11:50am Thursday 6th November 2008
By Paul Alton
LONG-serving tennis fans Dennis and Doris Lloyd have been honoured by the Lawn Tennis Association.
The couple from Westcliff were presented with the LTA’s meritorious service award by the association’s chief exectutive Roger Draper.
Dennis and Doris received the accolade at Essex County LTA’s headquarters at Redbridge on Sunday in front of an audience of their extended family and many tennis friends.
“The day went very well and it was lovely to be surrounded by all the family and friends,” said Dennis, 88.
“The whole thing came out of the blue and tt was a great surprise and a great delight for Doris and myself, and we are very proud to have received the award.”
Among the guests were the couple’s famous tennis playing sons David and Tony — the third son John was unable to attend as he lives in America — and daughter Ann, who was a strong club player.
The couple, who met during the Second World War and have been members of Westcliff Hardcourts tennis club for 62 years, were nominated for the award by Essex County LTA.
The national association awarded the accolate for Dennis and 86-year-old Doris’ significant service to Essex and British tennis.
Former Davis Cup captain David Lloyd paid tribute to his parents, remembering their total commitment to him and his brothers and sister, to their tennis development and their wellbeing.
Roger Draper recalled their background in the game and spoke of their own and their family’s commitment to the British game. His own son is currently coached by Tony in West London.
The couple have always supported club, district, county and national tennis events, and Dennis is a past Essex County LTA president.
As a player Dennis won numerous titles in the Southend area including many at his own club. He was six times district champion with doubles partner Howard Stone, who died this week.
Dennis became a coach, helping develop not only his own children but many others as well and only retired from coaching on his 88th birthday.
“Tennis is a great game and tennis people are very nice; we have found that all our lives,” Dennis added.
“Tennis is also a great family game and when the children were younger our recreation time was spent at the tennis club.
“We brought our family up around the club and that is one of the beauties of tennis, it is a sport that whole families can participate in.
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