It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Bolton Tennis Tournament in its 43rd year.

After 26 years as Chairman of the Tournament Committee, doubling up in the last nine years as Tournament Referee, Andy Taylor has decided to call it a day. I would like to use this opportunity to extend our most sincere thanks for such a long and devoted period of service. His dedication has been a major factor in the success of the tournament over that time.

Andy announced his intention to stand down from these roles some time ago.  It had been hoped that 2026 would have been a year of transition, with a new referee working alongside Andy to learn the ropes but, to date, no one has put themselves forward. There must be someone in our tennis community who could fulfil this role. If anyone is willing to consider becoming a tournament referee, please speak to Andy Taylor. (It would not be expected that the Tournament Referee would also be the Tournament Committee Chairman!)

As I write, the Tournament Committee are completing the final touches to their plans following several months of preparation. Liz Perry, Tournament Secretary, has circulated details of the tournament and contacted previous years’ competitors and entries are rolling in. We thank them all for their efforts.

As you will have realised, we have moved forward with the times. The tournament programme is online this year. Do let us know your thoughts on this. We are always ready to listen to suggestions for improvement.

We thank our sponsors who enable us to keep our costs down. Dunlop is our main sponsor. Please look out for our local sponsors who are listed in this programme. Please support their businesses where you can.  Many thanks to Lesley Jackson who has led our team developing links with sponsors.

We once more thank our club hosts – Markland Hill, Lostock and Meadow Hill. Their commitment and hospitality are a key part of the success of this tournament.

Finally, we welcome all our competitors and spectators who make all the hard work worthwhile. We hope that all involved will have an enjoyable time.

Mark Pearson