Louise Willgrass Memorial Charity Tournament Report

The 18th annual Louise Willgrass Memorial Charity Tennis Tournament sponsored by Grace Wellbeing - https://www.gracewellbeing.co.uk -

was held at East Anglia Tennis & Squash Club, Norwich, on Wednesday 4th October 2023. Organiser Diane Bush welcomed Derek Perry back to the referee’s chair after an absence of some months due to illness.

The day was warm for the time of year, a balmy 20 degrees in variable sunshine with a little breeze. Sixteen pairs of ladies from all over Norfolk & Suffolk descended on Lime Tree Road to take part. The format was four rounds of tennis in a “Compass” draw whereby winners went into the “forward” draw and first round losers into the “backward” draw ensuring everyone had four matches of 11 games each and played all morning. Thus, the tennis portion of the day was finished by 1pm, ready for lunch, presentations and the ever-popular raffle.

The winners of the forward draw were Beverley Barber & Sarah-Jane Bullock (Beccles) who beat Kate Smith (Beccles) & Alison Gilmour (Cringleford).

The winners of the backward draw were Alison Dhrampal & Didi Briggs who beat Susie Fletcher & Fiona Marshall – an all-EATSC encounter.

All eight winners received a beautiful orchid (Louise’s favourite) supplied by Libby Peryar at Niche Flowers - https://www.nicheflowers.com – who also sponsors the EATSC May charity tournament.

Thanks go to manager Alasdair Peat & EATSC for use of courts and Sharon Watts for a delicious lunch.

The raffle raised £425 for Tennis-Able - https://www.tennisable.co.uk – ensuring that they can continue to offer disabled and disadvantaged people a chance to play tennis.

PHOTO ATTACHED SHOWING BACK L-R: Alison Gilmour, Derek Perry, Kate Smith, Alison Dhrampal, Fiona Marshall, Susie Fletcher. FRONT L-R: Sarah-Jane Bullock, Beverley Barber.