WHY AND WHEN WERE WE FOUNDED?
Founded in 1991
The brainchild of Elliot Bernerd and the late Willy Bauer, who were at the time, the Club’s Owner and Chief Executive along with legendary golf professional Bernard Gallacher. The Foundation was originally founded in 1991 as a Tennis Scholarship when the Club invited local young aspiring players to have coaching and enjoy the facilities that the Club had to offer. It proved to be so successful that it was expanded to include golf.
Foundation Early years
For almost two decades the Foundation was chaired by the inspirational late Malcolm Walker who had been a Member and an integral part of the Club since 1981. Malcolm became Chair of the Foundation in 2003 following his year as the 2002 Club Captain when he first sat on the Foundation Committee.
In 2021 the Malcolm Walker Award was created in honour of Malcolm’s dedication to the Foundation. Each year the award is presented to a Scholar in recognition of their progress, achievements and commitment to their chosen sport throughout the year.
In December 2022 the Club came together in mourning over the passing of Malcolm. To honour Malcolm’s legacy, we have created a memorial with tributes from friends, Foundation Trustees, as well as past and present Scholars. Just a small handful of people whose lives were touched by Malcolm.
good sportsmanship and self-discipline
The Foundation provides a strong emphasis on good sportsmanship and self-discipline. Through both tennis and golf our young scholars can further develop their life skills such as respect, co-operation, comradery, commitment, determination, and self-motivation to stand them in good stead as they embark on their adult lives.
Helping young people
Since it’s conception the Foundation has supported many aspiring young tennis players and golfers, helping to improve local young people’s lives and achieve their ambitions through sport.
Some of our scholars have gone on to play professionally such as Annabel Dimmock, whilst others have forged careers within the sporting industry whether that be in coaching, greenkeeping or even broadcasting on Sky Sports.