Pat Taylor - LTA Chairman

I grew up on a farm just outside Ulverston and was introduced to tennis when I went to Ulverston Grammar School. I played in school teams but didn’t get the tennis “bug” until I was in my twenties and living in London.  In 1971 I became an LTA Registered Professional Coach after passing the two-week residential course at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.  Dan Maskell came down from LTA HQ to make sure we were suitable!  I coached and played most of my tennis at clubs in Surrey and then Kent before returning to Cumbria in 2002.  I’m now a member at Maryport Tennis Club and at Eden Lawn in Carlisle. Last year I played in the ladies county veterans team. My claim to tenuous fame is that I once played Sue Barker at a circuit tournament in Devon in the early 1970s.  She was a little blonde girl with a massive forehand and a will of steel. I think I won the knock-up!!  I’m looking forward to representing Cumbrian tennis on the LTA Council and will let you know how I get on.

Tony Hesmondhalgh

Tony has been actively involved with the County LTA since its formation in 1976, having been their first Secretary.  He has served continously as Cumbria's President since election in 1986 and was a representative on the National LTA Council from 1989 - 2008.  This included serving as Chairman for the Rules Committee for 6 years and also was on the Disciplinary Committee from 1998-2004. Tony resigned as President in 2009 but continues to be actively involved with the County as a member of the Executive Committee.

Roger Burns - Cumbria Representative

Roger has represented the Barrow-in-Furness area on the Council since 2004 and became a member of the Executive in 2008.  After supporting his children playing competitive tennis around the country for twelve years, he is now an active player in local leagues and a qualified referee. He is keen to use his experience to develop tennis across the county.

Pat Henderson - Secretary

Pat has been actively involved with the County LTA since its formation in 1976.  She took over as Secretary in 1996 and was also appointed County Tournament Coordinator.  Pat retired from her Administrator's role in August 2009 but remains County Secretary and the main point of contact for the distribution of Wimbledon Tickets. 

Clare Pilkington - Treasurer

Clare very recently took the role of treasurer in January 2012.

Clare has been a member of Chatsworth Tennis Club since 1976, playing in their club teams and taking on a variety of roles such as Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Member. She is currently Vice Chairman. Clare has been part of recent subcommittees involved in obtaining Clubmark and writing a new Constitution to comply with HMRC Rules.
Her tennis career also includes playing for Cumbria in the Ladies team, Over 35s, Over 40s and for the last couple of years as Captain of the Over 50s. She is also an LTA Referee.

Jo Cunliffe - Tennis Development Manager (TDM)

Jo joined British Tennis in 2007 having previously worked as a coach at Tennis World (Middlesbrough), Stokesley TC, Great Broughton TC, Reigate and David Lloyd Teesside.  Jo was a very successful junior player and after leaving school went to America on a tennis scholarship.  Her role covers the counties of Durham & Cleveland, Northumberland and Cumbria.  She has a tremendous passion for the sport and has endless energy and enthusiasm. She currently competes for Durham & Cleveland ladies county team. 

Mike Woods - Talent Performance Coordinator (TPC)

Mike has worked as a coach for many years and was previously employed in British Tennis as a County Performance Officer. In his current Talent Performance Coordinator role he covers Cumbria, Durham & Cleveland and Northumberland working with players under the age of 10 in accordance with the National Competition Framework.

Graeme Clarkson - Facility Project Manager (FPM)

Graeme has worked in British Tennis for many years. Before taking his current post he worked as Tennis Manager for Durham & Cleveland and Northumberland. In his current Facility Project Manager role he covers a large area including Durham & Cleveland, Northumberland, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Scotland. Graeme is also a qualified coach and tutor.

Lisa started working for British Tennis in February 2009. She previously worked from home on a self-employed basis doing work for Durham & Cleveland and Northumberland. Lisa is an accredited referee and is actively involved in Cullercoats Tennis Club.

Christine joined the team, in January 2010. She is an avid follower of tennis, and plays for her local club in Newcastle, and used to play for the girl's team at University of Glasgow up until 2007.
She gained her degree from University of Glasgow in 2007, and since then has worked for Newcastle University, Newcastle College, and has been travelling around the world.
She is now an accredited referee.