Dear All,

Today we are one year on from the sad passing of our former Chairman, Stu.

He had been battling illness and multiple setbacks in his last few years, facing them with his usual indominatable spirit and stubborness.

Rock Park Tennis Club owes an immeasurable debt to Stu. He served as Chairman (twice for two separate stints if I remember correctly) and also continuously on the Committee generally for many, many years until being forced to step down a couple of years ago due to his health.

Stu was a man who knew how to get things done and thank goodness he was able to apply this particular attribute during his long service to the Club. Perhaps his most important legacy (amongst countless other contributions) was the fact that, thanks to him, the Club was able to purchase the grounds upon which it's situated and enjoy security after a lot of work and negotiation on Stu's part. We had previously been at risk of losing the club altogether when we were told that our tenancy was to be brought to an abrupt end (another battle won and overseen by former Chairman, Paul Goody). After this was staved off at considerable expense and effort, we realised that this only potentially put off the dreaded day and our tenancy could be terminated after our protected term expired. The reprieve proved to be 'part one' of our survival as a club and prompted Stu to make contact with relevant parties to negotiate the purchase of the land with a view to securing our future. The Club was eventually able to buy the land and put its destiny into its own hands, rather than be at the mercy of a landlord. Stu had been determined to achieve this position and I'm sure if it were not for him, we wouldn't have been able to do so. It is because of his legacy, we have a Club that can decide its own future and not be at the mercy of other forces. Needless to say, Stu would want us all to make the most of that and I'd like to think that he would have felt tremendous satisfaction in seeing what's happened at the club in recent times.

Stu of course made so many other contributions to the Club over the years, serving as a Committee member as well as Chairman. We all remember the fun that was had at the various Quiz Nights Stu hosted and put together with Sue, which of course also raised essential funds for the Club.

Stu hosting one of his legendary RPTC Quiz nights - 4.11.16

On a personal note, Stu was my first Captain at the Club over 20 years ago now and was responsible for 'persuading' me (i.e. strong-arming me in his inimitable way) to play as a regular team member in the league, rather than just keep "messing about as a reserve" as he put it, which I'd been happy to do until that point. I think that most of my team-mates over the years will know how much enjoyment I've had from playing in the leagues, not only in terms of the tennis, but also the camaraderie. It may well be that I would have ended up playing regularly for one of the teams eventually in any case, but I always remember that particular conversation with Stu, when he set me on a path which ultimately led to so many great times and fun, for which I'm eternally grateful. Thanks Stu.

When in his team, I learned of Stu's acutely competitive nature - and this applied whether he was in a league match or a club session! It resulted in many a falling out with opposing Captains and disagreements, sometimes even with fellow team-mates or club members! I remember with huge amusement Stu's genuine bewilderment at how it seemed that every other rival Club Captain he came up against was so brainless. He certainly didn't suffer fools gladly and that was one of the reasons why he was able to achieve as much as he did for the Club. I recall Stu's wife, Sue, telling me a couple of years or so ago that it was his fiercely competitive nature that was responsible for him injuring his hand really quite badly when he was supposed to be recovering from illness and treatment; he was meant to be having a gentle game of badminton (which I think was part of his rehabilitation) but not understanding the concept of playing a game for just 'a bit of fun', he went for an overly-ambtious shot and sent himself flying through some glass furniture. That was just so Stuart!

Sue understandably didn't renew her membership this year,  but it's been so lovely that she's stayed in touch and has been chiming in on the WhatsApp group from time to time. I am comforted by the fact that it's Stu's old number she uses, so it always makes me smile when a message comes through from her. We're thinking of you Sue and we hope that you feel like getting back on the saddle and giving us a game sometime!

Meantime, thanks you for everything Stu - we'll try to do our best to build upon what you did for us.

Andy.

27.10.20

Dave Newman's poem in tribute to Stu is below:-

A year has flown by,

Since we all said goodbye,

To Stu, a rock at the club.

Stu had wanted for years,

To win the Pete Stacey Cup,

When he finally achieved it,

I remember the glow,

Even better when he did two years in a row!

RIP Stu, there will always be a part of you

Playing at or working hard at/for the club.