A couple of months ago, our president Joy Parker shared the USTA’s Neighborhood project at the Avenue of Aces.
Pavers surrounding the name of tennis legends were made available to tennis fans and other interested organizations, and the funds raised for the pavers would be for the benefit of USTA Serves, which is the National Charitable Foundation of the United States Tennis Association.
Samprasfanz members banded together for this worthy cause and raised funds for a bronze paver.
Recently, our Samprasfanz member Ann O. was able to visit the grounds of the US Open and shared the following pictures of the paver.
Thank you to all the Samprasfanz members for contributing to this project.
Thanks to the donations of the members of Samprasfanz, we have been able to collect sufficient funds for a yellow bronze paver to be laid in the Pete Sampras Neighborhood at the Avenue of Aces, located on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
List of Donors: Beverly Fitzgerald Gloria Boone Joan Gardner Harrison Hill Philip Ip Andre Fischer Bernie Lin Kathy Davies Cynthia Smith Patricia Rogler Sally Stanton Cherry Chan Georgia Christoforou Ann Organisciak Joy Parker
For more information about this USTA project, visit here
Should anyone visit the grounds of the US Open, please send us a picture of the paver!
Thanks to the following people who have donated monies for our own yellow bronze paver to be laid in the Pete Sampras Neighborhood. At present we have $2130. The cost of the paver is $2500, so every little amount helps us get to our goal.
Won’t you please help? You can pay using paypal, credit/debit cards, or send a check. Please write me Joy Parker, at jaminjoi@comcast.net if you have an interest. Checks need to be made out to USTA Serves and sent to me to send with the rest of our donations to USTA.
These donations are tax deductible and you will get a letter from USTA Serves for your taxes.
On Sunday, 17th October, 2004, Jane Nixon (also from England) and I travelled with our respective husbands, John & Tony, to see how the trees were progressing, which some of our members donated to mark the birth of Pete’s first child, Christian Charles. We had hoped there would be a few more members with us, but unfortunately, for various reasons, they were unable to come.
There are 40 trees, located in woodland near the village of Hucking, Maidstone, Kent – which is about 30 miles from Wimbledon. (This site was chosen because it is the nearest to Wimbledon, in the hope that the Sampras family may visit the trees when they come to England for The Championships.)
We had arranged to meet in a public house called The Hook and Hatchet. This is a typical ‘olde worlde’ English pub, several hundred years old, with oak beams and traditional decor, such as horse brasses and sporting prints on the walls. As Jane and John had travelled some way, we had some lunch before starting the walk to the trees. I was too anxious to get going as soon as possible, in case the weather worsened, to have more than a bowl of soup. Oh, and a couple of halves of lager to ‘toast the trees’! The others weren’t very hungry either, so we were soon off, following the detailed instructions as to how to find the trees in the 600 acres of park and woodland.
Fortunately, the weather was kind to us: mild, dry, and with occasional sunny periods. We set off excitedly, enjoying the sense of serene peacefulness all around – so unlike the harsh, noisy bustle of traffic only a mile or so away. Traversing a few hundred yards of grassland, with young trees and more mature woodland on either side, we then came to a signpost which indicated the way to Area B, where Christian’s trees are planted. We had to clamber over a fence, as there was a huge puddle around the gateway. (Just as well we’re all young and fit!!) Suddenly, we came across a ‘fairy ring’ – a circle of toadstools, which were growing around the trunk of a fallen tree. We thought how Christian would like to see this, and the kind of things Pete and Bridgette might tell him, about how fairies dance in the ring in the moonlight!
A little further on, we reached an area of young trees and started to look at the location plaques. First the numbers were too low, then too high, but after a few minutes we found the right ones – and there they were: forty beautiful, living, growing symbols of the love and admiration which members of Samprasfanz feel for Pete and which we wished to bestow upon his firstborn!
The trees are mainly oak: a sturdy, long-lived tree, whose leaves have a distinctive, jagged edge and whose fruit is the acorn. ‘Tall oaks from little acorns grow.’ (David Everett 1769-1813) Oak timbers are immensely strong, which is why they were so often used for building ships. Similarly, little Christian will surely grow into a strong tall man, like his father. The present height of Christian’s oaks is about 5 or 6 ft, whereas they may reach 40 or 50 ft in twenty years or so.
The oak seems to me like a very English tree, but I was delighted to learn that it also has many Greek connections, which obviously makes it particularly suitable as a gift for Pete’s little boy. I found a book, ‘A Tree in Your Pocket’, by Jacqueline Memory Paterson (published by Thorsens, 1998), which contains many fascinating details about Christian’s three tree species, so I will quote some of the relevant ones.
The oak is a tree of great longevity and imposing stature, taking some 60 years to produce its first full crop of acorns and gaining heights of up to 110 feet (33 metres) and girths of 30 – 40 feet (9 – 12 metres)… It may live to well over 700 years.”
According to Ms Paterson, the oak is associated with: “courage, strength, solid protection, inner spiritual strength.” [Again, how appropriate!]
“In the legends of many cultures acorns are said to have been man’s first food. Traditionally, couples were married under oak trees long before the Christians substituted marriage in church. The oak is possibly the most widely revered of all trees. The earliest spirits of Greek mythology were oak-tree spirits called dryads, and it was believed that oak was the first tree created by God from which sprang the entire human race.
According to Herodotus [ancient Greek writer] the sacred oak grove at Dodona had the greatest reputation for the gift of prophesy. Dodona was the oldest and most hallowed sanctuary in Greece and the goddess Dione (Diana) had an oak cult there until Zeus [ruler of the Greek gods] seized the oracle of Dodona and proclaimed it to be his.
Jason’s legendary ship, the Argo, was built from the trees of a sacred oak grove and the goddess Athene [Greek goddess of love] fitted an oracular beam into the ship’s prow, cut from Zeus’s oak at Dodona.
The Bible is full of references to the oak. To the ancient Hebrews it was sacred…Many European cultures worshipped the oak…
There have been many oaks in British legend. The wizard Merlin worked his enchantments in a grove of oaks and supposedly used an oak branch as his magic wand. King Arthur’s Round Table was reputedly made from one slice of an enormous oak tree.
[English] history tells us that King Charles II hid in an oak tree following his defeat at the battle of Worcester in 1651, and the tree was then named Royal Oak.”
There are also some beech: a graceful tree with small leaves which turn orange, gold, russet and copper in late autumn. On maturity, (50 years) they will yield small nuts in autumn, but are currently only 4 or 5ft tall. They can reach 140 feet (42 metres), with trunks of 20 feet or more round (6 metres).
Ms Paterson’s book tells us that the beech tree is regarded as the ‘Mother of the Woods’, for it is protective and nurturing, giving shade with its canopy and food than can be eaten in its raw state. As a large tree of the broadleaf forest it is also known as the ‘beech queen’ who stands beside the ‘oak king’.?[Bridgette and Pete!!]
An European legend the beech has a unique place, for it is especially associated with ancient wisdom and knowledge? We are told that thin slices of beech wood not only formed the first book (as distinct from scroll), but were also the first prepared surface upon which words were written? In all ancient religions the god of learning or master of words was mighty. Whatever the word was written upon, be it wood, stone or hide, became imbued with the mightiness of the gods and the magic that they and their writing possessed. So beech received such reverence.
Beech is specifically used for making wishes. To do this, simply write or scratch your wish upon a small piece of beech wood, or a piece or bark, and then bury it. A few simple words can be said during this process. As your written wish is claimed by the earth in which you buried it, so it will begin to manifest in life. Carrying a small piece of beech wood is also a traditional charm used to bring good luck…
Because of the smoothness of their trunks, beech trees evoke a strong tactile atmosphere. We want to approach and touch them, which makes them ideal for healing. This atmosphere is especially felt by lovers, as is witnessed by the many hearts, arrows and names that have been carved upon beech trees…
As beech wood lasts well under water, its long planks were ideal for shipbuilding in the past, and in France peasant shoes (sabots) were traditionally made from beech wood to keep out the damp. Beech-mast is still fed to pigs, poultry, game birds and animals, but is poisonous to horses. In America the nuts are made into beechnut butter, and the oil is used for cooking and lamp-lighting.”
Finally, we found three little ash trees, which have small, slender leaves. They are about 4 – 5ft high.
“The ash tree is associated with … quick intellect, clarity, energy, the marrying of opposites. It has toughness, strength and elasticity, and can grow up to 150 feet (45 metres). It is a native of Britain and grows throughout Europe and America…
Many ancient world cultures believe that the essence of humankind originated from the ash tree. We are told that the ancient Greek goddess Nemesis carried an ash branch as a symbol of the divine instrument of the justice of the gods.
An European legend ash stand supreme as the World Tree, a symbol of universality [How appropriate for Samprasfanz!!], which spreads its limbs over every land and forms a link between the gods, mankind and the dead. The god Odin is said to have hung himself on the Great World Tree to … acquire hidden knowledge and wisdom… There are also ashen links with the god Thor … and the Vikings held it in great esteem. In the 5th century AD the Irish saint Patrick supposedly drove all pagans from Ireland with the aid of his ash stick, thus establishing Christianity in Ireland.
In early Britain the ash was associated with rebirth and new life, and was famous for its ability to heal children [perfect!!]… The juice from an ash stick was customarily given to newborn children to protect them from harm… Ash wands make excellent healing wands because the tree is ruled by the health-giving sun… Crosses carved from ash wood were carried by sailors to protect them at sea, or by land-folk for health and protection against malign influences. Ash was the traditional wood of the Yule log [traditional in many cultures at Christmas], burned to call back and celebrate the return of the sun-god at mid-winter.
Many of the legends concerning ash refer to its speed over water and land, and its prolific use as spears and arrows testifies to its flight through the air [reminiscent of Pete’s serve?!]… Ruled by the sun, it contains the element of fire yet still responds to the subtlety of the more feminine water element… It reflects the energy of quick clear intellect and strength of purpose, aided by keen intuition…
Ash wood is quick-growing, does not split when worked, and is the toughest and most elastic of all timbers. An ashen joint will bear more weight than any other kind. It was thus used in the construction of boats, wagons, coaches, fencing-rails, furniture and airplane construction? Legend is full of witches riding through the air on ash broomsticks?
There were not many wild flowers still blooming, but we found some dog daisies, and a little gorse bush with yellow flowers. Further away, there was a huge red, white-speckled toadstool, which reminded me of the one which the Caterpillar sits on in “Alice in Wonderland?” I hope his parents may read this lovely book to him when Christian is old enough. There were numerous birds around, but we were too taken up with the trees to identify them. Rabbits, foxes and badgers live in the woodland, and the Trust is actively encouraging the breeding of the rare dormouse, which nests high up in some of the mature trees. Perhaps when Christian’s trees are taller, some of these cute little creatures will make their homes in them.
Christian’s Dormouse
Among the wildlife species protected in Christian’s woodland is the rare dormouse. This is named from the French ‘d’or’, meaning ‘of gold’ (referring to its colour) and ‘dormir’, meaning ‘to sleep’. It spends about three-quarters of its life sleeping!
Dormice like to build their nests in the tops of tall trees so there are none living in Christian’s own trees yet, but hopefully in years to come there may be, as the Woodland Trust is actively encouraging the breeding of this rare mammal. Due to the loss of so much woodland over recent years, dormouse numbers have declined dramatically.
This is just one example of how our birth gift for Christian is so much more than an ordinary present just for him, as it will keep on growing and helping to nurture many other species of wildlife over the long life-span of the trees.
Altogether, this is a wonderful nature reserve, home not only to many types of trees but a whole dependent ecosystem. Although we were unable to choose the types of trees to be planted (as this would not fit in with the way the woodland has to be managed), I was delighted at how appropriate the three species are, with many Greek associations and others which seem to apply so well to Pete, Bridgette and their little boy. I do hope that one day Christian may be able to visit this place, where he has inspired others to help redress some of the ravages of our polluted world against nature. In the meantime, I have sent details and pictures to his parents, for them to keep and explain to him about his trees and their habitat as he grows older.
Bridgette kindly wrote to Joy, as President, and myself as organiser, thanking everyone who participated for “such a special gift”. She and Pete must have received hundreds of presents for Christian, so I think it’s wonderful to know that they appreciated our unusual one – and that Bridgy took the trouble to tell us so!
I am grateful to all of you who made this project possible. May our gift increase in size, strength and beauty year my year – as we dearly hope Christian Charles will also!
After the joyful birth of Pete and Bridgette’s first child last November, members discussed what gift Samprasfanz could send him. It’s not easy to think of presents for someone who will never want for any material thing.
For several years I have been donating to the Woodland Trust, for trees to be planted in new woodlands created by them, and ‘giving’ the trees as gifts. Certificates are sent to the person nominated, stating how many trees have been planted in their name and where they are. Re-forestation is vitally important for the global environment: many disasters such as soil erosion and even climate change have resulted from millions of trees being lost every year, in the wake of increasing development. So I made the suggestion that we might donate some trees for Christian. These would be a living, growing gift which hopefully would prove fascinating to a little boy when he was old enough to understand. An added attraction would be that the Woodland Trust’s Estate in Kent is only about 30 miles from Wimbledon, and therefore it would be feasible for the Sampras family to visit Christian’s trees some time when they were in England for The Championships. What fun he could have, locating his very own trees from the map, trying to count them, and measuring his growth against theirs!
I was delighted when my suggestion was agreed on and I was asked to organise the project. Once people had made a commitment, they then had to send me the money for the trees donated and a personal greeting to go with their gift. Most people lead such busy lives, and there were delays due to people being away or offline for a while, falling ill, or – in the every day rush of living – just forgetting. But they could rely on me reminding them – again and AGAIN if necessary!
Eventually I had everything together, and was thrilled to be able to send off the £400 (US$650 approx.) which we raised. For this amount we were able to dedicate a piece of woodland to Christian with 40 trees in numbered plots, and I hope you agree that the certificate sent to him looks quite impressive. This was accompanied by a list of the personal messages from those who donated to the project; information about the estate and the type of trees planted; a map showing how to find the estate, as well as the exact location of Christian’s trees; and a covering letter from myself on behalf of the Group.
During these long months when we have been waiting and hoping for Pete to play, it helped to take my mind off depressing thoughts of the dreaded ‘R’ word by getting involved in organising our gift for Christian. I am grateful to everyone who participated, and also to those who for various reasons ould not do so, but showed their interest and support. This is the kind of joint venture, of we Fanz coming together for a common purpose in the name of Pete, and now his son, which sets this Group apart from mere message boards and other fan sites. SAMPRASFANZ ARE A FAMILY and as such we have sent our gift to THE SAMPRAS FAMILY. I do hope they will like it, and that we may learn of Christian’s reaction when he is older.
Here are the special dedications by the fans. (Each person has given one tree, unless otherwise indicated in brackets.)
Michelle Belanger, Montreal, Canada Your father graced the grass of Wimbledon – now you have “roots” near there! With love and best wishes, Mimi.
Eiko Sekine, Tamiko Nagasawa, Junko Noda, Michiko Kikuchi, Kayoko Kusaka, Kuniko Suzuki, Japan Send you their very best wishes for a long and happy life.
Katerina Christoforou, London, England (2) Congratulations Bridgette and Pete on the birth of your son. Naste kala. O Theos mazi sas.
Peggy Podmore, Ontario, Canada (2) Grow up straight and true, like our gift to you. I hope one day your parents will take you to see your trees.
Rita Adgate, California, USA (3) Be strong. Never mind the weather – face it full on.
Jeannie Eckert, California, USA A tree to remind you always that your father was the best ever. May you grow to be like him.
Laura Love, New Jersey, USA Best wishes to the newest Sampras. May he bring as much pleasure to his family as his parents have brought to their fans.
Philip Ip, Hong Kong Grow up fast – want to see you on court soon!
Patricia Rogler, Massachusetts, USA May these trees symbolize the long and happy life I wish for you and your parents. Love Patty.
Beth Blythe, Virginia, USA Have a beautiful and happy life. May you always be surrounded by those who love you and wish you only good things.
Kathy Davies, Wisconsin, USA May you have a happy and successful life.
Geraldine and Edward Gregory Davies, Gloucester, England (2) “Come wander with me, she said Into regions yet untrod And read what is still unread In the Manuscripts of God.” – Longfellow
Anja Linders, Berlin, Germany May you grow up as strong and healthy as these trees.
Andre Fischer, Berlin, Germany May our living gift of trees send you positive energy for a long and happy life.
Jane Fergus, California, USA For a very special little boy, whose Mom and Dad are special too.
Peri Dalal, Bombay, India Wishing that you will grow up to be a fine young man and make your wonderful parents proud of you.
Georgia Christoforou, Birmingham, England I hope you will follow whatever career you choose with the same elegance and graciousness as your parents. Wishing you happiness, health and God’s blessing.
Suzanne G. Verret, California, USA (2) Wishing you much love and happiness, these trees are growing to mark the birth of a very special little boy.
Marylee Longo, New Jersey, USA (2) May you have a good life and be whatever you want to be.
Marty Tidwell, Texas, USA Your birth was an even greater event for your parents than 14 Grand Slams! Blessings to you all.
Sue Dodds, Victoria, Australia I wish you a happy life and that you remain humble in spirit, like your father. Bless your heart and all the best.
Jane Nixon, Hertfordshire, England (2) Go forward, head held high, expecting the best and all your wishes will come true. Take care and be happy. With very best wishes.
Joy Parker, Montana, USA (4) May you grow strong and healthy, like our gift of trees. I wish love, good health and happiness to you, Mom and Dad.
Cynthia Smith, near Nottingham, England Follow your heart, follow your star – follow your parents’ fine examples. I wish you all you wish for yourself.
The Woodland Trust
Acquired by the Woodland Trust in 1997, Hucking Estate in Kent covers over 580 acres bordering the North Downs Way. It affords stunning views from the edge of the North Downs, south towards Maidstone and beyond across the Kentish Weald. Previously a combination of semi-natural ancient woodland and arable land, the re-creation of grassland and wildflower meadows will offer tremendous conservation benefits to a large number of flora and fauna. Since 1908 over 2,500 metres of hedgerows have been destroyed and even since 1961 25 hectares of woodland was lost from the Hucking Estate. Using regionally collected seed, hedgerows have been planted along some of the original field boundaries, creating a network of small fields and compartments. Many native hedgerow species have been planted, including field maple, hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel.
The existing ancient woodland is primarily chestnut, ash and hornbeam coppice, with oak standards. Around the edge of this ancient woodland 180,000 trees were planted during 1998 and 1999, to buffer or protect the established woodland and to connect together the small fragmented woodland blocks of the Estate. This huge undertaking began in October 1998, using seed selected from the local region. Species planted include oak, ash, beech, small leaved lime, hornbeam, wild cherry, whitebeam, dogwood, elder, yew and guelder rose.’
The wood should be able to support up to 30 species of butterfly; the average count now is 24. The Small Copper butterfly has made a welcome comeback after a two-year absence.
Samprasfanz 