FOLLOWING seven years as Chairman of Abergavenny Tennis Club, Mike Buck, who has has been described as the living personification of the club, has decided to step down.

The year 1987 was a pretty good year for tennis. Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova were born, Pat Cash beat Ivan Lendl in the Wimbledon men's final, and Mike Buck joined Abergavenny Tennis Club.

Since 1987, Mike has been involved or initiated all of the significant developments in the club, which is perhaps why incoming Chairman Trevor Scott told the Chronicle, "Mike is Abergavenny Tennis Club."

Mike, who has served an impressive 21 years on the club's committee and was Volunteer of the Year in Wales in 2008, has been involved in the club's extension from three courts to five, the installation of full floodlighting, the building of a new clubhouse, and the ongoing development of a very successful coaching programme which has led to equally successful men and ladies teams.

During his time at the club, Abergavenny picked up a Tennismark accreditation, and a host of other prestigious awards such as Club of the Year in 2010. Under Mike's watch, the club's former Head Coach Robert Wedlake was also awarded Development Coach of the Year in 2010.

Incoming Chairman Trevor Scott explained, "Mike's massive contribution to the club has been outstanding. He has not only coached, but has played team tennis since he joined, he is also invaluable at organising social and fundraising events, and has always proved invaluable in obtaining numerous grants for the club.

"Most recently he has supported our new Head Coach, Carys Howard-Rees, whilst she completed her Level Three coaching award."

Trevor added, "Although he is stepping down as Chairman, thankfully Mike will remain an active member of the club because he pretty much is Abergavenny Tennis Club."

Upon stepping down, Mike was presented with Honorary Life Membership by incoming Chairman Trevor Scott and also received an engraved hip flask, a gliding lesson and a gift voucher from club members which were presented by former committee member and coach Arthur Hales.

Aces High! Pictured in the front row left to right are Trevor Scott (incoming Chairman), Carys Howard-Rees, Mike Buck (retiring Chairman), and Arthur Hales.