Bob Harris

We reproduce below an article that appeared in the Gazette & Herald on 19th January 2006 following his being presented with the LTA's Meritorious Service Award.

Award salutes tennis stalwart’s service to sport

PRESIDENT of Pewsey Tennis Club Bob Harris has been given national recognition for more than 40 years' service to the sport in the area.

Sir Geoffrey Owen, chairman of the Wiltshire Lawn Tennis Association, presented 81-year-old Mr Harris with the meritorious service award at the county association's recent annual meeting at Marlborough Golf Club. Mr Harris said: "As it was a national award I could have gone to London to receive it, but it seemed more convenient and appropriate for it to be done in Wiltshire."

Although Mr Harris has successfully worked for more children to become involved in tennis in Pewsey, he himself had to wait until he was an adult before he could play. He said: "At school only girls played tennis. Boys were expected to play cricket.

"I played a little tennis in the services, but I really got involved when my children started playing."
Mr Harris has been heavily involved in the club's growth from a small hut and three courts, one of them grass, to its current six hard courts and an enviable clubhouse.

He was vice-president of the club for many years and took over as president a year ago on the death of Walter Hayden,101.

He said: "It is a real pleasure to see how the club has gone from strength to strength. We have 16 teams of four in the Swindon league and a thriving junior section."