This cannot be a full tribute simply because there are just too many things to say about Peter & I lack the eloquence to do him anything approaching justice, so this short piece will have to suffice.  Doubtless, there will be more tributes from his business colleagues & his life away from Mersey but I’m not qualified to speak on those aspects.

I think Peter joined Mersey around 1963. Those many members who knew him will not need me to remind them of his considerable efforts that he devoted over many years to the running of not just the tennis section but to Mersey as a whole.  He was a past President & an Hon. General Secretary of the club.  He also held every post within the section from Hon. Tennis Secretary, Match Secretary & first team captain. Added to this, he was responsible for the huge task of shale court preparation which, particularly, at the beginning of the season was a very time consuming exercise. It’s due to Peter’ efforts that we had the best shale courts in the league. 

Peter was a gifted raconteur and with his thoughtful, deliberate delivery complementing & adding to the many hilarious stories he recounted over post-match discussions, he was always excellent company. A fierce competitor on court, he lost none of his will to win in his later years. Having played a match with him just over a week ago, I noted that he still retained his ability to draw attention to certain aspects of the oppositions’ game with perfect (usually barbed) observations of their talents, or more specifically, the lack of them!  If the need arose, Peter’s debating skills were employed to great effect when circumstances dictated the necessity to point out to the opposition that, following a dubious line call(s) - “Perhaps a visit to their respective opticians would be a beneficial exercise!”  Matches with Peter were always an event!  It must also be remembered that Peter was an excellent tennis player and was a member of the first team for numerous seasons and featured in many club finals.  Over the last few years when the tennis section did not have courts and had very few members, Peter was still there representing Mersey & helping Jon (who was tennis secretary) to ensure it’s survival.

Play had just started in the second round when it happened. I know the family will want me to thank the three West Heaton members who immediately sprang to his aid & within 30 seconds he was receiving treatment from two nurses & a man who was trained in CPR, who did everything possible to save him.  It’s during such times that one feels hopelessly inadequate. In such terrible circumstances, we look for some saving graces & whilst it is of scant comfort we can at least remember that:- He did not suffer & knew nothing about it; He was doing something he enjoyed; He was surrounded by friends.

Peter will be sadly missed by his many, many friends and our thoughts are with Barbara, Jon, Julie, Deb, Rob & the grandchildren during this very difficult time. 

Peter Davies
Hon Tennis Sec. 7th June 2006