Hills Tennis Association

The HTA pays respect to 2 longstanding legends who helped pave the way to our wonderful present successful status:

The Hills Tennis Association wishes to pay the greatest respect to 2 life members who passed away recently–

Edward (John) Thomas – passed 17 September 2024

(Details provided by the late Adrian Pobke OAM)

John was a long-standing player of the Heathfield Tennis Club and was heavily involved with the HTA for over fifteen years, serving as Association Treasurer for 4 seasons, then as Association President for 6 seasons. John also sat on many other minor sub-committees. John was appointed Life Member in the 1985-86 season. John was appointed Association Patron for 8 seasons - a great honour for a person respected by all tennis players.

John was known as the “Silver Fox” because of the way he was able to win so many matches against his opponents. John was still playing table tennis in the 2023 Season.

He will be remembered as a kind and considerate and courteous person, who did his family proud. Our sincere condolences are extended to Doreen and family.

Adrian Pobke – passed 11 November 2024

Adrian’s involvement with the Hills Tennis Association spans over 50 years. In 1964, as an 18 year old, he took on the Vice Presidency at Aldgate TC and served for many years in various roles at that club, and of which he was made a life member in 1970. He was elected to the (then named) Mt Lofty Tennis Association (which later transitioned with the Mount Barker TA to form the current day Hills Tennis Association) in 1969.

In 1980 Adrian became the Secretary of the Mt Lofty TA. Over the course of the next 35 years Adrian held various positions within the MLTA/HTA - Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President, Junior Activities Chairperson, Night Tennis, Midweek Tennis and represented the HTA on various other committees within the community.

In 2022, the HTA were excited to learn that Adrian had been awarded an Order of Australia Medal, for service to tennis and to the community. It was wonderful to see this recognition of a lifetime of contributing and furthering the sport of tennis in the Adelaide Hills.

The HTA expresses its sincerest condolences to both Doreen, Christine and their families on the passing of men who did so much for the Association. May they both rest in peace.