Tennis News From London • 10sBalls Reports On The Lawn Tennis Writers Holiday Luncheon At Wimbledon’s Debenture Club

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

 

 

The Lawn Tennis Writers’ Annual Awards lunch

 

The annual (British) Lawn Tennis Writer’s Association awards lunch was back at its old stomping ground at the All England Club after a year’s hiatus.

 

The Centre Court Debenture Lounge went through a major refurbishment programme last year and proved the perfect setting for the world of tennis to congregate and enjoy in what has now become an increasingly popular traditional pre-Christmas tennis lunch at the All England Club.

 

Besides tennis journalists from various national newspapers and tennis publications, broadcasters from Sky, BT and the BBC were also there in force as were representatives from several tennis associations including the LTA, ITF, WTA, ATP, AELTC and Queen’s Club.

 

The lunch kicked off with a mid-day drinks reception for 170 guests and once guests were seated, which took a bit of time as so many from the tennis family were happier chatting to old friends and acquaintances, LTWA’s chairman Barry Flatman (Sunday Times) delivered his welcome speech and before the main course was served the two main awards were presented to recipients.

 

Kyle Edmund was nominated for this year’s Service to Tennis Award but sadly was unable attend. Instead, his award was picked by his manager Jo Cohan.

 

The worthy winner of the LTWA’s International Award went to Paul Hutchins for his long involvement with tennis coaching and captaining the Davis Cup. Before the presentation a short video clip was shown on the TV screens around the room showing many of Paul’s past achievements. Despite being diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease last year, Paul was determined to receive his Award even though he is now confined to a wheelchair. With the help of his son Ross, who was a great player and now works for the ATP, he delivered an inspiring speech that brought a tear to many eyes.

 

As always the lunch’s highlight is the charity auction and raffle hosted again by the inimitable Marcus Buckland, Sky TV’s tennis presenter who was this year assisted by the noted singer Elaine Paige, famous for her amazing performance in Cats. Between them they created an incredible comedy duo leaving many guests in fits of laughter. Amongst the many prizes donated to the Motor Neuron charity were several from 10sballs that included three Julie Heldman signed books, Driven, A Daughter’s Odyssey. All prizes were well received, and even the many 10sBalls pens placed on tables quickly disappeared. In all we raised nearly £4,000 for Motor Neuron Disease.

 

Editor’s Note: This is our 4th or 5th year supplying our pens as well as raffle or silent auction items. In the past Gussy Moran knickers. The camaraderie and LOVE of the sport of tennis fills the grounds with that room full of people. We will make it next year for sure. Thank you K.T. Kim of SOLINCO sports for your package of various ️️STRINGS and overgrips was well received. (LJ)