WIGHTMAN CUP CAPTAIN

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28776, 23 December 1958, Page 2

WIGHTMAN CUP CAPTAIN

Mrs M. Halford Retires (BV ■ SUSAN VAUGHAN) LONDON. The British Lawn Tennis Association faces a big problem this month trying to find a new captain for the Wightman Cup team. Mrs Mary Halford, 42-year-old non-playing captain, wants to give up the post to devote -more time to her family. “I cannot spare the time for the long trip to the United States with the Wightman Cup team next year. It would take the whole of August and most of the children’s school holidays," she said.

But I hear that the association may not accept her resignation. There is no outstanding candidate for the job, which requires much time, practical knowledge of the game, and a good sense of diplomacy Mrs Halford, born in Hong Kong, was formerly Mary Whitmarsh, the International star who played at Wimbledon at the age of 16. She has been Wightman Cup captain for five years and this year she led the British team to its first victory in 28 years. Mrs Halford has a son, Timothy, aged 13, and a five-year-old daughter, Candy. Timothy, she says, is “more interested in cricket and ‘rugger’ than tennis.” But she thinks her daughter might make a tennis player.

BONNINGTON’S FOR PERFUME Bonnington’s (The Chemists), Ltd., claim the distinction of being the leading Perfumery and Toilet Necessity House. Included in their wide range of quality perfumes are Coty, Corday, Chanel, Jean Patou and Moray names of consequence. See these displays at Bonnington’s Corner. —Advt.