It is with much sadness that I report to the club’s membership the death of club member, Ian Napleton.

Ian died peacefully in the company of his family on 21st March 2024 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ian joined RATC in 2016 after moving to Romsey in retirement.

Ian quickly became very involved with the club, having in his younger days, achieved LTA level 5 coaching accreditation, and having played competitively at County level.

Ian proved to be an able, enthusiastic, and experienced tennis player and coach at RATC.

Prior to the restrictions placed upon club activities by Covid 19,  Ian ran very popular and well attended, twice weekly, member’s evening mix-in sessions, and a monthly mixed doubles American tournament.  Pre-Covid, Ian was also running regular group coaching sessions for adults. His warm and supportive demeanour enabled him to engage with existing, new and prospective members alike.

Ian served 4 years on the club’s committee and, until his vision deteriorated further, also represented the club in local league matches.

During Covid , Ian confined his coaching to a regular following of adult “ improvers”.  The club replaced social mix-ins with MOSs (member organised sessions) during Covid to adhere to the need for all group sessions to be prebooked and limited by number of attendees. Post Covid these MOSs prevailed.

Over the last couple of years, Ian’s health was punctuated by several hospital admissions for a variety of significant problems, even before he received the diagnosis of advanced cancer as recently as February this year.

Despite all his troubles, Ian always maintained a very positive attitude to life; his love of the game of tennis never faltered.  Ian leaves behind many friends who have had the privilege of knowing him through tennis.  

Sue Tippett

Membership Secretary RATC