Two Beeston Brownies were selected as match mascots for the recent Aegon Open Nottingham ATP tennis tournament. Lillianna Rocchelli (8) and Evie Baker (8) kept their cool and waved to the crowds as they walked on to court with the players in the men’s final at Nottingham Tennis Centre on 27 June.
Lillianna accompanied American finalist Sam Querrey on to court whilst Evie held the hand of the eventual winner, Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin. The Brownies were invited to be mascots by Aegon, via the Nottingham Hospitals Charity, which is the official charity partner for the Aegon Open Nottingham.
‘It was a really great day and the girls were clearly very excited!’ said Brownie Leader Jacqui Walker, who had joined the crowds watching the match. ‘They did so well waving to the spectators and supporting their players – though it did mean we were cheering on both sides!’
The girls are from two different Brownie units: Lillianna is a member of 1st Beeston Brownies whilst Evie has recently joined 4th Beeston Brownies. ‘It was really nice to see a friendship developing between them during the day,’ added Jacqui. ‘It turns out they have lots of shared interests outside of Brownies!’
The Aegon Open Nottingham comprises two major international tennis tournaments which are an integral part of the British grass court season. The event’s official charity partner, Nottingham Hospitals Charity, also works closely with Girlguiding Nottinghamshire, and the two Beeston Brownie Units – being the nearest to Nottingham Tennis Centre – were delighted to be asked to nominate the match mascots.
