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’.