Somerset LTA AWARDS – We need your vote!
Welcome to the Somerset LTA Awards candidate spotlight for Wells TC! With so many dedicated members contributing to the success of tennis in our club, it’s always a tough decision to choose just a few to recognize. As we approach the awards, we’re excited to introduce you to two exceptional individuals who have truly gone above and beyond in their support for our club Brian Clarke and Juliet Matthews.
Every nominee brings something special, but these two stand out for us within our tennis community. While every member’s choice matters, we hope this spotlight offers you a closer look at two candidates who have made an outstanding impression this year. Please have a read below and consider these two, or if you have your own members you’d like to put forward all support is welcome.
LTA Tennis Awards 2025 voting page
**PLEASE NOTE: to nominate you will need contact information (e.g., email address of candidate and contact number). To access these please ask Kevin via email wellstccoaching@gmail.com
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Somerset LTA Lifetime Achievement Award Nomination
Nominee: Brian Clarke (pictured on the left side in blue)
Brian Clarke has been an integral part of Wells Tennis Club for over 22 years, bringing boundless dedication and vision to every role he has held. Since joining, Brian has immersed himself in the life of the club, serving with distinction in multiple leadership capacities, including Treasurer, President, and Chairman. His deep commitment to Wells Tennis Club and the sport of tennis is evident in the countless hours he has devoted to ensuring the club’s continued growth, accessibility, and success.
In his time as Chairman, Brian played a pivotal role in exploring a proposed relocation of Wells Tennis Club to a new shared venue with the Wells Rugby Club, a project that required navigating complex negotiations and partnership discussions. Although financial constraints ultimately prevented this relocation, Brian’s perseverance never wavered.
The club moved forward pursuing the construction of five new artificial clay courts where Brian played a key role in rallying members to visit other clubs to experience their facilities. His dedication was evident in coordinating site visits to similar venues, ultimately bringing this ambitious project to life.
Brian’s involvement in tennis, both playing and administration, is evident spanning several clubs over 30 years extending beyond Wells Tennis Club to the broader Somerset tennis community. As a representative on the Somerset LTA Committee, he reformed the Small Grant Assessment process, implementing streamlined procedures that simplified the application for clubs across the region, leaving a lasting impact on Somerset tennis clubs.
A passionate tennis player since his teens, Brian represented Wells in the North Somerset Summer and Winter Leagues, participated in social tournaments, and consistently entered the Club Championships. His skill on the court saw him reach the Mixed Doubles final in 2015 and win the Men’s Doubles title. Beyond his personal achievements, Brian and his wife, Ruth, organized and ran a highly successful Easter Monday Fun Tournament for over a decade, an event beloved by club members.
Brian’s dedication extended internationally when he helped establish a tennis friendship match with Wells’ twin town, Bad Durkheim, Germany, fostering cross-cultural connections through sport. At home, he also played a key role in the recruitment process for the club’s Head Coach in 2014, a decision that has proved invaluable as the coach is now in his 10th year of service to the club.
Though diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) two years ago, Brian’s commitment to Wells Tennis Club remains unwavering. He continues to attend and support club events, showing exceptional resilience and community spirit. In partnership with his wife Ruth and Head Coach Kevin, Brian and Ruth have made a significant charitable contribution toward the club with a view in the future to establish the Clarke Foundation. This foundation is aimed at supporting junior tennis players in their development, a legacy that will help guide the next generation of players and coaches at Wells Tennis Club.
Brian Clarke’s commitment, leadership, and passion for tennis have left an indelible mark on Wells Tennis Club and the broader community. His tireless service, both on and off the court, and his continued support despite personal challenges, exemplify the very essence of the Somerset LTA Lifetime Achievement Award. Honouring Brian with this award would be a fitting recognition of his exceptional contributions and dedication to the sport and community he loves.
Volunteer of the Year – Somerset LTA County Awards
Nomination for Juliet Matthews (pictured right)
Juliet joined the club as a beginner in 2021, and since then, her exceptional energy and enthusiasm have transformed our club. Embracing her role as Social Secretary shortly after joining, Juliet has enriched the lives of our members and extended her support far beyond the club walls through charitable events that benefit the local community.
Juliet’s dedication to fostering community is clear in the range of events she organizes. Over the past year, she has brought members together through memorable gatherings such as the annual Christmas meal for over 50 members, the Wimbledon “Picnic & Pimms” celebration, and a delightful wine-tasting event at a local vineyard. These gatherings not only create a welcoming atmosphere within the club but also foster lasting friendships. Her recent Quiz Night and raffle fundraiser raised nearly £500 for club improvements, demonstrating her talent for combining fun with purposeful support.
Beyond the club, Juliet has a deep commitment to giving back to the wider community, organizing and supporting various local charity events. Her work on community fundraisers has helped raise significant funds for causes close to the hearts of many in our town, further highlighting her caring nature and dedication to making a positive difference.
Juliet’s positive influence is felt at every level, from welcoming new members to lending a helping hand wherever it’s needed. Her efforts as Social Secretary have raised over £4,000, and her work in the community has strengthened connections and enhanced the lives of those she supports. She is truly the heart of our club, and her passion, warmth, and hard work are deeply appreciated by us all.
For her unwavering dedication to both Wells Tennis Club and the wider community, we proudly nominate Juliet Matthews for Volunteer of the Year, in recognition of her exceptional and invaluable contributions.
