Success has come to the local tennis community at a recent awards ceremony, with Brian Wessell, from Camvale Tennis Club, being awarded Volunteer of the Year, and Writhlington Tennis Centre receiving Community Venture of the Year for the county.
Brian joined Camvale Tennis Club in 1958 and has been a playing member for 57 years. He became Secretary in 1962 and following a break of ten years, he has continued as Secretary until now – 43 years as a Club Secretary.
No wonder he is known as ‘Mr Camvale’. Not only is he the club’s Secretary, Caretaker, odd-job man, but he is also the club’s Level 3 Coach and Junior competition organiser. His love for tennis and especially the promotion and development of the game with young people (aged four upwards) is an example to all that he meets.
Even in the winter months, he is first on the scene to clear any snow from the courts and irrespective of the weather, he is there ready – with a racket in his hand!
This enthusiasm is apparent outside of Camvale as well, as he visits the local primary schools spreading the word about the healthy activity of tennis. Although only a small two court club, it is important for Camvale to integrate within the local community of Paulton. To promote this aim, Brian regularly discusses the strengths and opportunities of tennis, being one of several local sports that are easily available to the residents of Paulton and the surrounding villages. This can be with local councillors, established residents or with new individuals to the area. Not bad for a gentleman who retired several years ago. There are many volunteers across the UK and many are worthy of recognition, but Brian is a true local volunteer who, in his unassuming manner, clearly stands apart from the majority.
Writhlington Tennis Centre was also praised, winning the AEGON Avon LTA Community Venue of the Year. The club started as a two court venue in a ‘bubble’ in 2004, alongside Writhlington Secondary School.
With the assistance of some key individuals, it has flourished, engaging strongly with the school and community. It has developed students through Tennis Leaders and Levels 1 and 2 coaching courses, as well as having strong outreach links to the community and other schools.
The centre is active in all aspects of tennis and has links with a club in New Zealand, with whom a coach exchange facility exists. Full and part-time coaching staff are employed to drive the venue forward with many community activities on hand.
Mandy Stonier, Head of Tennis at Writhlington, said: “In the face of our National Governing Body (LTA) getting a bit of a ‘roasting’ last week after the fantastic Davis Cup win, we felt it was important for all to be made aware of the fantastic support at grass roots that both small clubs and bigger clubs get from the LTA and Tennis Foundation. The Norton Radstock area and surrounding towns and villages have superb facilities with passionate and enthusiastic volunteers and coaches based at Paulton and Writhlington, who offer tennis to all ages and abilities.
“Avon covers the tennis clubs in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, so for Writhlington and Camvale to win these awards is a major achievement.”