After a combined 24 years on the FTC committee, Ivor Smith and Bryan Doling have resigned from the vital roles they have so diligently held at the club for so long, respectively  membership secretary and treasurer. At the club’s annual general meeting on 23 April, the following motion was put to the membership and passed unanimously:

“That in recognition of exceptional long term service to Fishbourne Tennis Club, retiring committee members Ivor Smith and Bryan Doling are made honorary life members with immediate effect and are due a full refund for their subs for 2025/26.”

Ivor said: “What a wonderful surprise. I was completely taken aback by the club’s most generous gesture. Thank you! I have been very happy to contribute to the positive evolution of the club over recent years.

“It is gratifying that such an excellent candidate has stepped forward to take over my role. Please also be assured of my continuing support for Fishbourne Tennis Club. I very much hope to continue playing tennis for a few more years yet, and look forward to seeing you all on court.”

Bryan Doling, who has been the club’s treasurer since 2011, said: “The last thing I anticipated as I stood down from running the accounts was honorary membership of the club : it came completely ‘out of the blue’ ,but you couldn’t have thought of a better means of thanking me for the accounts work over the last 14 years.

So who is on the committee now?