The Ben Seth Memorial is named in honour of the man who, along with Wodonga identity Bill Traill, started a group of veterans at the Wodonga Tennis Centre almost 30 years ago.

That group still comes together on Wednesday afternoons but what was once five in number is now almost 50.

The memorial tournament honours Seth, along with others who have made a lasting impact on Wodonga tennis, with individual sections named in honour of Wayne Bedella, Ross McMillan, Margot Murnane and Lillian Matton.

Wodonga tennis stalwart Don McLennan said it was a unique event in the world of tennis.

“It’s one of the few events where you enter as a pair, where the combined age determines who you are going to play against,” he said.

“If you can’t find a partner we’ll find one for you.

“The tournament was not designed for champion players but rather those who love the game, who have been social players.

“There is a raft of trophies all named in honour of people who have been instrumental in the game on the Border.

“At its peak we would get 180 people to the tournament, but that was when it was held on a Thursday night.

“The success of the social twilight tennis at Wodonga meant we had to switch to a weekend date a few years back and we’re pretty happy to get about 50 people playing.”

McLennan said Seth’s contribution had left a lasting legacy.

“Along with Bill Traill they organised a social hit for about five blokes — now we have people coming from as far away as Corowa and Burrumbuttock,” he said.

The event will be held on Sunday, February 22, with a 10am morning tea.

Age groups in the men start with 90+, 110+, 120+ and 130+ while in the women it is 90+, 110+ and 125+.

Entries close on February 20, with enquiries to Jim Lannan on 0412 322 488 or email wodongaseniorstennis@gmail.com.