The 8th Thame Town awards produced many deserved winners and highlighted the true brilliance of our Thame community. A whole host of fantastic nominees were in attendance to find out this years recognised winners.
Winners included:
Holly Shiels for Creative Arts Achievement
Chris Wren, local butcher, for Service with a Smile
Nick White, Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Nick's family members Martha, Lucy and Sarah
Sheena Beard, another Lifetime Achievement Award for the Thame Cricket Club volunteer
Angela Wilsons was awarded the Voluntary Achievement Award, for her hard work and dedication to the Lea Park Residents' Association
Josh Preston from Chinnor Rugby Club for Sporting Achievement
And Mark Wilkins, also for Sporting Achievement, for Thame Tennis Club
We caught up with Mark (pictured) after the event, as this isn't the first award he's received this year.
How does it feel to not only receive one but two personal awards this year?
Surprising! Im lucky to have my hobby as a job, hopefully with my love and enthusiasm for the game translating to those that I coach. Im proud to have received recognition from not only the Oxfordshire LTA, but now the Thame local community. I’m fortunate to be working at a club, that was also awarded ‘Oxfordshire Club of the Year’, so gives me a great base to build upon.
What got you into playing and coaching tennis?
Both my grandad and dad have always played and I just followed their lead! I joined Thame as a junior, gradually starting to help with coaching sessions after school. I later went to university where I had the opportunity to both captain the mens team and also be the president of the overall tennis society. I was fortunate to be offered a job, following university, by Thame coach Steve Bell and have since progressed with my experience and qualifications from this point. Im pleased this has now culminated into two awards, something I had never anticipated!
Whats your exact role with Thame tennis club and what do you do on your average day at work?
Along with coaching, at the club I also handle the membership, maintain the website and captain a team! I work every day, with each day being different! A majority or my work is at TTC, however Im lucky to have the opportunity to coach at other clubs and to visit private courts in the area. We have recently linked with a local charity, The Jack O’Donnell Foundation, to provide curriculum time coaching to pupils in years 2 and 3 within Thame. Currently we coach 120 kids a week at Barley Hill, and will be expanding to John Hampden and Little Milton in the coming weeks. Our ambition is to provide access to tennis and remove any potential barriers such as equipment and cost, to give children an opportunity to learn skills that also apply to other sports.
What's coming up next with Thame Tennis Club?
Our main event is an open day we hold yearly. This year, we will be opening the courts and the club to the local community on Sunday 12th June, following being at Thame Carnival on the Saturday! It gives people the chance to come to the club, try our new artificial clay courts (only club in Oxfordshire to have them!) and see what the club has to offer!
How can others get involved?
The best way to get involved is to visit thametennisclub.co.uk! We cater for all ages and abilities so are confident we have something for everyone! We have coaching, both in groups and privately, we have a thriving social tennis community, 32 teams competing in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire leagues throughout the year and have just introduced ‘Pay and Play’ sessions where you can book a court for £5 an hour.
Do you have any advice for any young tennis players out there?
Keep playing!
To get involved with Thame Tennis Club or for more information contact: [email protected] or call: 07762 677770
Here is more information on the link with JODF: http://www.jodf.org/campaigns/thame-tennis-club-coaching-programme/
