ABOUT

Cheshire Tennis has a remarkable history, evolving with the times to meet the growing demands of tennis in the county. The first Association meeting took place at 20 South John Street, Liverpool, on 21 March 1895, with Mr. J. W. Hodgson as Chairman. He explained that an Inter County Competition was being formed and that Cheshire should participate. Shortly afterward, Colonel Dixon was elected the first President, as the Duke of Westminster had declined the invitation.

Twelve clubs were founder members, including Bowdon, Cheadle, Knutsford, Oxton, and Prenton – all of which remain successful clubs today. By the 1920s, Grass and Hard Court County Championships, along with league matches, had been established. Junior competitions were also starting, with typical entry fees being 2.5d (about 1p).

Famous players from Cheshire include Fred Perry from Stockport, a three-time Wimbledon Singles Champion (1934-36), and Lottie Dod from Rock Ferry, a five-time Wimbledon Singles Champion (1887-92).

As of 2024, the County continues its development by becoming incorporated as Cheshire County LTA Ltd, trading as Cheshire Tennis. The new company is run by dedicated volunteers who form a Board of Directors, an Operating Committee, and several working committees focused on supporting and promoting key areas of the sport in Cheshire.

BARBARA BLOOR

Barbara is a long-standing member of Heswall LTC and her love of tennis encompasses both playing and working to promote the sport. Barbara is Chair of the Club Liaison Committee, leading a team of volunteers, which supports Cheshire registered clubs, offering help where needed and encouraging the sharing of good practice. “As a player I have represented Cheshire for over 30 years and love visiting clubs and talking to people involved in tennis.”

MARK BUNDY

A primary school teacher, the County Safeguarding Officer and member of Alsager LTC. “I’ve been married since 1991 to my wife Liz and with one grown-up son who has fled the nest, saving me a small fortune which of course is enabling me to play even more of the game I love - tennis. Having only started playing tennis from the age of 50, I might be considered as being a late starter! I try to pass on my passion and belief of trying your best and not giving up at anything you do, no matter how old you are.”

OLLIE DANBY

Ollie has recently joined as Website Administrator. “My role is to communicate the great job that this county does in promoting tennis. From diversity and inclusion to padel tennis to top-rated competition, it’s my job to shout about it. I love my job because I love tennis! I’ve been playing since I was around ten years old.”

HOWELL DAVIES

Howell has been involved with Cheshire Tennis since 2017, focusing on the governance of the county association, now a Limited Company. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by a team with diverse talents. It makes us great.” Howell also chairs the East Cheshire Winter Tennis League, is Treasurer & Tournament Director of Hale Village LTC, and chairs the Cheshire Veterans Football League. Married with three children and two grandchildren, Howell is an Everton season ticket holder and plays in the Withington Quiz League. “I’m better at quizzes than tennis!”

CHESHIRE TENNIS STRUCTURE

VIEW HERE

JOHN DOE

John represents Cheshire on the LTA Council where the professional staff of the LTA, including the CEO Scott Lloyd and the volunteer community, including the LTA President Sandi Procter, work together to develop tennis. John is leading a team of volunteers and LTA staff who are promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as part of the plan to secure the future of tennis under the strapline of “Tennis Opened Up”. John is President of Congleton Tennis Club and has been a referee running local and county tournaments.

JOHN HILTON

A keen tennis player who has played at both county and international level for GB. John is currently Chair of the Competitions & Tournaments Committee which is responsible for organising and running County Championship tournaments, inter-club Cheshire Shield competitions, Champions League events and Play Your Way to Wimbledon as well as overseeing all of the Women’s and Men’s County teams. John also chairs the Junior Performance Committee which monitors and supports the development of Cheshire’s most promising junior players from 7U to 18U.

ROGER HUGHES

Roger joined Heswall LTC in 1963 and served variously as Treasurer and Chair. In 1992 he joined the County Committee as Treasurer and after breaks to take on the Presidency and also to serve as Cheshire’s LTA Councillor, Roger is currently back as Financial Director. “I have never graduated beyond club standard, but I remain passionate about tennis and continue to play 2 or 3 times a week”.

JAYNE HUXLEY-GRANTHAM

Jayne played club tennis for most of her life and held a number of roles on committee at club level. Jayne is the EDI lead for the County and Chair of the EDI committee. Having a special interest in adaptive tennis, she is also an LTA Open Court Lead for Cheshire. “I still play tennis and am on the Cheshire over 60 squad. Weather permitting, my other passion is golf - which in theory is meant to be a relaxing sport!”

LIZ SWEETING

A member at Bramhall Lane LTC for over 40 years and currently the President of Cheshire Tennis, having previously held the roles of LTA Councillor. Liz is a member of the Competitions and Tournaments and the Junior Performance Committees. “Seeing the juniors progress and improve through the ages up to adulthood, still be playing tennis and enjoying the experience is what I enjoy most, especially when they’ve been helped by some of the opportunities we at Cheshire Tennis have offered them.”

SIMON THORNEWILL

Our Junior County Performance Co-ordinator for 4 years, Simon has been key to the successful development of the monthly and weekly County Training sessions for all junior age groups. Another part of his role is to work with some of the best players in the North West, including coaching some Cheshire juniors who have played at international level and have represented Great Britain. He’s a busy man!

MATT WEBB

Chair of Cheshire Tennis and also a member of Oxton LTC since 2000. In 2006, he became a member of the Wirral Tennis League Committee, taking on the role of Chair in 2015, giving Matt a good understanding of how clubs and leagues interact both locally and at county level. “My main role as Chair of Cheshire Tennis is to ensure the effectiveness of the Operating Committee in representing the best interest of our Cheshire clubs to deliver our shared goal of “opening up” tennis for all. I liaise with the LTA and other Chairs across the North West and nationally to achieve this.”

LYNNE WHITFORD

Lynne has been with Cheshire Tennis for 14 years and is still awful at playing tennis! As the main contact, Lynne tries to help with all sorts of queries to make things easier for people to enjoy tennis in the county. As a long-suffering Wrexham season ticket holder, she is finally enjoying their success!

ANNE WALKER

Anne has worked in hospitality for many years and is Chair of the Wimbledon committee for Cheshire Tennis as well as a member of David Lloyd Cheshire Oaks. She works tirelessly with new and existing partners (especially during Wimbledon) to promote the sport in Cheshire and maximize sponsorship opportunities.

ANTHONY WILDING

Anthony is a well-known face for anyone who has played tennis in the county! Having been involved in tennis for many years, he is now Chair of Hoole LTC. Active at County level on the Cheshire Tennis Operations Committee, Competitions and Tournaments, Club Liaison and Fundraising Committees with special duties of organising our spectacular Annual Presentation Evening. Chairman of the Cheshire County LTA Youth Trust (charity).

CLIVE YOUNG

Clive has been involved in tennis since playing county junior tennis in Hampshire in the 1970s. On moving to Cheshire over 25 years ago, he became involved in the development of Congleton LTC and has now moved to Alsager LTC. Clive sits on the Cheshire Tennis Operations Committee and is County Lead for Padel. “Little known fact – I played semi-professional table tennis in Germany in the 80s in Bundesliga.”