Last Saturday saw Albany host a unique event – a joint birthday party for 2 tennis octogenarians. Club President, Bryan Sharp and a former member for many years, Janet Southam, both achieved the 80 years in June. Some 40 friends and family joined them for afternoon tea – Wimbledon style including strawberries and cream – and guests were able to play tennis, watch Laura Robson’s win at Wimbledon on the big screen or catch up with players they hadn’t seen for a while. Both Janet and Bryan said they didn’t wish guests to bring presents, they would prefer donations to charity. This raised ?180 for The British Heart Foundation and ?145 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and they both received presents as well! They wish to thank all their guests for  their generosity and making it such a pleasant afternoon.
 
This Saturday sees the start of the Equiom (Isle of Man) Limited sponsored Junior Open being the focal for Island tennis youngsters.  Order of play for Saturday will be e-mailed to all competitors and posted on club website and facebook. HE Lt. Governor, Adam Wood will be attending the opening day’s lunch, as will Mrs Sheila Dean, Equiom’s MD & family and the five Albany members who have been selected for the Island Games in Bermuda Laura Feely, Elena Snidal, Billy Harris, Marc Chinn and Oliver Broadhead.
 
Club Coach, Ian Watson has announced his summer camp coaching programme which will run for 6 weeks, commencing 22 July and covering all ages from Red ball 5-6yrs to yellow ball (all age groups). Leaflets have been sent to all Albany Juniors but this is open to non-members. Contact Ian Tel 496293 or ianwatsonpts@manx.net. Details are on the club website.
 
Entries are open for the IOMLTA Junior Closed Championships at Kensington Road T C which will be held from 13 – 21 July. Enter on line or by e-mail.

Full info available at the club – your committee would like to see many of our juniors taking part. Entries close on 11th July.
 
Mixed Doubles League – Albany B got off to a good start beating Castletown D 5 – 1. The team was Jim Travers/Frances McDonnell and Alastair Montgomery/Gillian Pearson.
 
Finally, on a sad note, a long term member Dennis Clarke died suddenly last week.  He always enjoyed his Monday afternoon men’s doubles and will be missed. The club offers sincere sympathy to his wife and family.