David Norman is Stepping Down From the Position of T&RA President
After a lifetime of distinguished service to the T&RA, David Norman has decided to step down from the position of President. He has been President for 14 years since 2011.
David served as Chairman from 1982-1997 during a period of significant transformation for the T&RA and both our games. During that time, David’s dynamic approach catalysed many essential changes in both games. He produced a T&RA development plan which focused on several key objectives; and all were achieved. Membership increased significantly. David led the £400k fundraising and project that restored the Bridgeman Court, created the Museum and refurbished the Tennis Courts and the Pro’s room. The result was that the Queen’s Club became the national centre for both Real Tennis and Rackets. He also transformed the T&RA executive with the appointment of the first Chief Executive in 1989, Brigadier Andrew Myrtle.
In the early 1980s both games were in a relatively fragile state. While political and economic uncertainties are significant today, David leaves both games in a relatively strong position. Participation is at record levels including by women, the finances are strong, new courts have been opened or refurbished and the IIP and IRP programmes have and will produce a new generation of young professionals to provide the foundation for the sports for the next 40 years. The Opens and World Championships in both games over the last 40 years have produced some memorable and brilliant contests.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to record our sincere thanks to David for his many years of dedicated and remarkably successful service. David will remain a Vice President.
At a recent meeting, the Board of the T&RA decided to recommend to members that William Maltby should be the new President. This appointment will be put to members at the AGM in November for ratification.
William was Chairman of the T&RA from 2010 to 2015 and served as a board member for a further five years. He was the driving force behind the building of the Wellington Real Tennis court, the Maltby court. He has been a keen and successful player of both games for over 40 years. He won the US Amateur Rackets singles and doubles in 1990 and won the Over 50 Real Tennis World Doubles in 2015. He has also played at first singles for several Cockram and Bostwick teams. At his best, his Real Tennis handicap was single figures.
William still plays a decent game of Real Tennis and regularly attends major Rackets events.
William has had a distinguished career in finance, becoming Vice Chair of Deutsche in London. He currently serves on several Boards and is Chairman of NB Private Equity Partners, a listed private equity investment company. He is also Chairman of Swinley Forest Golf Club.
I am delighted that William has agreed to put his name forward for the role.
Richard Compton-Burnett
