Tennis champions retain title in Coln Valley doubles tournament (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Tennis champions retain title in Coln Valley doubles tournament

IN a riveting final to the Coln Valley annual mixed doubles tennis tournament, held in Chedworth on Saturday, defending champions Simon Sheppard and Alison Armitage of Ashton Keynes beat Rene Cason and Jackie Turner (Nailsworth) to take home the Speke Chal-lenge Cup for the second time in as many years.

There was also enthusiastic competition in the afternoon for the Scott-Smith silver salver, which was won by Kit Slade and Sally McKenna.

Established 22 years ago, the tournament is a popular fixture on the local sporting calendar and raises money for the Hill and Valley Lawn Tennis Club and for the churches of Chedworth, Coln St Dennis and Coln Rogers.

This year saw 84 competitors taking part at the club and other private courts kindly loaned for the day in surrounding villages.

Chairman of Hill and Valley LTC, Stephen Scott-Smith, said: "We were particularly delighted that Edith Speke, who founded this event, could be with us to watch the final matches.

"It was a very successful day: the weather was fabulous, everyone was delighted with the quality of the tennis and the caterers and volunteer helpers who all excelled themselves to make it a special event."

Over the lunch-break, a demonstration of equipment was given by Serve-U-Tennis, of Quenington.

A raffle was held for prizes, including champagne and a tennis bag full of accessories, followed by an auction for a Hill and Valley tennis shirt signed by Tim Henman and donated by one of the members.

Should Tim win Wimbledon this year, the successful bidder will have an historic and valuable addition to his or her wardrobe.

Tennis lovers are invited to compete in another charity competition being staged on Satur-day, August 21, when Cirencester Tennis Club will host a mixed doubles tournament to raise funds for Save the Children.

Entry is £5 per person with a target of raising at least £20 each. There will be a prize for the player who raises the most money.

Further information is available from Rosemary Scott-Smith on 01285 720431.