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  • Railroad club winter updates

    From Winter 2024 newsletter

    Fred Satow on Oxford success in the 2024 World Masters Age Group Championships

    The World Masters Age Group Championships were held at Queen’s Club in May 2024. These are played in five-year age groups and Oxford alumni were well represented in both the individual singles and doubles. 

    Roman Krznaric (Pembroke) was a semi-finalist in the Over 50s singles and finalist in the doubles. Very unfortunately he had to retire from both due to injury – the injuries that prompted his article in the last edition of the Newsletter. 

    Fred Satow (Trinity) valiantly played in both the Over 55 and Over 65 doubles, while Nick Geere (St Peter’s) and Marek Stefanowicz were in the Over 60s singles. Marek (partnering John Prenn) was a finalist in the Over 70s doubles and in the Over 70s singles.

    Peter Begg of Brasenose and Tim Harper separately reached the semi-finals of the Over 75 singles and then paired up to make the semi-finals of the doubles. However, they came up against our own ex-Head Pro Alan Oliver who won both the singles and (with Jill Newby) the doubles. 

    Congratulations Alan! 

    Alan on serve in the World Masters 

    And receiving his trophy

    No Oxford alumni took part in the Over 80s.

    The next age group championships will be taking place in Australia in 2026. If you will qualify for any of the age groups do think about entering, especially as there should be an opportunity to try out the new Sydney court. As yet there are no female only events but if a demand is recognised they could perhaps be introduced.

    Graham Harding on 1595 and all that!

    This coming year it’s the 430th anniversary of the founding of the Merton Court and thus the beginning of our Club. Admittedly, 430th doesn’t have quite the ring of 450th or 500th – but those events are a long way away and we need to work with what we’ve got…

    In Britain

    • Queen Elizabeth I had been on the throne for 37 years but by now was getting on a bit. The Virgin Queen’s white lead make-up was getting heavier and more poisonous 
    • Having talked his way out of the Tower, where he had been imprisoned for secretly marrying one of the Queen’s maids, Sir Walter Raleigh had set off that February to find the fabled golden city of El Dorado. 
    • On stage, William Shakespeare had collected his payment from the Queen for a performance at Christmas 1594 that she’d attended and was sharpening his quill. It’s probable that Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Richard II were written in 1595. 
    • Offstage, the fashionable were beginning to put heels on their shoes – probably to make themselves look appropriately fabulous.
    • For the poor of Britain … not so good. Cost of living crisis! There were bad harvests in both 1594 and 1595 and in June 1595, food riots erupted in London.

    And in tennis?  

    • It was 150 years before first world champion – Clergé the Elder – emerged but Antonio Scanio had already set down the rules which have barely changed in nearly 500 years.
    • Scanio gratifyingly reckoned that tennis was a “very noble and rare exercise beneficial for body and mind”, so perhaps that was why it was already becoming popular in Oxford. There were already at least three courts: in Blue Boar Lane, Oriel Street and Merton Street. 
    • Our court first gets a mention on 6th October 1595 when it was built by John Lante and placed under the keepership of Thomas Wood, father of the antiquary Anthony (see the blue plaque on the wall of 5 Merton St). The keeper was today’s Andrew but we don’t know the name of any Oxford pro of that period.
    • By the late 16th century, players were shifting from playing with bare hands or a short battoir (think table tennis bat) to the long-handled sheep gut strung rackets in the shape we know today. This was probably in line with the shift from leather-covered balls – often stuffed with dog’s hair or human hair – to cloth-covered balls much more like those we use today. On court, a guide to gentlemanly conduct suggests we value much the same qualities in players today. In John Eliot’s Parlement of Prattlers (1593), one chap – Nicholas – says admiringly of his opponent: “O divell! What a firking stroke is that! You have an arme of iron”

    Andrew Davis on Railroad Real Tennis at Queens Club, 27th October 2024

    This year, we had 25 for our annual Railroad Club event at Queens Club in late October. Once again it was great to see all these keen players – some were at OU back in the 70s and some are current students. All in all, a brilliant mix of players with handicaps ranging from 10-75! It was a lovely vibe all day – different to the event earlier in the year in Oxford yet similar at the same time!  Even current OUTC club president, Professor Sir Neil Mortensen came down to play and see what it’s all about!

    The format was again casual doubles with most people getting on court at least 3 or 4 times. This works well as part of the idea is that people who have not played in a while can feel relaxed about signing up and joining in. It was great to see people socialising over lunch – Queens is such a wonderful, friendly club and I feel very fortunate that we are being allowed to host events there. 

    There is an idea of a Railroad Club championship at some point too … that would be a more serious competition for those who would like that.

    Georgie did a great job of putting the matches together ensuring that people of similar standard were on court together where at all possible. 

    It was great chat to have a drink afterwards with a group of enthusiastic quite recent leavers who enjoyed the day. Clearly there are London based ex-students who have ideas for events going forward – that gives me a lot of reassurance. We need ideas and people’s help implementing them for the RRC to thrive! If you can offer any support we would love to hear from you. It’s still early days in the whole Railroad initiative…

    April 20, 2025

  • Railroad Club Report 

    From Summer 2024 Newsletter

    The Railroad Club set up for past Oxford players to support Oxford student tennis has been active in 2024. 

    Railroad monies have supported not just the masterclasses run by Rob and Claire Fahey for the Varsity squads but also the subsidised racket scheme for students. This year eight rackets have gone to students; including Alfie Backhouse (men’s captain), Mary Strevens and Matthew Dick. ‘Fantastic!’ was Alfie’s response.  Help me ‘shoe the Tabs!’ was Mary’s.

    Matthew Dick with his new Extratec racket

    Mary Strevens with her Extratec

    The Railroad Club took advantage of Spike Willcocks (who’s now based in the States) making a UK trip to set up a weekend of tennis followed by supper at Vincent’s Club. 

    A mixture of OUTC alumni, former attendees of OU who play Real Tennis here at Oxford, current students, OUTC committee members (including our club president, Professor Sir Neil Mortensen), Club trustees, our ex-professional Alan Oliver and the odd regular club member, played Real Tennis during the day and went to dinner at Vincent’s in the evening.

    Around 16 attendees signed up for tennis. Though some of the alumni had not played for 10-20 years, everyone seemed to love getting back on court here at Oxford and some really entertaining doubles was played. The ‘show’ match was late afternoon and featured three ex OUTC captains and our professional, Craig Greenhalgh.  A full dedans was eager to see our Railroad patron, Spike Willcocks, play again and he did not disappoint! Partnering his old team-mate, Rob Walker, he took on Geoff Baker and Craig.  Despite being out of practice and having been in a serious car accident a couple of years ago, Spike was ‘on fire’ right from the off! His court coverage was exceptional and volleys so precise it was a joy to watch – it was like turning the clock back to the late 1990s! Ably supported by Rob Walker they took an early lead. Craig however, supported by his inspired partner, Geoff Baker worked his way into the game. This combined with Spike’s level possibly dropping a tad meant they ran out winners in an entertaining and close 8 game set.

    Rob Walker, Spike Willcocks to the left; Craig Greenhalgh and Geoff Baker to the right

    Dinner at Vincent’s was lovely with about 35 in attendance. Older and younger alumni enjoyed each other’s company and the feelgood factor was obvious to all there. Neil made an introductory speech which was followed by Spike who spoke for 20 minutes or so (brief by his standards!).  A toast was proposed by Spike’s contemporary at Oxford and former second team player, Ollie Hawkins. A big thank you goes to Mark Savage who kindly supplied delicious wine for the occasion. A good number of diners then moved next door to Sandy’s wine bar until the early hours!

    Dinner at Vincents’

    The feedback has been incredibly positive and there is a definite will to repeat the event at some point. We have never held an event quite like this one before and I would say the atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening felt ‘uniquely positive’. ‘So brilliant being back in Oxford’, said one participant, ‘a wonderful day and evening’.

    April 20, 2025

  • The big railroad club annual event @ Queens!

    We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer and are getting ready for the 2024-25 Real Tennis season!

    To celebrate the new season we’re holding another Railroad event at the Queen’s Club on Sunday 27th October. This will be the third – big thanks to Georgie Willis and Queen’s – so if you haven’t come along before do try to make this year’s event. They’re great fun for all handicap levels – not too serious.

    The precise format of the event will depend on numbers, but we reckon it’ll be a similar format to previous years with rolling partners and generally a more social than competitive spirit. If we do get fewer numbers we could be looking at a knock-out doubles or even a RRC v QC event, so do let us know if you are keen to attend! Please email railroad@outc.org.uk or georgie.willis@live.co.uk to sign up or let us know if you are interested. 

    We’ll kick off at 10am – but if transport makes it difficult to get to Queen’s at that time, don’t despair. We’re likely to play a morning and an evening group, so please express a preference. We’ll have two courts through until 4:30pm

    We’re also going to be planning a social event in Spring 2025, so watch this space! Likely a London club for drinks, so any suggestions for hosting or event ideas are welcome.

    Please do get in touch! And have a wonderful and successful RT season!

    October 5, 2024

  • The Railroad Club: an Oxford Reunion

    A balmy Saturday in June saw members of the Railroad Club come together in Oxford for an eagerly anticipated reunion; one dedicated Railroader even missed the school function she’d organised, such was the level of commitment! 

    Off games and unable to take part in the afternoon’s tennis at Merton Street, I’m ashamed to say that instead of hot-footing it to the court, I checked into my room in New College (wow, student beds are small…) and strolled around college with the broadest smile on my face! I’m not sure it ever felt this good when I was an undergrad – always late for lectures, Chemistry tutes with quite possibly the scariest prof in Oxford and endless practicals in smelly labs.  But without the work, well, Oxford in the sunshine is just the best! I bought a book in Blackwell’s and tried to look clever, climbed the Tower of St Michael at the North Gate… yes I was unashamedly in full on tourist mode and loving it!  


    And then to Merton Street … where the doubles matches were in full swing, with the Railroaders rolling back the years and showcasing their skills (and the odd shank) to an appreciative dedans.  An afternoon of laughter and friendly competition, with old teammates happy to be back on the Oxford court. And the highlight: a tennis masterclass by Spike, Rob, Geoff and Craig – how do they make it look so easy…?

    As the sun began to set, the Railroaders traded their tennis whites for black tie and reconvened at Vincent’s Club for a champagne reception in the wood panelled lounge.  

    October 5, 2024

  • Subsidised racket scheme

    Half-price rackets – thanks to the Railroad Club

    Thanks to the generosity of Railroad Club members we have now been able to allocate a first set of seven subsidised rackets.

    The recipients – whose applications were vetted by Andrew and Craig to make sure we make the best use of the money – covered a range of players.

    At the top end, Benedict Yorston, who signed off his Oxford tennis career with the clinching win in the final rubber of the day to swing the Varsity Match for Oxford, gets a Gray’s ExtraTec. His response? “A great initiative – and I’ll definitely be joining the Railroad Club myself.”

    Beau Swallow – another joiner-to-be – said just the same. “It’s a fantastic initiative”. He’s pictured here on the Merton Court with another recipient, George Halblander- Smyth.


    Also receiving a racket was Inga Williams, a mature student, who took advantage of a rare moment of Oxford sunshine to pose for Andrew.

    May 22, 2023

  • The Varsity matches – an Oxford double!

    Held at Lord’s as always these resulted in two very hard-fought wins for Oxford: 4/3 for the men and 4/2 for the women.

    The men’s came down the last match, the lead singles, when Ben Yorston for Oxford beat back the challenge of the talented Patrick Smart. In the ladies, superb performances by Izzy Marshall in both singles and doubles – and the first ever deciding ladies’ doubles – swung the match Oxford’s way.

    Congratulations to the teams, to Andrew and Craig for their training – and thanks to the great Rob and Clare Fahey!

    Why the Faheys? Well, shortly before the matches, we organised two masterclasses for the squads – thanks to the generosity of Railroad Club members. The team members found these classes with the Faheys highly effective and highly inspirational.

    We are now just behind Cambridge in the post-war tally so the plan is to have Rob and Clare’s support again next year as part of the push to pull level in this long-running rivalry.

    The Women’s match – Oxford clinch a cliffhanger in the deciding doubles


    The following players represented the Oxford Women’s’ Team at Lords in the Blues Real Tennis Varsity; Izzy Marshall (New), Mary Strevens (Magdalen), Cora Hill (Queen’s) and Louise Fitzpatrick (Trinity) with Abby Hayton (St John’s) as reserve.

    The first day of the match kicked off with Louise taking to the court to play her singles at 4th string. After breaking her wrist (racket-hand) in November, Louise had missed out on months of training and matches but had worked very hard over the previous weeks to get on court and find opponents to practise against. After losing a tight first set 6-5, Louise showed some true grit to battle back the second set 6-2 and confidently took the third 6-1 and the match. Oxford were 1-0 up.

    Next up was Mary playing her singles at the 2nd string. She faced a formidable opponent, Ellie, squash at the number 1 position for the Light Blues who had a lot of power on shots off the back wall. Mary took the first set 6-3 but her Cambridge opponent battled back in the second and used her power to take the next two sets 6-2, 6-1. The overall score was now level at 1-1.

    Mary and Cora then went on to play their doubles at the 2nd pair position, facing not only Mary’s opponent but also her partner Anna, a familiar opponent for us Lawn Tennis players who plays at the number one position for the Cambridge Blues on that team. The combination of their flashy volleys and powerful back-wall shots proved to dominate the court. The first set was close with Cambridge just managing to win the 11th game and take the set 6-5. Despite a commendable Oxford effort, Cambridge played more aggressively in the second set and took the match 6-5, 6-1. The first day of play concluded with Cambridge 2-1 up.
    The second day began with Izzy taking to the court for the first time for her singles at the 1st string. Despite a nervous start against Ulla, the Cambridge captain, who showed some incredible pick-ups out of the corners, Izzy took the first set 6-2 and managed to find some momentum in the second set and take the win 6-2, 6-3. The overall score was now level again at 2-2.

    Next up was Cora, playing her singles at the 3rd string. We knew this was going to be a tough match after seeing how well her opponent hit the ball in the doubles the day before. The lefty serve and cut volleys proved too much, as Anna from Cambridge seemed to get better and better throughout the match. Cora put up a valiant fight to the dying end, digging balls off the tambour and out of the corners but Anna eventually took it 6-2, 6-1.

    We were now 3-2 down with one more match to play to stay in it. Izzy and Louise took to the courts to play the 1st string doubles. After a close start, the Oxford pair managed to pull away, with Izzy’s serve and Louise’s volleys working effectively together to stay at the service end and keep our opponents pinned into the walls. Eventually, Oxford took the match 6-1, 6-1.

    We were now level at 3-3 and, for the first time in the history of the Women’s Blues Varsity Match, the winner would be determined by a deciding doubles match. The pair must be made up of two players who have not already teamed up to play doubles and so Izzy and Mary took to the court against Ulla and Ellie. After racing to a strong lead, the power from Ellie’s back-wall shots began to force errors from the Oxford pair. We decided to mix-up the strategy with Izzy every so often taking the galleries and Mary the back. This proved to throw off our opponents and bring the control of the match back into our hands. Finally, with consistent and tricky serves giving us the volleys we wanted, Oxford took the match 6-2, 6-2 and we were the Varsity 2023 Champions.

    We were delighted to be crowned champions but, of course, could not have done it without the hard work of Andrew and Craig training us, finding practice matches for us, and supporting us throughout the weekend.

    Well done the team!

    Victorious women’s varsity team 2023

    Men’s Varsity – another Oxford triumph!

    The first match of this year’s varsity for the men was the no.1 doubles, which saw Benedict Yorston and Isaac Wighton take on Patrick Smart (hcp 20ish) and Jack Wilson-Smith. Though the latter is only a recent addition to the CURTC, he is a former Cambridge lawn tennis captain and current blue, so we were uncertain what kind of challenge this pair would present. Unfortunately, the Cambridge pair came out flying — Wilson Smith energetically crossing to make some brilliant volley interceptions paired with Smart’s solid, yet aggressive, hitting from the back proved an effective combination. Despite some incredible rallies, Yorston and Wighton fell to what was a slightly unusual style of play from the Cambridge no.1 pairing in three tight sets, 6-2, 6-5, 6-4.

    Next on was Alfred Backhouse at no.2 singles. With a roughly 15 point handicap difference compared to his opponent, Alfred proved far too strong for his opposite number in what was the swiftest match of the weekend. With a confident 6-0, 6-0 win, Alfred set us back on the right track with some rapid volley returns and a healthy amount of balls clattering into the grille.

    The final match of the first day was no.3 singles, played by Louis Manson, this year’s captain. With a similarly large handicap difference, Manson got off to a strong start winning the first set 6-0. However, as he has a tendency to do, the captain lost his concentration slightly in the second making for a tighter set than perhaps could have been the case at 6-3, though his Cambridge opposite number also raised his level. Thus, the end of the first day saw Oxford leading 2-1.

    First on for the men on Saturday morning was Isaac Wighton, whose match was scheduled for this time so he could get back to Oxford to lead the second part of his double life as a budding actor. Up against Wilson-Smith, all were interested to see how his doubles would translate to singles. In the first set, the Cambridge man came out flying and made the most of his lawn tennis abilities to showcase some prolific volleying and hustling around the court, helping him to edge a tight first set. Isaac, however, came back strongly in the second, demonstrating his natural ball-striking skills to lead comfortably throughout. All square and into the third… With the rubber, and indeed overall match, on a knife-edge, the Cambridge no.4’s excellent volleying and energy proved slightly too much in what was a thrilling encounter, levelling the overall tie at 2-2 going into the final afternoon.

    The second string doubles, thanks to the large handicap difference, followed a similar vein to the singles. Dropping just one game in three sets, Oxford’s lead was restored going into the final match of the fixture, the coveted no.1 singles.

    Having played same opponent last year – and delivered a storming victory – Yorston went into the match knowing what he had to do to secure the Oxford win. In an edgy first set that saw some excellent retrieving from the corners, Yorston pulled through to take it 6-4, a lot closer than the previous year’s bagel. In the second set, however, Smart played some inspired tennis. Hammering the ball into the corners at the same time as finding the tambour and grille with regularity off both wings, he hurried through the second set taking it by an impressive six games to one. Going into the final set, then, everything was on the line. An Oxford win, and it would all be over… a Cambridge win, and the tie would go to a shoot-out. Relishing the pressure, Yorston appeared unaffected by the occasion and delivered a superb, steady performance in the last set to clinch victory by a
    comfortable margin of 6-2. Then we all got to see what we had been waiting for, the patented Yorston victory celebration: racket in the left hand, right arm outstretched with a 45 degree angle at the elbow, and a clenched fist pump. A great way for the 4-time varsity player to go out on his Oxford real tennis career.

    Afterwards we were treated to an amazing black tie dinner in the Long Room at Lords, for which we
    must say an enormous thank you both to the MCC for hosting us the entire weekend (and Brian in particular for putting up with my annoying emails at all times of day asking for rescheduling), and to Pol Roger for sponsoring the event. As always, the team owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the senior committee for keeping the club running, and particularly to Andrew and Craig, who not only run the club on a day-to-day basis but are extremely helpful in organising fixtures, training (including the Fahey masterclass), and generally helping to create an atmosphere which makes real tennis at Oxford so enjoyable.

    May 22, 2023

  • The first event – 30 October 2022

    On Sunday 30 October over 30 members of the Railroad Club met at The Queen’s Club in London for a day of tennis.

    For those who don’t know it, Queen’s (in West London) is a fabulous venue. It was founded in 1886 and the honours boards show just how many stars of all forms of tennis have played there.

    The Queen's Club Honours Board
    The Queen’s Club Honours Board


    Our group of players themselves ranged over almost sixty years – several of us matriculating in the ‘60s; others in the 2020s. Plenty London- or Oxford-based of course but by no means all – a notable Dorset contingent for instance. Some of us are still playing regularly; for others it was a chance to brush off some of the rust… but a lot of fun was had. Old friendships were renewed and reinforced; new acquaintances and contacts made – just as we had hoped. Handicaps covered a wide range – high teens to late 70s – but careful planning and constant vigilance by organisers George Willis and Andrew Davis meant no handicapping was needed.


    Thanks to the generosity of The Queen’s Club we had both of their courts for most of the day, our own lunch table and plenty of play. We managed over 40 sets of doubles with every game featuring a new group of players. A further treat was a sparkling doubles exhibition featuring (in alpha order)
    Charlie Defries, Rory Giddins, Johnny Whitaker and Ben Yorston.

    Jonny Whitaker, Rory Giddins, Charlie Defries, Benedict Yorston

    An exhibition maybe but it was hard fought with brilliant retrieving and thunderous forces to the dedans leaving the audience in awe. The result? 10-3 to Defries and Giddins – but honour to both pairs.

    November 29, 2022

  • Update on the club

    We now have over 20 life members and 60 or so ‘annual sub’ members. A wonderful result from our May 2022 launch at the Oxford and Cambridge Club. Thank you all!

    November 29, 2022