Orchard Tennis Club of Welwyn Garden City, was delighted to recently hold its 14th Annual Charity Tournament in memory of popular member Stuart West. This year the club’s nominated charity was Hertfordshire Mind Network, which delivers essential mental health support across Hertfordshire from its eight centres and other locations across the county. Each year the organisation helps around 15,000 people experiencing mental ill health. Hertfordshire Mind Network is affiliated to national Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales.
This year a number of members from nearby Dellcott Tennis Club also took part in the event, having been invited to do so whilst their own courts were being resurfaced. It made the day even better, with members from both clubs all mixing in together and contributing to the same cause.
Orchard was pleased to welcome the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Lynn Chesterman, and her husband Consort Councillor Alan Chesterman, along with Deputy Mayor Michal Siewniak and local councillors Frank Marsh, Jean-Paul Skoczylas and Pankit Shah, all of whom came along to support the event. The club also enjoyed the company of Carole Draper from Herts Tennis who also came to give her support.
Despite the very wet and windy conditions on the day, each of the four teams, captained by Stuart’s widow Sue and their children James and Danielle, and by Adam Reid, competed enthusiastically for the Stuart West Trophy in a mixed doubles handicap event arranged by Club President, Dave Wesson. Each team played a total of 14 matches. At the end of the competition, James West’s team proved victorious by the narrowest of margins, winning the tournament by just one game. The refreshment stalls and a barbecue successfully served their dual purpose of sustaining players’ energy and raising money.
Club President Dave Wesson commented “Despite the rainy weather, members of Orchard and Dellcott Tennis Clubs had a very enjoyable day of tennis. We are extremely grateful to the players who took part and to our guests and everyone who came along to support. Their generous donations enabled our Charity Day to raise a club record and very gratefully received sum of £1,000 for Hertfordshire Mind Network”.