LTA recognition for Sussex tennis servant Nick

Nick, the president of Tennis Sussex, was honoured with the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) Meritorious Service award for 2012 after more than 50 years as both a player and administrator.

And after accepting the award from LTA chief executive Rodger Draper, Nick, from Wisborough Green, declared the sport in Sussex is in rude health.

“We have between 80 and 90 clubs in Sussex registered to the LTA,” Nick said. “It’s a very active and vibrant scene. And we are quite pleased that we certainly meet the objectives from the LTA so we are reasonably happy with tennis in Sussex.”

Nominated for the award by his colleagues in Sussex, Nick , 75, started playing tennis while at Collyer’s College and during his playing days captained Sussex while he also represented England in the Four Nations over 60s tournament nine years ago.

Nick also graced the hallowed turf of SW19, where he twice reached the quarter-finals of Junior Wimbledon, while locally he was Sussex Open Singles champion on four occasions and was part of the Sussex team which reached Division 1 at County Week - what he describes as one of the most satisfying achievements of his playing days.

Nick’s captaincy led to more administrative roles, as he took on roles on the Competitions & Tournaments Committee, as well as becoming deputy chairman, chairman and then his current role as president.

Nick also helps co-ordinate 500 teams’ fixtures in the summer and winter leagues as well as fulfilling the County Veterans’ Organiser role. He added: “I was very flattered and it was quite a surprise.”