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Squash (Helen) Jackson 

Sudbury Tennis Club member Squash (Helen) Jackson sadly died in the spring of 2024 after a short illness, she was just 61 years old. Squash was previously an active member of East Bergholt Tennis Club as a player and support coach.  She joined Sudbury Tennis Club in 2007 and immediately had a fantastically positive impact.  Squash was an energetic and infectiously positive person who brought light into a room!  She played for the ladies and mixed teams and it wasn't long before she took on the role as Secretary of the club and brought her impressive ability for organisation and getting things done.  Squash supported the in house coaching team by coaching on a Saturday, remained an active part of competitive team play and was a much loved member of the club.  Her impact at Sudbury was significant, she was part of the small team instrumental in the change to synthetic clay courts in 2015, instrumental in the installation of new efficient and improved lights in 2020 and she held most of the positions on the committee during her time at the club inc Chair, 100 club lead and Secretary (during the fraught Covid years!).  Aside from all her achievements in getting things done, Squash was a wonderful lady, bubbly, fun, kind and she is very much missed by all her friends at Sudbury Tennis Club and in the wider tennis community.

Essex Air Ambulance 

On Sunday 8th October 2024, the Halstead and District Tennis League hosted their annual Mixed Doubles Charity Cup, raising money for the Essex Air Ambulance. The event was run over three venues; Gosfield, Earls Colne and Castle Hedingham Tennis Clubs. Throughout the morning, 27 mixed doubles pairs from a range of different clubs competed against each other to win as many matches and games as possible. At the end of the morning rounds, the top two teams from each venue and the two best third place finishers qualified for the CUP. The 4th place and remaining 3rd place finishers entered the PLATE. All 27 pairs, travelled to Castle Hedingham Tennis Club for a Hog Roast, raffle and to watch the qualifiers battle it out for the trophies. After some incredible tennis on display, Sam Dewey and Amy Fung took home the CUP and Steph Holt and Seb Deery won the plate. The event raised over £2500 for the Essex Air Ambulance! A big thank you to all the players, to our sponsor, our local businesses who provided the raffle prizes and all the venues and organisers who made this fantastic event happen. What a wonderful community we have 

Peter Drury Memorial 

15th October 2023: Today we honoured our club President, Peter Drury, who sadly passed away earlier this year, following a short battle with cancer. 

Over the years, Peter has been instrumental in providing sound stewardship, that has resulted in the successful growth and development of Castle Hedingham Tennis Club, into the place we love and enjoy today.

His legacy will live on, not only through his family and the wonderful memories we have of him, but now at the club in “Peter’s Garden”.

Following a short service where his ashes were interred, the garden was officially opened by Rachel (Peter’s widow) and the Drury family, after which members enjoyed a doubles tournament.

A record 22 pairs competed, with victory going to Jo Bright and Bradley Doe in their final against Sidney Pinches (playing with Peter’s old racquet) and Matt Doe.

Thank you to everyone who organised, participated in, baked cakes, made tea and the spectators, for making this a truly memorable day.