Hilary Davies-Riand (Board Nominee)
My name is Hilary Davies-Riand, I’m a Veterinary Surgeon. I qualified from Glasgow University in 2001. I live in Thurstonland, with my family.
My early career was spent gaining experience in a wide range of Veterinary practices: from mixed rural practice in Norfolk, to charity work abroad to locuming around the country. My ambition was to one day build my own practice, with high standards and a friendly team.
Together with my husband and business partner, John, we have built up 2 successful practices; from nothing to thriving businesses, employing 50+ staff over the years. I have experience building a small business and dealing with the challenges arising when growing it into a larger enterprise. My role encompassed most areas of the business, but I had particular responsibility for managing the team and dealing with client concerns.
From a Veterinary standpoint I have always enjoyed consulting; working up interesting medical cases, building relationships with clients and patients, explaining options and helping them make difficult decisions. Excellent communication skills have been essential to succeed in this role.
Recently we sold one of our practices and I have taken some time out from my Veterinary career to focus on our son. I am also currently enjoying volunteering at our local school, helping children with their Maths.
In my spare time I like to play tennis, ride my horse and walk the dog. I am very passionate about Thongsbridge Tennis Club, which has given a lot to our family, and now I have some more time, I’d like to give something back.
Kay Brennan (Board Nominee)
I worked in education for 30 years before starting my own catering business which I started in 2019. Throughout my career and especially as part of a senior team, I have accrued a wealth of experience in both strategic and team leadership and management. I have been a Director of a Multi Academy Trust, specifically leading on a Multi Academy Trust merger. I have also been a Chair of Governors in both a secondary and a primary school, and as such I consider myself as having a good understanding and experience of the diverse role of governance.
I currently volunteer at the Fair Trader shop in Holmfirth where I lead on their visual merchandising. I have lived in the Holme Valley for 28 years and have been a member of Thongsbridge Tennis and Fitness Club since 2010. In the past 15 years I have been made aware of the significance of TTFC in the Holme Valley and its relevance in the community. I look forward to working as part of the Board, supporting the work of the club and providing appropriate challenge as required.
Andy Christie (Board Nominee)
I have been a tennis member at the club for around 20 years and an on – and – off gym member over the same period. I am currently the Safeguarding Lead here at the club and have 45 years’ experience working in schools as a teacher and a senior leader. I have previously been on the Board as a director and I was lucky enough to be Chairman.
The LTA has affirmed that it is best practice to have a representative of the safeguarding team on the Board.
Previously, I have run the Men’s teams in the District Summer League and helped to organise social events.
Ideally, I think it would be better to see new faces joining the Board and, should new members come forward to join, I will withdraw my nomination if a competitive vote is required at the AGM.
Alison Waldron (Board Nominee)
I have been a member of TTFC for over 6 years, currently across both tennis and fitness, my husband, Andrew, is also a tennis member and my son, who is currently at Greenhead College, is a fitness member.
After completing a degree in European Politics, I studied for a Diploma in Strategic People Management and became a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development. During and after that time, I worked within Human Resources in manufacturing companies, before moving on to having my own HR Consultancy business for a number of years.
I also studied German at university (after which I lived and worked for a couple of years in Hamburg) and am currently learning Spanish as my husband and I spend time in Spain, although this seems to be taking many, many years for me to master! While we are over there we really enjoy playing Padel Tennis; it lends itself to being a great social sport, and one which is easy to get into, especially with some basic tennis skills.
Now that I don’t work, I have plenty of time to enjoy the tennis and fitness offerings at TTFC! I am so pleased I joined the club; it is such a welcoming space with friendly people and knowledgeable staff. It is a real asset to the local community, and I would like to see it continue this way long into the future.
Having served on the TTFC committee for a year I have seen firsthand the enthusiasm and commitment the team bring to the club. With my skills in HR (effective communication, forward planning, inclusivity, problem solving, organisation, etc.) I would be more than happy to transition to the board and hope to continue to be a positive addition to TTFC, helping the club to continue to achieve ongoing success.