Upton Victory Hall Welcome Their German Friends for the 20th Year!

We recently learned of an enduring friendship between 2 clubs that has celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Upton Victory Hall Tennis Club and TA Hohes Ufer of Munster have celebrated their annual tennis and cultural exchange and its success continues to grow. Andy Goudie gave us an insight of the weekend...

Friday 7th August saw eleven visitors arrive from Munster in Germany for our annual tennis and cultural exchange. This was the 20th anniversary of this event designed to promote friendship between both clubs, and this year for nine of the visitors it was their first time at Upton, which is really positive for the future of this event.

What makes this exchange even more fun it that club members host visitors within their homes. So, this is a good chance to get to know our German friends and for them to get to know us. Many friendships have flourished over the years; people arrived twenty years ago as young children and are now young adults!

Friday saw the visitors arrive at different times, so most of the day was spent playing tennis on the grass courts (one of the many reasons for the event). For some people this was their first ever time playing on Upton’s hallowed turf. On Friday night the welcome party started with quick cricket and a freshly cooked Fish & Chips (courtesy of the mobile fish & chip van).  The club was alive with people playing pool, darts and corn toss, with the addition of liberal amounts of alcohol.

Saturday started with a quick walk to Hilbre Island, led by our faithful guide Jeff Dewhurst. There was time for photographs and a picnic before heading back to Upton for an American Tournament. This was followed by afternoon teas and a BBQ in the evening courtesy of Phil Walker (as always, the food was fabulous). Some of the more adventurous visitors and Upton members (youth) then partied in Liverpool until we think around 6am on the Sunday morning?!

Sunday morning saw a more relaxed start to the day some visitors visited Liverpool to visit the Royal Albert Dock and two visitors went to Liverpool to watch the football whilst  the ‘youth’ recovered in bed until ‘brunch’ was served at Midday.  Social tennis then began with Upton members and TA Hohes Ufer members playing together on all of our courts. Sunday evening meant a trip to Forza Pizza in West Kirby for a final social gathering, and in general an early night was had by all!

Monday morning is always a sad time, but especially when you know our friends are retuning to Germany. We played tennis and finished off the left-over food until all our guests had left for the airport.

Thanks to all the members who got involved over the weekend. It is exhausting but fantastic at the same time. I know that our friendship with TA Hohes Ufer will continue for many more years to come. Really do think about coming to Munster next year, you will not regret the welcome from our German friends.