Mar 152012
 

Dave Macdermid updates Aberdeen Voice on the Glacier Energy Masters U -12  Winter Grand Prix.

Patrick Young consolidated his position as undisputed leader in the inaugural Glacier Energy Masters Under 12 Winter Grand Prix series with victory in the sixth and final event at Westburn Tennis Centre.
In the final, the Stonehaven youngster recovered from the loss of the opening set to edge it 0-4, 4-2, 1-0 (2) over Ross Martin (David Lloyd Aberdeen) in an entertaining match.

In the 3rd/4th place play-off, Rubislaw’s Cameron Edwards defeated his clubmate Conor McMahon 4-2, 4-2.

North East district coach Vikki Paterson was delighted with what will hopefully become an annual series.

“The grand prix has enabled the boys to enjoy regular high-level competition over the winter period and this is something we would wish to build on.”

District President Brian Morgan added.

“The standard of tennis was exceptional and I’m sure those involved will see the benefits of the grand prix going forward. We are indebted to Glacier Energy for their support as without their assistance, quite simply there would have been no event.”

Nov 082011
 

Dave Macdermid brings Voice readers news of the latest outcomes in City tennis competitions.

 The host club’s Martin Harbord, seeded two, won the men’s singles event at the inaugural Rubislaw Grand Prix event with a 4-6, 6-2, 10-4 final victory over clubmate Babak Alnasser, who had earlier eliminated the favourite, Graeme Matthew (David Lloyd Aberdeen), 6-7 (7), 6-4, 10-6 to reach the final.

The women’s final was also an-all Rubislaw affair with teenage Fiona Hamilton triumphing 6-0, 6-3 over Laura Mulders.

Stonehaven’s Patrick Young (pictured) won the second of the monthly Glacier Energy Masters Under 12 event at the Westburn Tennis Centre.  Cameron Edwards (Cults) was runner up.

Nov 032011
 

 With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

It’s a busy weekend for Rubislaw tennis club with the staging of the second weekend of the Rubislaw Grand Prix in addition to the club being presented with Tennis Scotland’s top quality accreditation award.

Top seed in the men’s event is Graeme Matthew (David Lloyd Aberdeen) who is seeded to meet the host club’s Martin Harbord in the final and if the seedings go to plan, the women’s final will be an all-Rubislaw affair between Sheila Williams and Fiona Hamilton.

On Saturday afternoon Tennis Scotland’s Tennis Development Manager for the area, Kirsty McRae, will present the Clubmark award to the club in recognition of the hard work undertaken behind the scenes to promote the sport at all levels.

Prior to the presentation, club coach Darren Nicol will lead a series of coaching demonstrations and social tennis with a firework display rounding off proceedings.

Westburn Tennis Centre hosts the second of the six monthly Glacier Energy Services winter Under 12 Masters on Sunday with Ross Martin (DL Aberdeen) and Patrick Young (Stonehaven) looking to repeat their successes of last month.

Also taking part are Conor McMahon (Rubislaw), Michael Whelan (Cults), Anthony Low(Udny), Cameron Edwards (Cults), Syzmon Kierkiaw (David Lloyd Aberdeen) and Fin Pearson (Banchory).

Congratulations to 8 year old Cults youngster Cameron Jappy (pictured) who has topped the North County leaderboard at Under 9 level and been presented with a medal by the LTA in recognition of his achievements.

The Mile End Primary pupil, who is coached by Vikki Paterson, has played in several tournaments in recent months, and has just progressed to orange from red level.

Aug 242011
 

Two Aberdeen residents are embarking upon a Mini adventure of epic proportions to attend a charity event. Voice’s  Stephen Davy-Osborne is all set to participate in the event.

Stephen Davy-Osborne and Steven Gerrie will be driving cross-country from Aberdeen to Westward Ho! in Devon, South West England in a classic Mini Cooper, to take part in the annual Legendary North Devon Grand Tour.

Hundreds of Minis will come together to raise money for local children’s charity Children’s Hospice South West.

The event, now in its 17th year, has raised thousands of pounds in sponsorship and donations for the charity, and their North Devon Hospice Little Bridge House.

Event organiser Terry Baker, who has been driving the event right from the very beginning spoke to the Aberdeen Voice about what he thinks makes the event truly unique, encouraging – as they are affectionately referred to in Mini circles – “nutcases” to come back year after year to participate:

“Maybe it is the Mini owners who take part and the incredible amount of money they have raised over the years. Maybe it is the thousands of people who line the streets and wait in lay-bys, stand on street corners and fill the villages and towns just waiting for the Minis to go by. 

“Maybe it is the fantastic motorbike marshals who ride ahead and keep all the minis together and close the roads so that we can keep going. Any one of these would make the Grand Tour special, but when you put them all together with a group of very special children and their families from the children’s Hospice you have something that is pure magic and not just for the Mini owners.”

The event takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, taking in some of the finest scenery the South-west has to offer; driving through streets lined with locals and holiday makers alike who have come out in force to show their support for the charity.

The convoy of around 300 Minis drives noisily right up to the front door of Little Bridge House and around the purpose-built roundabout the wrong way, while children staying at the hospice wave them on with flags and banners created especially for the day.

This part of the run is especially poignant, as Terry recounts:

“When we drive through the Hospice we are privileged to see the children having fun; laughing, smiling and waving flags. It is hard to remember that Little Bridge House is a place where get well cards do not work, and that no matter how many hugs you give the special children you can never kiss them better; all the magic in the world cannot change their diagnosis.”

Perhaps it is not surprising that many a driver and co-pilot emerge from Little Bridge House with a lump in their throats.

If you would like to make a donation to the event, or for further information, check out: www.justgiving.com/LNDGT/