A local farmer described as “an unsung hero” has scooped a special award from the Lawn Tennis Association in recognition of his contribution to county and club tennis.
Jim Taylor, aged 64, was nominated by Tennis Shropshire to receive the LTA meritorious award, presented by the president of the LTA, Derek Howorth, at the national Tennis Centre in Roehampton, earlier this month.
Explaining why Mr Taylor was nominated for the award, Tennis Shropshire spokesman, Cathie Sabin, said: “Jim is one of those wonderful unsung heroes and has supported county and club tennis for more years then he is happy to mention.
“He joined Bridgnorth Tennis Club in 1957, and first played in the men’s teams when he was 17. He joined the club committee in 1966 and served without a break for 43 years.
“He was made club chairman in 1998 and guides the committee effectively and efficiently, encouraging younger committee members and helping the club to embrace all the LTA initiatives. He has driven new court and floodlight projects and ensured the good management of the club.
“He is a farmer by profession and has often been called upon to deliver, collect, remove, and put up club equipment using his farm machinery. Nothing has been too much trouble and he has been very generous with the time he has given to the club.
In 1976 Jim was nominated as the representative from Bridgnorth Tennis Club on the County LTA and was astonished to find that he was the youngest member by about 25 years.
Mr Taylor has chaired the social committee for planning and masterminding numerous events including the centenary ball and presentation evenings. He chaired and ran the county closed competition as a member of the tournament committee for many years and initiated the county mixed competition. He still runs the Mackenzie Shield, a mixed/men’s/ladies competition.
Mr Taylor now chairs the county management committee supporting volunteers and LTA executives. He has played for Bridgnorth Tennis Club teams since 1964 and progressed to Club 45, 55 and 60. He has played for Shropshire men’s team and also county 55 and 65.
