HISTORY

To mark the twin milestones of the millennium and celebrate the 40th season of the league, the 2000 season proved memorable. Much work behind the scenes by our Chairman John Ford resulted in a pre-season social being organised at the Seend Club. The annual President & President-elect were instigated, past officers of the league were welcomed and made Life Members, and players of the League of longstanding awarded Vice Presidency. The end-of- season event was changed from the traditional Barn Dance to a Dinner/Disco at which John Ford and his wife Jeannette presented their Millennium Shield, an annual presentation for services to the league, the inaugural award being to Dave Clark previous serving officer and longstanding player from Cooper Avon.

In 2001 an annual Over 50's Mixed Doubles Knockout Cup competition was instigated, a trophy for the winners being donated by Mike Sertin in the memory of his late father Frank a past Treasurer of the League. The inaugural competition saw an entry of 15 teams with the eventual winners being Malmesbury. 2001 also saw the instigation of a Junior Player (under-17) of the Year Trophy generously donated by Mike Sertin to promote Junior tennis and being awarded annually to the best achieving Junior who plays within the League. 5 players were nominated with Tim Stevens (14) of Trowbridge Westbourne being given the award. Additionally an annual award of League Representative of the year was instigated for the league representative who has contributed most during the season, the inaugural winner being Phil Gould of the Corsley club.

In 2010, the League took over running the Winter League previously administered by Wilts LTA and entries doubled in the following year. In August 2011, the inaugural John Ford Memorial Tournament was held on the artificial grass courts of Warminster School, organised by Colin Singer of Wylye, with a donation made to RNLI (the Lifeboats Charity), whose local group provided excellent refreshments.

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