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THE memory of a much-loved long-standing Cromarty resident was honoured at the weekend at a tennis tournament played on courts he graced regularly with his grandchildren.
The inaugural Tilbrook Trophy tennis tournament in Cromarty saw ten doubles partnerships pitted against each other in a random draw with some incredibly close matches played and exciting rallies enjoyed by the flow of spectators supporting the day.
A Cromarty resident for 47 years – and a keen tennis player for the best part of that time – Peter sadly passed away aged 83 in July 2022 but was still participating in competitive tennis at both Cromarty Tennis & Sports Club and Inverness Squash & Tennis Club up to his 80th year. His daughter Georgia, who organised the event, said: “His quiet, gentle manner masked his tactical ball placing and demon lobs and spins, bemusing many a younger opponent who assumed the ‘old boy’ would be easy prey!”
Georgia, also in Cromarty and a member of the tennis club, decided it would be a fitting tribute to honour him with this new competition and trophy. With the support of the club committee, the annual tournament, open to players from all clubs, was born.
Despite the heavens opening for the semis and final, participants opted to play on and the standard remained high for the all-Inverness club final. Georgia said: “Special mention to talented Cromarty brother/sister pair, Cody and Kelsey Benjamin and locals Karen Mackay and Richard Fea, the other semifinalists. The title was eventually taken by Kay Henderson and David Milne, with Anne Erskine and Jane Bradley worthy runners-up.”
The trophy was presented by Peter’s widow, Fran.
As an environmentalist and ecologist by profession, he was happiest outdoors and in his earlier years played football and cricket followed by cycling, sailing and hill-walking. He was delighted when a tennis court was constructed minutes from his home in Cromarty and enjoyed playing there and encouraging his four grandchildren to join him – “with mixed success!” – for many years.
He was the oldest club member still playing and competing at the age of 80.
A former research scientist with the British Antarctic Survey and director of Scottish Natural Heritage’s North West Region until 1996, Peter Tilbrook died last year following a sudden infection compounded by terminal cancer.