Tennis keeps residents on the ball
When long-time tennis player Cedric Hubbard moved into Living Gems Toowoomba over-50s lifestyle resort in 2017, he was keen to form a resident tennis group. Today that very group meets three times a week and is going strong.
The move to set up the group was not surprising for a man who had previously been president of the 400-player strong Chinchilla Tennis Association, which is one of Queensland’s largest, as well as a former president of the Range Tennis Club.
“Tennis is an enduring sport that can be played by all ages. I’m 82 and still compete in national championships,” said Cedric, who was a member of the doubles team that won the Australian Seniors Doubles Championship about 12 years ago in Perth at the age of 70.
He says playing tennis is all about coordination of the eyes, hands and feet.
“Get those right and you can really do some damage on the tennis court,” he laughed.
Both Cedric and his wife Marlene, who have five grandchildren and one great grandchild, have been keen tennis players throughout their lives. They spent the past 23 years on their own cattle properties in the Chinchilla and Isisford areas.
“We built a large home at Middle Ridge and then, when our two sons – who also play tennis – got married, we sold the properties, downsized and moved into our beautiful new home at Living Gems Toowoomba,” said Cedric.
Still keen on competing on the national tennis circuit, which can see him playing up to five days a week, Cedric also remains a steadfast supporter of the resort’s tennis group which is now coordinated by resident, Mary Squire.
“I’ve never been one to sit around and do nothing, and before moving to Living Gems Toowoomba, I played every Saturday in Stanthorpe,” said Mary.
Since arriving here I’ve added to my skills thanks to experienced players such as Cedric, and three times a week I now look forward to meeting up with other residents for a hit, miss, and a good cuppa.”
About 17 of the resort’s residents take part in the tennis sessions which, for the ladies, begins at 8:30am each Monday, followed by mixed tennis from 3pm on Wednesdays and from 2:30pm on Saturdays.
Mary says she, like many others, are seeing improvements thanks to their regular on-court get-togethers but it is more for fun and exercise than serious competition.
“The hardest thing about our tennis games is remembering the score,” laughed Mary.
Keeping active is an important part of her busy life in retirement, according to the grandmother of five.
When not having a hit on the tennis court she likes to swim or play table tennis while husband David enjoys snooker, bowls and going to the gym.
Mary said anyone who would like to join the tennis group or simply wants to improve their fitness and energy levels or become part of a very happy social group, is welcome.
