Chris Tinker belongs on our Roll of Honour for her more than forty years of selfless volunteering and, quite simply, for being an inspiration to countless players. On and off court, she is particularly renowned for her friendly and inclusive approach to tennis.

Chris first came to prominence playing for the army in the early 1980's and has retained her connections there. As recently as 2022 she was a captain and referee at the Indoor and Outdoor Army Championships.

By the mid 1980's she was a qualified tennis coach, a role that would one day help her become Executive Director, British Tennis Coaches Association -  a position she held from 1994-2006. 

Fortunately for SLTC, Chris joined our club as long ago as 1984, quickly becoming a first team player.

How about this as a tennis playing track record?

• SLTC Ladies Captain 80’s, 90’s, 2003 and 2022-24
• Shropshire County Captain from 1985: over 35’s, 40’s, Seniors
• Shropshire County Ladies Captain: over 60’s from 2021

Along with all the tennis playing, Chris somehow found the time to become a valued member of the SLTC Committee, supporting Club Chairman Steve Pearce over several years. 

Testaments to Chris are ubiquitous. Here are a few quotes from fellow club members:

“Since I started playing in 2019, Chris has supported me massively with playing, tactics and rules. She always believed in me asking me to Captain the 4th team in 2023 which meant the world to me”  JM

"Chris is the perfect partner on a tennis court and the best kind of colleague on a committee - strong and forthright when needed but also very thoughtful and kind" JJ