Alan Lewis

Alan was a long-standing member of the tennis club and made a big difference to our facilities. He served as Chairman from 1982 to 1985 and was instrumental in changing our shale courts to Astro. For those who are not aware, the shale courts required a huge amount of work and were unplayable for much of winter. I have the memory of Alan being in charge of rolling the courts using this massive roller which had a mind of its own and he would sprint behind it holding on for dear life as he went across the whole area! Alan and Joan were very supportive of the club during all their membership and supported the social events and AGMs.

Alan enjoyed playing doubles, particularly with his son Martin. They were both very competitive and successful, winning club competitions and playing in the teams. He was very anxious to play well and not let his partner down. He finally decided in his mid-eighties that his standard was letting him down and decided to retire from playing tennis along with Joan and they both became honorary members.

What some are not aware of is that Alan had an extraordinary capacity to fit so many things in his daily life in addition to tennis. Even when he was busy working as a dentist he fitted in many activities including golf, playing bridge and squash, playing the piano, learning the Alexander technique, co-founding a synagogue and being its chairman and choirmaster for many years. He was a very keen skier and regularly took disabled skiers on the slopes including blind skiers. He was very committed to supporting the elderly and disabled even when he was in his late eighties. Our condolences to Joan, Rosalyn, Martin and his grandchildren. He leaves a large void for Joan and family and many others.