Name: Mary Walkerdine

Description:
Joining the Club in 1956 as Mary Sheppard, to become Mary Walkerdine in 1962, a member of the Committee by 1957, someone who immediately established a place in the team and is still playing. Mary’s playing contribution to the Club is outstanding, 50 years playing for the first team, representing the Club and winning the Inter Club Ladies’ Singles 6 times. Mary won the Inter Club Ladies’ Singles for Knowle in 1964, 1967 and 1970. In the 1970 final Mary played Jo Durie, later Britain’s No 1, and beat her, this early lesson for the 12 year old Durie helped prepare her for the unforgiving world of professional tennis. In 1964 Mary was also the winner of the Singles and finalist in the Ladies Doubles of the Bristol and District Competition. In 1966 she also won the West of England Mixed Doubles partnered by Alan Budd. A notable event in a West of England Tournament (a week-long tournament played at Redland Green prior to Wimbledon) of this time was an all-Knowle Ladies’ final, Mary Walkerdine beating Beryl Coombs, Beryl having won the first set.

Player Stats:
Womens Singles Titles: 11.
Womens Doubles Titles: 20.
Mixed Doubles Titles: 7.