National Volunteers’ Week (Monday 2nd – Sunday 8th June) is a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to the volunteers who give so much of their time, energy, and heart to their communities. At Swanmore Lawn Tennis Club, where the spirit of volunteering runs through everything we do, we are proud to shine a spotlight on three of our incredible members.

As part of Hampshire & IOW Tennis’s annual Unsung Heroes scheme for National Volunteers’ Week, we are delighted to nominate Jane Crawshaw, Jane Goodwin, and Sally Walker — each of whom has gone above and beyond to support the club and its members.

The HIOWT scheme offers clubs the chance to nominate up to three exceptional volunteers, who will each receive a digital thank you card and a £10 Costa voucher in recognition of their efforts. With permission, their stories also feature on the Hampshire & IOW Tennis website as part of a wider celebration of grassroots volunteering across the region.

Here are the stories behind our 2025 nominees:

Jane Crawshaw: Bringing Colour and Care to the Club

Jane Crawshaw has reimagined the entrance to our clubhouse, turning a once-tired flower bed into a flourishing display of colour and life. Her ever-changing seasonal pots are a testament to her creativity and dedication, creating a warm and welcoming space that lifts everyone’s spirits.

In a volunteer-run club, small touches like Jane’s make a big impact — helping to create a club we can all take pride in.

Jane Goodwin: A Steady Hand and a Welcoming Heart

When the club faced a challenging time following the loss of much-loved member Bash Kara, Jane Goodwin stepped forward with compassion and commitment. She kept our regular mix-in sessions running, offering an inclusive, friendly environment that brought people back together.

Jane also supports junior coaching, where her encouragement — especially of young girls — helps build confidence and enthusiasm for the game.

Sally Walker: The Unsung Hero Behind the Scenes

From clearing moss and algae from the courts to power-washing the patio and managing our lost property system, Sally Walker is the quiet force that keeps the club clean, safe, and well-organised. She even donates unclaimed items to charity, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Sally also regularly supports coaching and mix-in sessions, stepping in wherever needed with no fuss — just dedication and care.

Celebrating the Spirit of Volunteering
These three nominees are shining examples of what makes Swanmore Lawn Tennis Club special. They embody the values of community, care, and commitment — and their contributions, big and small, remind us how vital volunteers are to the life of our club.

We are grateful to Hampshire & IOW Tennis for running the Unsung Heroes scheme and for recognising the everyday champions who help tennis communities thrive.

This National Volunteers’ Week, we say thank you — to Jane, Jane, Sally, and to volunteers everywhere.

To read about other nominations please visit the Hampshire & IOW website - Hampshire & IOW National Volunteers Week 2025