Mike has been a servant of the club for over 30 years.
Duties for example like collecting team monies, ensuring the courts are open on time and lights are turned off after play. Checking in on the security of the clubhouse and courts. Serving on the club Committee, serving as our club representative for night tennis - as well as night tennis Records Secretary for over 25 years. Typically putting his hand up to man the BBQ for the kids when our coaches present their junior tennis clinics...... So many of the types of duties that we too often simply take for granted - but the truth of the matter is this ...... Without volunteers like Mike who so freely give of their time and energy, the club wouldn’t be able to run.
We rely on club servants like Mike - and his ethos of unselfishly helping others, in order to create an environment where our members can simply go out and enjoy playing their tennis, without having to worry about all of the business that must still go on in the background. So to all of our wonderful volunteers like Mike, we say an appreciative Thank You !
Richie Wright
Richie was an integral part of the history and culture of the Kilsyth Tennis Club.
He played an important role in the merger with East Croydon TC, taking on responsibility for handling many negotiations with Council, as well as much of the administration to do with the incorporation of the new club. Working closely with Neville, Noel and Steve, Richie helped to oversee what we now know today as East Croydon Kilsyth Tennis Club.
For over 35 years he worked with his good mate Neville, serving on the Executive Committee at various times as President, vice-President and Secretary - helping steer the efficient running of Kilsyth TC.
Richie also served a lengthy period as club coach. He was reigning club champion at Kilsyth and playing grade B / grade 3 pennant. When the previous club coach at Kilsyth left abruptly, the club turned to Richie to take over the coaching role.
After Richie's retirement as Principal of Badger Creek Primary School, and following his retirement as club coach, Richie played 16 years in Grade 1 with Metro Masters. So all in all, it's fair to say that Richie was a pretty handy tennis player in his day. Mind you, even today when he's not carrying an injury - Richie's topspin forehand and backhand still create havoc for his opponents.
After the merger between the two clubs, Richie has continued to serve on our Committee and is duly recognised and respected by many of us as one of the original “Founding Fathers” of East Croydon Kilsyth Tennis Club.