In Memory of Peter Dawes (1941-2026)
We are sad to announce the passing of Peter Dawes, a long‑serving Real Tennis professional whose work contributed significantly to the development and growth of the game throughout the United Kingdom.
Born in Twickenham in 1941, Peter showed a great aptitude for all sports and at the age of fourteen he was selected for advanced cricket training by Twickenham Borough Council, later trialling with the MCC and joining the Lord’s ground staff. After 3 years on the ground staff he was given the opportunity to work at the Real Tennis court during the winter months and so began his life-long journey into Real Tennis, spending the next 5 years at Lord’s, under the guidance of Henry Johns.
While at Lord's, Peter met Viv and they were married in Twickenham in 1965. Later that year they moved to Oxford, where Peter continued working in Real Tennis at Oxford University. During the 7 years at Oxford, he built it into a thriving, successful club; including introducing the future World Champion Chris Ronaldson to the game, when he employed him as his assistant.
In 1972, the family relocated to Hayling Island and Peter became the Head Professional at Seacourt Tennis Club. Over the more than 30 years he spent at the club, Peter made huge strides in modernising not only the club but also the wider sport of Real Tennis. During this period he encouraged far more female participation, which later played a part in the initiation of the Ladies Real Tennis Association, something Peter was always a very strong supporter of. Peter’s inclusive approach to the sport also led to the creation of Seacourt’s first junior section, that would subsequently go on to produce several future Real Tennis professionals, many of whom are still active across the world, including his son Jon, Head Professional at Hatfield House.
During his time at Seacourt, Peter served as the first chairman of the Real Tennis Professionals Association, holding the position for the next twenty‑five years. During his tenure, the RTPA established unified professional representation, introduced structured training and qualification pathways, and formalised standards across clubs. He became the first Real Tennis professional invited to join the Tennis & Rackets Association, marking a notable step in strengthening links between professionals and the governing body.
Across his career, Peter played a consistent role in the professionalisation of Real Tennis, particularly through his work with the RTPA and his long association with Seacourt. His contributions to coaching, player development, and inclusivity form a notable part of the sport’s modern history. Peter was universally liked, admired and respected by all that knew him throughout the Real Tennis world and beyond and will be sorely missed.
