To be granted the honour, Alvin and Diana were required to have been involved in the Club for a continuous period of no less than five years, and rendered exceptional service to the Club.

Both Alvin and Diana have been progressive members of the Club since 1996, with Diana being appointed treasurer in 2005 and Alvin being chosen as president the same year.

Diana continues to hold the treasurer’s chair, however Alvin retired from the president’s position at the Club’s 2008 AGM.

Through his three years as president, Alvin has been instrumental in accomplishing change in numerous areas of the Club, including repairing and painting the clubhouse, the addition of four new artificial grass courts, and gaining new signage for the courts.

He was also involved in launching the junior development series tournament in Cootamundra, attracting top juniors from all over the South West, with the next tournament to be held on August 3.

The recommencement of Club championships after 17 years of inactivity was another initiative Alvin and Diana were involved in.

Diana has also instituted a successful regime for the control of the Club’s financial affairs.

Alvin and Diana are both very pleased with receiving life membership of the club.

“It is nice to be recognised by the people who we play tennis with, particularly because it is a voluntary position,” Diana said.

“Tennis has so much to offer, from friendship to fitness, and we thought we should give something back.”

Both Alvin and Diana have developed an interest in increasing and promoting tennis within junior ranks and within the Club.

“We encourage younger people to become involved in the Club’s committee, as it’s important for younger people to bring new and fresh ideas into the Club,” Alvin said.

Alvin and Diana were nominated by tennis club committee member Neil Wilcox, who entered the nomination for the Buchanan’s long service and involvement in the Club.

“They have been very up front in promoting the club and encouraging younger players to become involved,” Neil said.

Tennis Club President Greg Lynch said Alvin and Diana have provided leadership and motivation to the club through their love of tennis and interest in keeping tennis a viable sport in Cootamundra.

“Alvin and Diana are both very deserving of their award and will continue to motivate others in the promotion of tennis in Cootamundra,” Greg said.

Greg also commented both Alvin and Diana have an intense passion for the development of junior players, who are ultimately the next generation of players and administrators in the game.