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Ray Hillier

What years were you a Ball Boy?

1964 and 1965

What courts did you look after, what age were you?

In 1964 I was mainly on court 5 In 1965 It was an honour to be head ball boy on centre court I was 15 years old

Did you enjoy the task and why?

It was brilliant on centre court seeing people like Stanley Mathews, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and many more watching the matches also getting to know and talk to the players especially John Newcombe and Christine Truman they were really nice.

Did anything unusual/funny happen whilst you were on court?

Yes Charlie Hill was doing net duty and dropped all of his baccy money on the court (He was a baccy baron at the time) Also when it used to rain we would wait for it to stop then walk out on court and 13000 people would cheer and clap us then we would walk off and then they really would get upset

Which player did you most enjoy meeting and why?

John Newcombe and Tony Roach in doubles Tony Roach still owes me 2/6d (I had to go and buy him a chicken jelly sandwich) He had just played two matches on the trot.

Who is your favourite tennis player today?

Haven't really got one although I always watch Wimbledon

Do you play tennis now and if so do you belong to a club?

Only play now and again no great standard

Would you like to add any further information?

Just to say I had a great time at Wimbledon and will never forget the experience or the laughs we had

From:  Ray Hillier

 

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