Supported by Amovate (Association of Residents and Friends of Vale da Telha), thirty-two intrepid players aged eleven to eighty, in various costumes and of different nationalities, took to the courts beneath a blazing sun to thrash out fifty exciting matches. €300 was raised for the Bombeiros via entry fees and also fines for any players not in costume! The winning team ‘You Can’t Be Serious’ beat the ‘Hot Bombeiros’ in the final to win this year’s event.


The Fancy Dress prize went to team ‘Born Ready’ dressed as Wonder Woman and her dapper sidekick.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Dave Sheldrake

The tennis club meets Sunday mornings at 10 am as well as Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 3 pm. All are welcome with the first session free. After that a membership of currently 36 euros per year is the total cost. A special weekly visitor membership is also available.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Dave Sheldrake

Tony Wyld, joint organiser for the event said, ‘To be able to play tennis basically whenever you want for under forty euros a year is quite simply amazing. I have been playing up here for about a year now and it is such a friendly tennis group. All levels and ages are welcome and, if you haven’t played for years, now is the time to pick up a racket again and enjoy this fabulous game.’