ON a brilliantly sunny Sunday the Lords Meadow Tennis Courts were occupied by a large gathering of past and present members of Crediton Tennis Club.

They were there to celebrate the 46th birthday of Crediton Tennis Club with balloons and cake (organised and provided by Jennie Ford) and to mark the retirement and show appreciation for Martin Comont’s and Frankie Peroni’s wonderful inspirational roles within the Club to ensure its success.

On April 29, 1975 Martin, who has only now just retired from his role as an active player, inaugurated the club at Shelley School (now QE Barnfield campus).

The idea of starting a tennis club arose from members of the Badminton Club who played at the school in the winter.

He became the Treasurer for two years and then he was elected Chair in 1977. At the 1981 AGM David Hobbs, as Secretary, said that the Club owed its existence and pleasant atmosphere to Martin’s efforts. Martin has now been elected a lifetime Honorary President.

In the bygone era everyone wore white and Friendlies were played with other clubs.

Clay courts were eventually built, under the charge of the Engineers Department, at Lords Meadow. Now the Club play on courts that were refurbished in 2019.

Frankie was one of many who joined and she has now been a member of the Club for 40 years. As the standard of tennis improved and membership increased, in 1985 the Club entered a team in the East Devon Mixed Tennis League, going on to a Men’s and Ladies Team entering in the Exeter and District League.

Frankie has been, with Martin, a stalwart of the Club. Her organisational abilities are unsurpassed. She became Mixed Team Captain for more than 20 years. She has held the Office of Treasurer and organised junior practice and adult and junior coaching sessions. In recent years she has hosted Christmas parties and AGMs.

The Club now has Mixed and Men’s teams in the East Devon League.

New members are always very welcome and, even if you have not played for some time, you would be very welcome to join in a session.

During the winter months the Club play on Wednesday evenings and Sundays from 10am. For more information please telephone Martin Comont on 01363 84343.

Jane Tipping