Bishop Monkton Tennis and Pickleball Club confirmed its reputation as one of the village’s most friendly and welcoming clubs with its second Annual Gala Dinner and (Glittering) Awards Ceremony at the Masons on Thursday night.

Brief opening remarks from the Chair, Jonathan Pimley, emphasised the growth of the club in the last 18 months, thanking the whole committee for their efforts, but particularly Dorothy Culshaw for her outstanding work organising and coaching pickleball – comments which were later echoed by member Colin Philpott in his amusing and relevant remarks.

Greg MacDonald, Graham Banks and Susan Stead were all Award winners for various acts of skill, determination and kindness over the year-highlighting the fact that club revolves as much around friendliness and team spirit as it does around racquet sports.

The Mason’s provided a superb dinner for the 20 attendees, with both an interesting menu and extremely efficient service and the Club said a big thank you to the pub team for their hard work.

Moving forward, the tennis courts remain open for use by members all year round and indoor pickleball sessions are on Fridays in the Village Hall between 4pm and 6pm.

For more details please visit the tennis and pickleball pages of this website.