Wimbledon kicks off today. A quintessential British sporting event for which I'm always very excited. Alas I've never been to SW19, but as a proud Scot in recent years I've watched avidly the progress of Andy Murray. As French Open runner up and winner at Queens he's surely in a great position in 2016 to repeat the success of 2013. I suspect that my love for Tennis came from my youth when I used to come home from school in the 80's and find my Mum watching Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg and the likes with great enthusiasm. As a teen I was a fan of Stefan Edberg and Pat Cash. Admittedly that was probably as much for their looks as their tennis! I also remember making my Mum buy multiple of bottles of Robinsons Lemon Barley Water so I could collect tokens and send off for a Wimbledon Towel! It was worth it though as 30 years later I still have it.
At this time of year whether its due to Wimbledon or the warm(er) weather, both adults and kids seem to feel inspired to pick up a racquet and play tennis. I’m currently working with the Lawn Tennis Association on their Great British Tennis Weekend campaign #GBTW. Across the weekend of Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th July you can try tennis for free at a Great British Tennis Weekend event. Sign up for your FREE tennis activity here. Simply enter your location and find and book a session. Thousands of free events will be taking place all across the country, with sessions to suit the whole family. There are Highland Spring Mini Tennis sessions, family time, free play, Cardio Tennis and numerous other kinds of activities to get involved in. Rackets and balls will be provided, so whether you’ve never picked up a racket before or you’re a seasoned regular – there is fun to be had. My own playing experience is somewhat limited. As a child I remember my Auntie Joyce getting very enthusiastic with a serve always proceeded by the question "Is your bat ready?". We're lucky enough to have a couple of courts in our village and a quick knock about is a fun way to encourage kids to get outside, have fun,keep fit and perhaps find a future British tennis star.
Food and drink is an integral part of Wimbledon. Pimm's and strawberries are what immediately spring to mind. The astounding figures below come from Championships' caterers FMC and relate to 2015
- 330,000 cups of tea and coffee
- 320,000 glasses of Pimm's
- 25,000 scones
- 110,000 pints of draught beer and lager
- 140,000 portions of English strawberries
- 10,000 litres of dairy cream
- 29,000 bottles of champagne
- 5,000 kilos of bananas (for players)
- 86,000 ice cream portions
If you've not been lucky enough to get tickets in the ballot why not try tennis for free this summer by signing up for a #GBTW session and preparing your own Wimbledon inspired feast with the help of the recipes below.
Disclosure : This is a commissioned post for BritMums and the Lawn Tennis Association.
I’m working with the Lawn Tennis Association on their #GBTW campaign. Sign up for your FREE tennis activity here.
