STALWART competitors played through the rain at last weekend’s annual Jo Gooden ladies doubles tournament at the Avenue Tennis Club, Burnham-on-Sea. 

The tournament is played in memory of Jo Gooden (née Champion), who was a prominent participant in club, county and national tennis as a junior, but was tragically killed in a traffic accident at a young age.

Her family have been loyal supporters of the club for many years, and Jo’s father, Dick, presented a trophy for the tournament in her memory until his death a few years ago. 

Jo’s sister, Jean Booth, comes along every year to present the prizes and continues the tradition started by Dick of donating engraved tumblers for the winners to keep.

The tournament includes players of all standards, who combine to have a sociable and enjoyable day’s tennis with players from various clubs. 

The event is run on a round robin basis with a draw for partners, so everyone plays with someone from another club.

This year there were entries from Avenue, Wedmore, Street, Yeovil and Winscombe. 

Some competitive matches were played, with Wendy Pryce (Avenue) and Tracy Johnson (Yeovil) beating Angela Tinnion (Avenue) and Sara Hall (Yeovil) in the final.

The next social mixed doubles tournament, Ian’s Sunday Service, will be run on Sunday, October 14 from 10am; all are welcome to attend and play, and there is no need to be a member.

The tennis club has a month’s free membership offer available for anyone who wants to give tennis a go and wants to get an insight into the club before joining. 

For more information about the club, visit the website at www.
avenuetennis.com.