It wasn’t our warmest ever Open Day, but there was still plenty to smile about! Hours of social tennis, coaching for every age group, table tennis, Pilates and snooker and, of course, a delicious BBQ, and homemade salads, tarts and cakes brought by our talented members. Huge thanks to everyone who made it special and a big welcome to all our new members who joined. Take a look at Robert’s brilliant video of a great day – https://youtu.be/Px-OpOXZBQ8
Many congratulations to GTC’s winning pairs of Bridget and Tina and Peter and Mikael who won through a competitive afternoon of ladies and men’s doubles to secure their places in the Way to Wimbledon area play off, run by the LTA.
The afternoon was full of very close deciding tiebreaks and it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves. Well done to the runner ups, Yan and Anne and Tom and Hal, who are placed on a reserve list for the next stage.
Come and enjoy free tennis and coaching – and lots more – this Sunday, 21 April, from 12 noon! Please wear trainers and bring a racquet if you have one – though we have spares.
Congratulations to the latest karate students at GTC who have recently passed their grades with great results! They are among over 100 karate students who have trained with Senseis Dave, Gem, Mick and Frank in the nearly 30 years since they transferred karate to GTC from the former London Underground Sports Association when it was disbanded.
“We’d all worked locally for London Underground for many years and enjoyed karate, so we decided to look for a new home. We were delighted when we linked up with Gunnersbury Triangle Club and have been training students at two classes a week ever since,” explains Sensei Frank.
Dozens of their students have achieved black belt qualifications and many more have trained to other levels. There’ve been local business people, schoolchildren, teachers, nurses – even a British Gymnastics champion. Sensei Mick explains that there are several different forms of karate, and the GTC group focuses on Seiki Juku, which translates to True Spirit. It is not just a style of karate it’s a philosophy which emphasises safety, discipline and the building of confidence.
“It’s very rewarding to see kids start karate with no experience and train hard over several years to get their grades. A lot of them move on as teenagers but karate gives them confidence and discipline to take forward in their lives,” says Sensei Gem.
Karate training at GTC is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4.00-6.30pm. However, from 6.00 to 6.30pm is dedicated to extra training for those preparing for their next grades. The main day for training is Tuesdays as Thursdays is for the higher grades.
“Adults and juniors can train together, and we recommend family lessons. We offer training in self-defence and urban awareness especially aimed at women and young girls,” explains Sensei Dave.Come along for a free karate session on any Tuesday and find out more. All ages and experience welcome. Contact Sensei Mick on 0790 8561334 or Sensei Gem on 0750 3921592.
On a blustery and showery day, our Winter Tournament Finalists played out some great matches, providing plenty of entertainment for those who came along to support.
In the Women’s Singles, Pip came out on top in a tight three-setter against Tina (6-2; 2-6; 6-3). Rhodri defeated Casey (7-5; 6-1 ) in the Graham Carter Singles, with both players contributing to some incredible rallies. Vijay was the victor in the Invitation Singles, eventually overcoming Laura’s resistance to win 6-2; 6-3. The Women’s Doubles was another epic, with Pip and Tamlyn emerging victorious after a real battle with Tina and Bridget (6-7; 6-3; 6-2). The day was rounded off with a very high-quality Men’s Doubles, Rhodri and Alexander prevailing over Lee and Vatche with a score of 7-5; 6-1.
Congratulations to all the finalists and well done to all who competed through the cold, dark Winter months!
Our very own Triangle Band treated us to a foot-tapping evening of rhythm and blues, ballads and originals. Such musical talent among our members! Big thanks to Geoff, Paul and Richard. Come and play again soon!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke_T5cVRiec
Club quizzers pulled out all the stops during some tense, close rounds at the latest Quiz Night – almost 20 years to the day after the first quiz was held at the Club. The questions may have changed a bit since then, but the enthusiasm and friendly rivalry were still there. This time, The Bouncing Oranges (below) finally pulled ahead with their “Marathon” answers, while The Dodgy Joints and Les Quizerables came 2nd & 3rd respectively.
It may be one of the wettest winters on record, but rain hasn’t stopped play. There was some competitive tennis at the first American Tournament of the year, and Aadil, Jane, Dom, Brigette and Sarah were worthy winners. Our new men’s team standard, floodlit practice sessions are also proving popular with young and a bit older members alike. And there’s the added incentive of a warm Bar afterwards. What’s not to like?!
