleman, Tony had a terrific sense of fun and enjoyment of the sport, encouraging many players to keep playing and improving.
If you'd like to pay tribute to Tony, offering your memories and funny stories, write to news@norfolktennis.org.
As a player, Tony first represented the Norfolk County Men's Team in 1961 and featured in the 1976, alongside Paul Sussams, Eddie Fox, Robin Lincoln, Richard Oliver, Richard Patrick, Martin Smith and Don Lillistone, in Division 1 of the Summer County Cup at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne.
Tony was captain from 1970-77 and, again, from 1994-2007. In 2004, when he had problems getting a Winter County Cup team, Tony had to play himself or concede a doubles rubber. He won! So his first call-up came in 1961 and he made his last appearance - a record - 43 years later! He was also a custodian of the County records.
Tony was a representative on Tennis East committees in the 1980s, when it was first set up, and a long-time trustee of the Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Club, which was always close to his heart. He was also president of Norfolk Tennis between 2009 and 2011. Four years later, in 2015, Tony was awarded a Meritorious Service Award by Norfolk Lawn Tennis Association [now named Norfolk Tennis].
Watch an Anglia TV feature covering the pre-match warm-up at the 1977 Intercounties Hardcourt Singles Championships in Norwich. Reporter Gerry Harrison interviews Tony and semi-pro footballer, turned tennis player, Paul Sussons. Martin Smith, Eddie Fox, Robin Lincoln, Don Lillinston also feature.
Nicky Crawley, the Norfolk Men's Team captain, pays tribute to Tony.
The word Legend can often be over used but never was it more accurate than in the case of Tony Spurgeon.
I first met Tony in 1999 when, as captain, he selected me for my first Winter County Cup at Taunton. I was 15 and living and training at Sutton, in Surrey, so Tony set off early to travel down to collect me and take me onto Taunton to meet with the rest of the squad. From that car journey onwards, his passion for Norfolk Tennis and the men's county team left an impression on me that I will always remember.
Every year since then the third week in July for County Week and the last weekend in November for Winter County Cup have been in spent in his company. Firstly as captain, until 2007, and from then on as dedicated supporter where he would travel up and down the country, following the team at both events, culminating in him being at County Week last year to watch the team compete at Cromer, his home tennis club.
I shared many a moment with Tony, both under his captaincy and latterly when I’ve been captain discussing team selection, and I always valued his support and advice when I asked for it. I know that every team member loved having him around and his passion for Norfolk Tennis and the County Team has rubbed off on them and will continue to be passed down.
I can still hear him now, as I get ready to return serve, shouting: "Come on, positive, hit".
Rest in peace, Spurge.