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Ten Pin Bowling Night Friday 12th February 2010 |
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Flitwick & Ampthill LTC Social Evening
Come and have some fun!! |
BOWLING NIGHT
at City Limits
XSCAPE, Milton Keynes
£10 per person (for 2 games & shoe hire) payable on the night
then afterwards at Ask Italian Restaurant in XSCAPE (to pay on night) |
Provisional time 7.30 pm
(subject to lane availability and numbers) All members and their guests welcome
If you would like to be included, please contact Jo Lewis
no later than 29 January 2010 please!
joanneetlewis@ntlworld.com
or on 07737 118839
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Flitwick and Ampthill Tennis Club will again be entering The Road To Wimbledon Competition which is open to all junior club members
(Girls and Boys) born 1996 or later. There will be a separate competition for Girls & Boys of all standards. If any
junior would like to take part in this competition please put your name down on the list provided on the clubhouse door.
The closing date for juniors to put their name forward will be 26th February 2010.
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Matches will be arranged shortly after that and individual players will be responsible for arranging their own matches
with a closing date notified on the Notice Board. The winner and runner up of the club final will be
invited to play in the County finals between 5th June & 18th July 2010. If you require any further
information please contact Terry Mabbitt, Head Coach on 07801 665656 or 01525 406695 (Topspin Racquets Shop). |
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Chinese Meal (Social) Friday 22nd January 2010 |
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36 members and guests enjoyed a massive and very enjoyable banquet of fine Chinese cuisine at Felicity’s Chinese Restaurant in Flitwick.
During the course of the evening diners were tested with one of Derek's music quizzes, with a twist. Guess the length of well known songs in minutes and
seconds and provide a total playing time. The winners providing the closest guess were Annie's team.
Meantime the Tsingtao beers were going down well and Tim was left wondering why the soup tasted so bland (a.k.a. the finger bowl). |
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2009 Presentation Evening and Xmas Disco |
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41 members, their families and friends attended the 2009 Presentation Evening and Xmas Disco which was held for the first time at The
Star & Garter PH, Silsoe. Don Brennan presented the prizes to the club tournament winners, runners-up and also the League Trophies for the season.
Well done to everyone else for supporting
this annual event and making it a successful evening.
Photos courtesy of Robert Smith. Move cursor over smaller images to enlarge. |
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 In November 2009
Terry Mabbitt kindly organised fund raising at the Flitwick & Ampthill Tennis Club for this charity event. Club members undertook sponsored rallies and raised approximately £200.
Well done to the following members who took part: Karen Ncube, George Skinner, Thomas Skinner, Ryan Bluffield, James Wilson, James Mackey, James Hunt, William Folker, Alice
Breed and Andy Breed. And thankyou to everyone who sponsored them. |
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Social Events for 2010 |
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During last year more Flitwick & Ampthill Tennis Club social events were held than ever before, and we
hope you were able to attend at least one of them. From Barbecue Tennis Tournaments to Quiz Nights, we tried to bring you some different entertainments that we hadn’t tried before. However it’s true to say that whilst
these events were successful, attendance might have been better if members had been given more notice so that they could plan the event in their diary.
Therefore we’re detailing below a list of activities/events that we intend
to hold this year so that you can pick which ones you’d like to attend - perhaps all of them! Some events are still in the planning stage, and venues and precise dates are yet to be fixed. Keep your eyes on the club
website and notice board for the final details. Each event will be publicised separately nearer the date.
We hope that you will be able to attend some – or all of these events. Other than the holiday months of July and August, there is an event that you can participate in every
month. Everyone is welcome – new and existing members. My thanks to Annie Kippax, Jo Lewis and Derek Hicks for their assistance in preparing this and their commitment to assist me this year. If you have any
suggestions about different events we could undertake in the future please let me know. Martin Howell Social Secretary
mg.howell@btinternet.com |
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Fri 12 Feb |
Tenpin Bowling |
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Fri 26 Mar |
Curry Night |
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Sat 10 Apr |
Opening Day Tournament @ the Club |
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Sat 24 Apr |
Wine Tasting / Quiz evening |
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Sun 2 May |
Ena Davies Open Mixed Tournament @ the Club |
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Fri 14 May |
Race Night @ Parkside Village Hall, Ampthill |
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Sat 5 Jun |
Play Tennis Day 1 (part of National Family Week) |
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Sat 19 Jun |
Play Tennis Day 2 followed by American Tournament & BBQ |
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July & Aug |
No events |
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Sat 11_Sept |
Finals Day & Evening BBQ |
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Sat 12_Sept |
Reserve Date for Finals Day |
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Sat 29_Oct |
4th Quiz Night |
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Sun 14_Nov |
Jane Saville Tournament @ Club |
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Sat 27_Nov |
Christmas Presentation Dinner & Disco |
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100 Club |
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THE
100 CLUB |
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100 Club |
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Winners of the
100 Club
November draw are ...
1st Prize
£25 no 69 Liz Mead
2nd Prize £10 no 51 James Jamieson
3rd Prize £5 no 26 Nick Benjamin
The 100 Club November draw took place "live" at the Xmas Presentation Dinner on 5 December 2009. |
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We are looking for new members to join the 100 club. For as little as £1 a month you can enter the prize draw. Please contact Mike Reay on 01525 861698 or
07775 644071 if you would like to join and have a chance of winning.
Since it started just two years ago, the 100 club has raised some £1,200 for the club. Trophies have been bought with the funds and we have a
number of ideas how the money should be spent for the benefit of the Tennis club, but if you are a 100 Club member and would like your idea added to the list, please contact Mike.
For the chance to win £40 a month contact Mike Reay for details
or Click
here
for a direct debit form.
Click
100club@flitwicktennis.co.uk to email Mike Reay.
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Winners of the
100 Club
December draw are ...
1st Prize
£25 no 9 Dawn Askew
2nd Prize £10 no 72 Liz Mead
3rd Prize £5 no 20 Martin Howell
See centre column for details of how to join the 100 Club and help to raise funds for the tennis club. |
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Report from La Manga's 2009 Senior Open Tournament |
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Once again we are reporting on the fortunes of The Four Amigos as they join the Murcia Seniors Open Tennis Tournament, which
is held at La Manga Club's 28-court Tennis Centre at Murcia, Spain. The Murcia Open Tennis Tournament is an official ITF Senior's Tournament (category
3) and participants can earn ITF ranking points as well as cash prizes, a selection of luxury tennis and leisure breaks and Wilson tennis equipment. There are many categories for men -
Over 35, Over 40, Over 45, Over 50, Over 55, Over 60, Over 65, Over 70 and Over 75. Singles and doubles and for ladies - Over 35, Over 40, Over 45, Over 50, Over 55, Over 60 and Over 65.
Last year it was a major achievement for The Four Amigos to compete at the highest level as they overcame massive obstacles on their path to success. These included a serious case of bad
map-reading (how they found La Manga we will never know), their omission from all competition entries (a slight administrative oversight on the part of the organisers) and a bout of food poisoning crippling our amigo's
ability to venture onto any tennis court further than 25 metres from the men's tocador. On a legal note we should mention that it was never conclusively proven that John's food poisoning was directly linked to Dave
(I've never killed anyone) Huke's cooking. This year The Four Amigos are Derek Hicks, John Kitchener, Alfu Miah and
Dave Huke. So keep an eye on this space as we report on their daily progress. |
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Friday Day 6
Not much sleep but we managed to get to the courts by 11am. Alfu and Del proved they could handle the beer better than Disco Dave. Coming out winners 2-1 in sets. Maybe Disco Dave pulled a muscle last night on stage?
Short break for lunch and challenged by Staffordshire County team plus under age youngster and Petr the Czech who conjured up countless unbelievable angles to leave JK speechless and knackered.
We are now in the SI bar yet again for another pint! Having said farewell to our new friends from Staffordshire and Czech Republic (Yes we were joined by the man who made fighting a spectator sport in 2008 - SEEMED LIKE A
NICE MAN!!!)
THIS IS OUR LAST REPORT SO THANKS FOR READING AND SI YOU ALL BACK AT THE RANCH (IF YOU'RE GOOD ENOUGH CONSIDER COMING NEXT YEAR)
PS - we have been invited to Prague to compete in the national veterans open tournament. PPS - Alfu sets another record having needed 4 racquets
restringing. Photo of 'Tour Bus' parked next to a sign reading: DANGER FALLING ROCKS PARK UNDER OWN RISK. Will the 4 Amigos make it home? |
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Thursday Night Day 5
Quiz night was a complete success by the 4 amigos plus 2. Richard and Rachel joined our team as we looked really brainy. After the first 2 rounds we were second and then shocked to find ourselves in 4th position after 4
rounds. JK pulled the green mile from nowhere when we were struggling on films. Alfu played a master stroke by naming AC DC and Tiger Woods real names to stun the audience. Dave's task was to name the artist for Mambo
No5 which he mucked up (it was a trick question) - ended up Bob the Builder! Del pulled of another stunner with Deacon Blue. Our final round was true or
false. After some major debate we finished our 10 questions which were worth 50 points and awaited the results with some trepidation. Our lack of confidence was unfounded, and we scored maximum points and as a result
snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Some nutter accused Mr Huke of cheating but she was drunk without alcohol.
And so to the results in a packed house at the SI bar due to our efforts in advertising this event. One by one the results were announced in reverse order and when the second place team (tennis is for poofs!) we knew and
started the celebrations. Alfu went to collect our prize and Derek organised the trophy, we came from behind and took first place by two points.
Alfu opened the winnings (2 bottles of red) and started to consume. The night was young and the other contestants invited us to Mulligans for a Karaoke. The bar was full and Liverpool's youth team were in town. Disco
Dave could not refuse the opportunity for the first song of the evening and made a pretty good rendition!
Not to be undone he persuaded the other 3 amigos to join him for Spandau Ballet's GOLD, unfortunately Kitcher had legged it! Which was a surprise as he seemed to know all the lyrics to the songs. It was not a good
performance it was a great one! Disco Dave was on FIRE! As a finale Dave selected Don't you want me baby by the Human League (A duet with one of the veteren ladies from Southampton) Super effort from Disco Dave to end
the night. The 3 amigos walked home with Del coatless (his wanderers jacket had been given to an unnamed individual) and singing gold! Phew! JK left the door open so we could get in and woke up JK with another version of
GOLD. Luc you would of loved it! |
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Thursday Day 5
Last night, Alfu went to get ready to go out and found 3 amigos laying on the sofas. So that was that !!
Today
Our last remaining players were up at 10am for the plate second round singles. Dave lost 1-9 and went straight to the bar!
Meanwhile JK played Miles who was in the Marbella tournament last week (spent 1 month practicing in Spain + his coach). So JK lost 3-9 (he got 2 more games than me!)
Derek had the opportunity for another singles with a Finn, but gave it to me being the younger man (it didn't matter as I lost 5-9).
Meanwhile Del practiced with Staffordshire county boys having an honourable draw. Not happy with all the tennis, Alfu was invited to warm up another champion of Spain, less said the better.
I came back to find the 3 amigos in the bar on the second pint! (So I had a quick 2 beers) and off to the Port for lunch.
We went to the fish restaurant where Del and Dave ordered STEAK !!!. However, myself and JK ordered Paella.
So we came back for a match between ourselves, JK and Del won 6-2 6-2, after which we changed partners and Alfu & JK won 6-2 6-2 (they were lucky to get 2!).
PS we are now at the SI bar ready for the big quiz event! Dave is trying to get commission because the only people here are the ones we invited!
STRINGS AIN'T WHAT THEY USED TO BE - ALFU BUST ANOTHER ONE. (TOUR RECORD 3)
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Wednesday Day 4
We are back at the apartment after a full day at the club.
Started with Dave knocking up Jeremy Master Bates. Alfu went shopping.
Del and John beat Alfu and Dave 6-4 6-4 in the practice doubles.
And so to the tournament...... Alfu played Miles Collette (uk) and lost 1-9. Derek played his old adversary Andre Birn from Poland and went down 5-9. John's opponent (UK) batted for the other side and said he didn't like
singles. JK went on to win 9-1, our first victory! Dave had a bye so we await his match, and also John in the next round.
Next up the doubles. John & Del didn't perform too well against Spaniard and a Pole, after the prep of a pint and some nuts. They went down 4-6 1-6, and very disappointed by their efforts. Alfu and Dave then played Ian (UK) and
a guy from Poland. Good hitting but lost 2-6 2-6.
All quite tired after the days efforts so a big fry up was called for along with the tea and coffee (bar John who was on beer - no surprise there then.).
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Tuesday Day 3
Alfu reporting in.... Last night Dave and I beat Hicks and Kitchener 3-2 in the pool! Back to the apartment for sleep (walking up the hill on the way back). Dave saw a black
pussy and decided to tickle it for good luck! (this took us down the wrong steps and we had a long walk back - up the bloody hill!)
Today
A lazy start and we decided to visit Lidl in Cartegena only to find it was bloody closed! So in true tourist mode, we walked to the first cafe for an early brunch knowing full well what I had to face (World no 12 seed but he
told me he was really world six over 35 - too ******* good for me!)
Lads writing ..... We prepared Alfu on the practice courts with all practice routines. After the obligatory 5 mile run, 100 diagonals, 100 smashes, 100 drop shots and 3 beers! It was time for the big match on exhibition
court. Del prepared the seats and the opponent was a familar face to Dave and Luc from last year! (Oh b***er it's that bloke with all the shots - Sergio aggasi Nadal hemenez!), However, what a great knock up by Alfu! Game
1 went with serve - 1 0 to the Spaniard! Game 2, big serving Alfu took a 40 - 0 lead. Unfortunately this went to his head and he tried a big first serve, that ended up hitting a tree outside of the exhibition court and we
could not find the ball! Heroics then ensued as Alfu battled to level the scores, not assisted by the tannoy going off! It just wasn't to be and the game slipped away, despite Alfu hitting winners down the line and the massive
GB support (Southampton and Flitwick massive). The end was near and he went down 0-6 0-6 ( It was a Herculean effort on his debut and nothing to be a ashamed off) Hicks still holds the record for lowest number of points in 1
set! (5?)
So no matches for the other 3 amigos who were keen to play some tennis, so off to court 17 for some doubles. JK and Del again winners after a difficult start but angered by Alfu after hitting John with the tennis ball for the
third time! (In the head - ouch!)
Please note there are still mozzies here (wasps bees and funny things we don't get at home (like a dog horse with a double chin!)
So relaxing at the SI bar preparing for the doubles matches tomorrow - next stop back to the club for the order of play (Dave has an additional match with Jeremy not master bates) at the crack of dawn (nice chap!)
Signing off, ready for food, the new 4 amigos! Adios |
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Monday Day 2
Great weather, beautiful sunrise.
Derek on first at 10:00, Court 9, started well but worn down by Pepe, who ran out winner 2-6 2-6. Maybe a serve volley game would have been the better option?? John called up early and on the Exhibition court. Handy to
watch from the bar !! Opponent also from Spain and a leftie. John went down 0-6 in the first set but then rallied and got going in the second to lose 3-6. Dave had by this time been called up to Court 11 and we all went
to support him but the Spaniard was a top 4 seed and had too much power and consistency. Dave went down 0-6 0-6. Alfu is rested today and is in the quarter final tomorrow at 16:00. Bust a string and had it restrung but
then bust it again inside 5 minutes! We three can have a rest day and will support him. We all enjoyed a late buffet lunch and a few beers. We then had 2 sets on the Exhibition court and headed for home. More people here
than before we think. Large crowd from Southampton here again. |
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Sunday Day 1
Early flight for 4 of us, especially the 3 who attended the Xmas dinner. I got 3 hours sleep.
Good journey and car bigger and better than last year and coping much better with the speed humps on site (Luc will remember these!). Weather here 20 degrees and not a cloud in sight.
Called in for supplies at Lidl and eventually worked out how to get the key for the apartment! It is on a secure site. Apartment is great 2 ensuite bedrooms and a fab view overlooking the golf course and the coast.
I left behind my camera and mobile phone, Alfu left his laptop charger behind also.
Dave left behind his blueberries, but not his Blackberry! We have now sorted the connection for the internet email, so here our first report.
Down to the Club and say hi to everyone at Reception. Had a look at the draws and yes we are in ! Looks like Spaniards again. Followed this with 3 sets of doubles tennis practice - DH & JK beat Alfu & Dave 6-0 7-5 6-1.
Yes a true 5 setter! Off to the famous Si Bar for a meal and some beers and then back home for a shower/bath and some beers in front of the telly. Derek & Alfu stayed the course and fell asleep in their sofas after Top
Gear.
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