Meet a Member: John Feaver, IC of Great Britain

John Feaver has been a dedicated member of the IC of Great Britain since 1972. Reflecting on his long association with the club, he acknowledges how quickly time has passed, while certain memories remain vivid. Hailing from Dorset, England, John was fortunate to know Derek Hardwick – a distinguished figure in tennis who was both a farmer and a member of the IC of GB and The All England Club – who proposed John’s membership to the IC. By that time, John had already qualified for The Australian Open and had reached the final of the then Galea Cup, a prestigious under-21 team competition in France, which his team won. A year later, he was officially invited to join the IC of GB, a proud moment marked by Derek presenting him with the club’s distinctive silver and pink tie.

John’s first match for the IC of GB, however, had taken place a couple of years earlier when he was invited to play as a junior guest against the IC of France in Paris, the day before the French Open. It was a thrilling experience, although at the time, he had only £5 to his name. On the evening before the match, fate offered an unforgettable moment when the British Davis Cup team passed by his small hotel and invited him to dinner. Dining alongside tennis greats such as Mark Cox, Roger Taylor and John Paish was an incredible experience, although it nearly turned disastrous. With limited funds, he could only afford one dish—steak tartare—without realizing what it was. When the raw steak arrived, he was horrified but forced himself to eat it, despite feeling unwell. Nevertheless, the following day he managed to win his match in three sets on a slow red clay court; an achievement he recalls vividly even after 53 years.

For John, the essence of the IC Club lies in the friendships it fosters and the lasting bonds it creates. He values the shared outlook on life among its members, who come together for competition, camaraderie, and enjoyment. Language differences never present a barrier, as the moment a player steps into a new tennis club as an IC guest, a sense of belonging is immediate. He believes the global IC movement uniquely unites individuals across generations and cultures, fostering an enduring connection through the club’s colours and traditions. While youthful competitiveness and fitness drive early achievements, other values gain prominence over time.

In 2024, John had the honour of serving as President of IC GB and helping to host the Club’s Centenary at The All England Club. The event saw the participation of 33 countries over the course of a week, with some players experiencing grass courts for the first time. The variety of playing styles on display was fascinating. The entire week was a celebration both on and off the court, culminating in a highly competitive final match that concluded just minutes before the Gala Dinner began. The event was filled with remarkable tennis, entertainment, laughter, and even some less-than-impressive dancing. However, one constant remained—the enduring colours and spirit of the IC Club, which continue to unite players across generations and borders.