LOCAL CARE HOME RESIDENTS CELEBRATE WATCHING THEIR FAVOURITE SPORTING FIXTURE
Residents and staff at Queens Manor care home in Blackhall were at the ready for the start of Wimbledon finals on Saturday and Sunday, with delicious strawberries and cream, all washed down with a glass of Pimms or fizz!
Tennis fans at Queens Manor were delighted to be able to watch this year’s 136th Championships. Residents and staff got together to watch the matches and celebrated by having a themed day of events, with the Lifestyle Team whipping up traditional Wimbledon-inspired strawberry and cream treats.
Donna Wood, General Manager at the home, said: “We’ve had a fantastic time celebrating the return of Wimbledon this weekend, it is always a firm favourite with our residents.
“Every game was on show throughout the home and we enjoyed every minute!”
Resident Audrey Rankin, commented: “I absolutely love watching Wimbledon, it is definitely my favourite sporting fixture.
“It was lovely to celebrate its return with all my friends here and to enjoy all the delicious party drinks during the finals!”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential care, respite care & dementia care.
Novak Djokovic is the most influential tennis player at Wimbledon 2023 but who else makes the top ten?
Novak Djokovic is the most influential tennis player competing at Wimbledon this year, generating up to £54,700 per sponsored Instagram post
Nick Kyrgios is the second highest earning on Instagram, earning potentially up to £22,700 on each sponsored post
Andy Murray is the third most influential, earning up to £12,800 on each post, whilst Stefanos Tsitsipas is fourth and earning up to £12,200
A new study names Novak Djokovic as the most influential tennis player competing at Wimbledon in 2023, earning potentially £54,700 per sponsored Instagram post.
The research, conducted by CasinoAlpha.co.nz used an Instagram pricing calculator to create a list of the most influential Wimbledon tennis stars competing in this year’s tournament and established how much they can earn per sponsored Instagram post.
Novak Djokovic, the current men’s singles Wimbledon champion, is the most influential tennis player at Wimbledon this year. He could earn up to £54,700 from each sponsored post on Instagram.
He has the highest following of any Wimbledon tennis player at 13 million and an engagement rate of 2.7%. Djokovic earned his following through winning seven Wimbledon titles throughout the years and 94 single titles all together throughout his tennis career at various competitions.
Nick Kyrgios has been named as the second most influential tennis player at Wimbledon this year, earning up to £22,700 per Instagram post. Although never having won Wimbledon before, Kyrgios is a favourite to win in 2023. He has the second highest follower count at 4.1 million and a high engagement rate of 3.7%.
The third most influential competitor is Andy Murray who can earn up to £12,800 on each sponsored post on Instagram.
Another men’s singles champion, Andy Murray has won the Wimbledon championship twice and holds 46 single titles leading to him becoming one of the favourites to win for the third time at Wimbledon this year. He has a following of 2 million and a large engagement rate of 6.1%.
The fourth most influential tennis player at Wimbledon this year is Stefanos Tsitsipas, potentially earning up to £12,200 per sponsored Instagram post. The tennis star, currently living in Monte Carlo, has a large following of 1.8 million and a 3.3% engagement rate.
Matteo Berrettini is the fifth most influential player at Wimbledon on Instagram. His following of 1.6 million and an engagement rate of 7.1% can earn him up to £11,100 on each sponsored post.
Iga Swiatek is the sixth most influential tennis player at Wimbledon and the most influential female tennis player at Wimbledon this year.
Her combination of a follower count of 1.3 million and a high engagement rate of 9% could potentially earn her up to £9,300 on each sponsored Instagram post.
Commenting on the findings, Tudor Turiceanu, CEO of CasinoAlpha.co.nz said: “Overall, Wimbledon is accepted as one of the greatest tennis tournaments in the tennis calendar and is the oldest tennis tournament in the world dating back to 1877.
“The players at Wimbledon are considered to be the best in the world and the Wimbledon title can allow a tennis player to become more influential on social media, reaping rewards both on the court and off.”
Name
Instagram handle
Instagram follower count
Engagement rate
How much they can earn per sponsored Instagram post
Premium berry brand, AVA Berries has teamed up with McQueens Dairies Milk Delivery Company to deliver thousands of punnets of Scottish AVA strawberries to households across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Fife tomorrow (Thursday 8 July) ahead of the Wimbledon finals weekend.
Strawberries and Wimbledon are a match made in heaven and the two brands have joined forces to surprise almost 2,000 McQueens Dairies customers with punnets of freshly picked Scottish AVA strawberries, which they will receive with their usual milk delivery.
On the partnership, Jill Witheyman, Head of Marketing at AVA Berries, commented:“We teamed up with McQueens Dairies last year when Wimbledon was cancelled, and their customers went crazy for our strawberries.
“So, with the tournament going ahead this year, we decided we’d work together again to surprise thousands of their customers with strawberries so they can enjoy a punnet while watching the women’s and men’s finals this weekend.”
AVA Berries offer the best flavour, sweetness and quality and are grown by an exclusive group of growers based across the north-east coast of Scotland, Perthshire and Fife, where there is the ideal micro-climate for producing the perfect strawberry due to its warm days, cool nights, and just the right amount of daylight hours.
The Scottish AVA strawberry season usually begins in May and lasts until early October, with sales peaking in June and July.
Calum McQueen, Commercial Director at McQueens Dairies added: “It is fantastic that Wimbledon is on again this year, and we wanted to surprise our customers with some delicious AVA strawberries as a treat to enjoy during the finals weekend.
“Nothing says summer more than tennis and strawberries, and we hope this partnership with AVA Berries will spread a little summer cheer.”
With fewer spectators allowed to sit on centre court this year, Morrisons is making it easy for customers to get into the spirit of the sport at home.
For a limited time only, customers can get their hands on The Tennis Treats Box which contains everything they need to serve up an ace Wimbledon party.
It contains essential British refreshments including Pimms, strawberries, cream and of course, Robinson’s. What’s more, you’ll receive a complimentary water bottle and tournament chart courtesy to track the matches.
It costs £32 which includes nominated day delivery by courier.
For a complete hassle-free experience customers will receive a text message in the morning with an hour delivery slot, so they know exactly when to expect it.
Scots are expected to spend over £20 million on strawberries over the next few weeks as the nation gets ready to watch the world’s tennis greats compete at this summer’s Wimbledon Championships.
The Scottish strawberry industry provides a fifth of all berries eaten in the UK and has an unsurpassed reputation for taste and quality.
AVA Berries are extraordinary varieties of strawberries that offer the best flavour, sweetness and quality and are grown by an exclusive group of growers based across the north-east coast of Scotland, Perthshire and Fife, which have the ideal micro-climate for producing the perfect strawberry, enjoying warm days, cool nights, and just the right amount of daylight hours.
AVA Berries was the first brand of strawberries to be sold as premium lines in UK supermarkets and are currently available in M&S stores and as part of Aldi’s Specially Selected, Morrison’s The Best, Co-op’s Irresistible, and Sainsburys’ Taste the Difference ranges.
With Wimbledon fever gripping the nation, why not try these three, delightful recipes and enjoy the tournament from the comfort of your own home?
Macaroon Cake with Mixed Berries
The perfect serve for guests during the Wimbledon final weekend
Fed up with sponge cakes? Why not try this moreish meringue cake flavoured with ground almonds and toffee flavoured muscovado sugar and luxuriously filled with ruby summer berries and whipped cream.
Serves 6
Preparation time 30 minutes
Cooking time 35-40 minutes
4 medium egg whites
¼ tsp cream of tartar
150g/5oz caster sugar
75g/3oz light muscovado sugar
1 tsp white wine vinegar
50g/2oz ground almonds
For the filling
250ml/8fl oz double cream
150g/5oz Greek yogurt
350g/12oz AVA strawberries, sliced
100g/4oz raspberries
50g/2oz blueberries
1. Whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl with an electric whisk until stiff but still moist looking peaks. Gradually whisk in the caster sugar, then muscovado sugar, a teaspoonful at a time until they have all been added, whisk for a minute of two more until the mixture is thick and glossy.
2. Fold in the vinegar and ground almonds with a large metal spoon then divide the mixture between two, lightly oiled 20cm/8in sandwich tins that have been base lined with a circle of non-stick baking paper.
3. Bake in a preheated oven set to 150°C/gas mark 2 for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned and crisp. Loosen the edges of the cakes carefully with a knife then leave to cool in the tins.
4. Loosen the edges of the cakes once more then turn out on to a sheet of non-stick baking paper. Peel off the paper from the bases.
5. Whip the cream until if forms soft swirls, then fold in the yogurt. Transfer one macaroon cake to a serving plate, spread with two thirds of the cream mixture. Arrange two thirds of the fruit on top then add the second macaroon cake. Decorate the top with the remaining cream and berries and serve within 30 minutes of assembly.
Cook’s tip
The macaroon cake can be made the day before and then turned out on to a tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Cover with a second sheet of paper and store in a cool dry place. The cakes are very fragile so handle with care, you may find it easier to transfer them to a serving plate by sliding the base of a loose bottomed cake tin underneath them rather than using a palette knife or fish slice. Decorate with cream and summer fruit at the very last minute.
AVA Strawberry trifle with Pimms
Who can resist trifle? This lighter more modern version is made with Pimms soaked strawberries and topped with reduced fat custard and a lighter, reduced fat creamy yogurt layer flecked with citrusy lemon and orange rind. If you have time leave the strawberries and Pimms to soak for 30 minutes or more so that the flavours seep into the sponge base before topping with the custard and cream.
Serves 6
Preparation time 25 minutes
Chilling time 2 hours
4 trifle sponges, about 100g/4oz in total
350g/12oz AVA strawberries, sliced
4 tbsp caster sugar
4 tbsp Pimms, undiluted
425g/15oz can reduced fat custard
200ml/7fl oz double cream
150g/5oz low fat natural yogurt
Grated rind half orange
Grated rind half lemon
To decorate
3 AVA strawberries, halved lemon and orange rind.
1. Break the trifle sponges into pieces and arrange in a single layer in the base of a 1.2 litre/2 pint glass dish. Arrange the strawberries on top, sprinkle with 2 tbsp sugar then spoon over the Pimms.
2. Spoon the custard over the top of the fruit and spread the top into an even layer.
3. Whip the cream in a bowl until it just forms soft swirls then fold in the yogurt and fruit rinds. Spoon over the custard and chill until required. Decorate with halved strawberries and lemon and orange rind curls made with a zester just before serving.
AVA Strawberry and Raspberry Ripple Eton Mess
Make up the AVA strawberry swirled meringues and fruit puree the day before, then just layer with whipped cream and extra fruit in recycled jam jars and screw on the lids, take out to the garden in a basket or pack into a cool box for a picnic pud.
1. Preheat the oven to 110°C (225°F), Gas Mark ¼. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick baking paper.
2. Puree the strawberries and raspberries in a liquidiser or food processor then press through a sieve.
3. Whisk the egg whites in a large clean dry bowl until they form stiff moist looking peaks and you feel confident that if the bowl was turned upside down the egg whites wouldn’t fall out! Gradually whisk in the sugar a teaspoonful at a time then continue whisking for a minute or two until really thick and glossy.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of the berry puree then very briefly mix until marbled. Spoon into a large piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm (¾ inch) plain piping tube, pipe small rounds on to the lined baking sheet. Bake for 1¼ -1½ hours or until the meringues may be easily lifted off the paper. Leave to cool.
5. To serve, lightly whip the cream until it forms soft swirls then fold in the fromage frais. Crumble the meringues then layer in jam jars or plastic containers with the remaining berry puree and diced strawberries. Decorate with the raspberries. Add the lids and keep in the fridge until ready to serve or transport to a picnic in a cool bag with a frozen ice block to keep them cold. Serve within 1½ hours or the meringues tend to lose their crunch.
Four-year plan to capitalise on ‘Murray mania’ in Scotland
The Scottish Government’s national agency for sport, sportscotland, and Tennis Scotland, the sport’s Governing Body, have announced a new four-year investment stream aimed at capitalising on the phenomenal success of Andy Murray.
sportscotland is investing £5.8 million into tennis in Scotland over the next four years to help modernise and develop the sport’s structure by improving facilities and widening access.
The objectives are to grow participation rates, increase the sport’s accessibility, and provide suitable environments to develop athletes to performance levels.
Since 2008 Tennis Scotland’s membership has increased from 32,715 to 47,657 – a rise of 45.7 per cent.
The new investment will improve tennis facilities in Scotland – both in clubs and courts in public parks – and increase the sport’s accessibility for those looking to emulate Scotland’s Wimbledon and multiple Grand Slam champion.
In addition, the new money will enhance the regional development team at Tennis Scotland, which will help to further increase participation, develop closer links between schools and places to play tennis, opening up better pathways for the sport, and work with Local Authorities to prioritise the rejuvenation of park courts.
Speaking at the Gannochy National Tennis Centre at the University of Stirling today, Sports Minister Shona Robison said: “Andy’s win was an emotional moment for Scotland and the whole country has been inspired by his brilliant performance.
“We want to see more people playing tennis and having access to top quality facilities to get fit, try something new, and have fun. This money is all about making sure the right facilities are there to help people get more active, as well as helping to create the tennis stars of the future to keep those Wimbledon wins coming!”
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, added: “Andy’s Wimbledon victory was a defining moment for Scottish sport, and we are working collectively to capitalise on his incredible success. Today’s announcement will make it more accessible for people in Scotland to play tennis in improving facilities.
“It’s important that we take this unique chance to help grow the game in Scotland by providing more and better opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to play, and to assist the young players of today to emulate their hero from Dunblane by becoming the stars of tomorrow.”
Chief Executive of Tennis Scotland, David Marshall, said: “Never in the history of the game has tennis enjoyed such a level of profile in this country, and today’s announcement greatly enhances Tennis Scotland’s ability to take advantage of what is a huge opportunity to significantly increase levels of participation throughout the country.”
Supporting today’s initiative, Roger Draper, Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association, said: “Andy’s victory has inspired a nation, and this is a great opportunity to get more people playing tennis in Scotland. We’re committed to investing in places and programmes which will help to make tennis a game for everyone, and we are working with Tennis Scotland and sportscotland in order to achieve this goal.”
However while welcoming the announcement Scottish Green MSP for Lothian Alison Johnstone – a former competitive athlete and a member of Holyrood’s cross-party group on sport – has warned that tennis should ‘serve as a lesson’.
She said: “Andy Murray’s victory has inspired a nation and we’ll see a welcome increase in interest in tennis in Scotland as a result. It’s a shame the investment we’re now being promised has taken so long to materialise.
“Tennis used to be something anyone could do by simply walking on to their local court but over the years these facilities have been neglected or sold off for development. Governments at national and local level have allowed sports such as tennis to become costly and convoluted when they should be affordable and accessible.”
The Green MSP went on: “Many Scots will remember walk-on courts in their local parks and playing fields that are now grassed or concreted over, deemed costly and unnecessary. Promising to revive the public tennis courts in our town and city parks is a welcome step and they must be maintained for future generations. This sudden splashing of cash by government must serve as a lesson to those in authority that failure to invest in sport and leisure is a false economy.”
