Highlights of Gary’s Contribution to the Club

• SLTC Member since 1989
• SLTC Committee Member around 20 years
• Men’s Captain for 2 years, 1999-2000
• Membership Secretary for 15 years, 2009-2024
• Fixtures Coordinator of all the teams for 25 years, and still doing this in 2025
• Played in league matches for 25 years until 2020.
• Captained teams for many years
• Coordinator/Organiser for men’s tennis nights, Thursday and Saturday social tennis
• Recruitment and welcoming officer for new members

What motivated you to join the committee, and why is it important to you?

“I love the game, and I love to see all ages and abilities included in playing the game. I’ve played tennis and been a tennis club member across four different counties since I was 14. It brings people together. Moreover, it has a very international feel to it – you can find courts in every country.”

What do you enjoy most about serving on the committee?

“I just like being there and contributing. I learned some skills for life from working on the team and I used my skills from life outside too.”

It’s a lot of work to keep things going and make sure the club still runs, survives and progresses. Many members don’t know what goes on behind the scenes.”

How long have you been a member of the club, and what led you to join?

“I’ve been a member since May 1989. I came to Shrewsbury for a job and as I walked past the grass courts I decided to join the club immediately. It’s what tennis clubs look like in Sussex where I grew up and in other parts of the south-east too. I said to myself, this is the club for me because of the grass courts.”

What are your favourite tennis strokes?

• Pat Rafter’s service action
• Andy Roddick’s serve
• Thomas Enquist’s forehand
• Stan Wawrinka’s backhand

What’s one fun fact about you that other club members might not know?

“I’ve watched a Bundesliga (German Premier League) football match at every Bundesliga stadium in Germany over the past 25 years”

Gary was interviewed by Jan Rakowicz, March 2025