There are always more photos, comments on the matches and other bits and pieces than will comfortably fit on the fixtures or news pages. So we have established this area of the web site to provide a less formal view of the cut and thrust of life at court......
The Latest Letter from Kate Leeming
Dear All,
Time for another update. I am due to arrive in Perth on Tuesday 7th December and should have covered 17 500km by the time I cycle into Kings Park.
Since finishing the Canning Stock Route, I have been travelling on my own, which I am quite enjoying. I have only camped free only four times as most of the time I have organised to stay on stations. This has been a real highlight.
I have also taken part in classes at the Kimberley School of the Air (Derby) and Carnarvon.
Cycling on predominently tarmac is much more simple, and the bike has been running well since its overhaul in Broome. Headwinds have played havoc with my daily schedule at times however I have managed to make up some time on other days and arrived at my home farm (near Northam) a day ahead of schedule.
I have a lot to do in Perth, and will be there for longer than planned doing PR for Alcoa. I should finally be able to sort out a new mobile phone, with the same number. (0429 772222).
Please read the latest entries on the website for more detail of the expedition. (I am still having technical problems with website maintenance and I am hoping this will be sorted out asap).
Best wishes,
Kate
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The Fruit of the Vine There seems to be a definite connection between real tennis and wine. Just think for a moment how many clubs, members, or friends of members have a connection with the wine trade. In these times of health conscious living it is comforting to know the medical authorities agree that a moderate intake of red wine can help to reduce the amount of cholesterol deposited in the arteries and should, therefore, protect one against heart attacks. Not that we would encourage excessive alcohol intake, of course, but we can all take heart (no pun intended) from the fact that Jancis Robinson (in her Wine Course) admits to enjoying "between a third and half of a bottle of wine most evenings". A swift look at the cellar provided two instant examples of clubs who offer their own labeled wines: The Oratory Tennis Club and the Societe Sportive du Jeu de Paume en Paris. |
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In an effort to ensure that these two examples are not left on their own we would like to hear about any wines, or indeed any other tennis related beverages, that you have discovered. All unopened bottles will be gratefully received! |
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Shakespeare
and Real Tennis Did you know that there are quite a few references to real tennis in Shakespeare's plays? Well alright it might not be news to a lot of you but there were a few chuckles at the theatre the other night - Henry V, at The Royal National Theatre. (If you get
a chance to go along it's well worth it - an exciting contemporary
production, and it's only £10 a seat!) |
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| (Early in the play Henry is displeased by an insulting present of tennis balls that the enemy - the Dauphin of France - sends him.) | ||
| KING HENRY V: | What treasure, uncle? | |
| EXETER: | Tennis-balls, my liege. | |
| KING HENRY V: | We are glad the Dauphin is so pleasant with us; His present and your pains we thank you for: When we have march'd our rackets to these balls, We will, in France, by God's grace, play a set Shall strike his father's crown into the hazard. Tell him he hath made a match with such a wrangler That all the courts of France will be disturb'd With chaces. |
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A few informal shots from the recent Ladies' World Championships |
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Melbourne Real Tennis Club April 2003 |
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The British contingent are persuaded, reluctantly, to pose for a team photo. From left to right: Caroline Gilmore, Catherine Walker, Jill Newby, Penny Lumley, Charlotte Cornwallis and Jo Wood. |
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Nick Wood reveals that he has started moonlighting! | |
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And finally, this is the result of a mere two hours of doubles - well it was the final. From left to right: Jo Wood, Penny Lumley, Charlotte Cornwallis and Kate Leeming. |