McLaren Vale Tennis Club’s ‘Chris Raymond Hitting Wall’ was officially opened on Saturday 15 October 2022.

The wall honours Chris Raymond, who has devoted a significant portion of her life to local tennis, in particular to junior tennis at McLaren Vale Tennis Club.

Her impressive record of service includes serving as Junior Manager, McLaren Vale Tennis Club for 24 years and as McLaren Vale Tennis Club President for two years.

She has also served as Southern Tennis Association Juniors President for three years and its Junior Tournament organiser for 17 years.

For her service Chris has been made a  Life Member of both McLaren Vale Tennis Club and the Southern Tennis Association.

The wall is also a monument to the generosity of the local community; a number of local businesses have made significant donations of materials and time to make it happen.

The impressive Chris Raymond Hitting Wall at the McLaren Vale Tennis Club.

RJE Global donated the prefabricated wall panel and framework for the project, while Inside Out Print & Signage, Oliver Concrete, Hodge Earthmoving and the McLaren Vale Bocce Club all collaborated to get the project off the ground.  

Club President Alistair Scott-Young says the hitting wall is in many ways the physical embodiment of what the McLaren Vale Tennis Club stands for.

"Not only is it a terrific piece of sporting equipment for the local community to use, but it recognises the achievements of Chris Raymond, one of our longest serving club members.  

“The hitting wall has only come about through the generous contribution of local businesses and their families.

"After the club was successful in obtaining a grant from ANZ, local businesses generously donated equipment and time to help make the wall become a reality, in particular RJE Global from Lonsdale, a fantastic corporate citizen.”  

Robin Johnson, Managing Director of RJE Global, says the business is a proud member of the Onkaparinga business community and are honoured to be involved with the Chris Raymond Hitting Wall.

"It is always great to be able to assist the community, especially with fantastic sporting facilities like this one. It’s even better when this support allows us to showcase our locally manufactured GRC product. We do hope the wall serves its purpose well and helps out all those involved in the club.  

"We would like to extend our thanks to Al and the rest of the team who pushed the job along and assisted in its design and installation.”