Presenting the silverware

Maria Bueno is in demand for presenting trophies

20 July 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Presenting at Woodfield Grove Tennis Club

It was just a long iron from the Royal Box on Centre Court, but Maria graciously presented the prizes to the winners and runners-up of the club tournament at Woodfield Grove in south London last Saturday.

“Yes, it is a bit of a contrast, I must say,” said Maria. “But these are my friends and I come to this small club a lot so its fun to see how they get on in their annual tournament, plus they always do a wonderful lunch and tea so I am well looked after all day…”

It was a sizzling day too, with temperatures in the mid twenties.

“For me, it was very pleasant,” Maria continued.

“The club has built a new balcony since last year, which gives them more room and a wonderful view of the courts. It was a very popular spot on Saturday.

“It’s now like their own Royal Box!”

Celebrating 50 years…

After presenting the trophies to the players, Maria had a surprise for the club’s Chairman, Peter Risdon.
“It’s hard to keep anything from Peter,” laughed Maria. “But we succeeded!

“He stole a little of my thunder because, like me, Peter celebrated 50 years this year since his first win at Woodfield Grove.

“His is an amazing record – 37 titles in all over these 50 years – and he was playing in the doubles final this year too, so he could have made it to 38 but didn’t!”

On behalf of all the membership, the Committee presented Peter with a solid silver trophy that was made in Birmingham in 1909, the year Fred Perry was born, which will inaugurate a new event in his name for The Peter Risdon Trophy.

“Peter will decide what kind of an event it will be,” said Maria. “I am sure it’ll be a fun event for all the members to enjoy.

“He also got a scroll and a gift voucher for his own use from The Queen’s Club Pro Shop – considerably more than I got for winning Wimbledon all those years ago!”

And the same at Beckenham

The following weekend Maria was, once again, presenting prizes – this time at another of her favourite clubs in Beckenham.

“It was even hotter then – 30 degrees or so – and the weather forecast was for storms but somehow it all went off very well and they got it all completed,” said Maria.

“I feel as if I have doing this there for years but everyone seems to enjoy having pictures taken with me so I shouldn’t complain. It’s always fun to see everyone again!”

The events at Beckenham involved juniors as well as adults. One young lad surprised everyone by insisting on making a speech.

“It was very sweet,” Maria said. “He wanted to thank his coach for encouraging him to stick with tennis because last year he was very disappointed and this year he won the event. That’s the way it goes!”

Maria spent the rest of the weekend enjoying the British Open Golf.

“Like Wimbledon, it is the best event in golf so you have to pay attention!” she said.