Leading sports presenter Annabel Croft delights Deacons guests with behind-the-scenes tales

Former British Number One tennis player and leading sports broadcaster Annabel Croft entertained guests with behind-the-scenes insights into Strictly Come Dancing and the tennis world when she spoke at a dinner organised by Deacons Jewellers.

Around 100 guests and Deacons colleagues met for dinner at Whatley Manor, near Malmesbury, to hear guest speaker Annabel Croft’s experiences of life as a player and a commentator covering major tournaments around the world.  

At just 15 years old, Annabel became the youngest Briton in nearly 100 years to compete in the Wimbledon main draw, before going on to become one of the nation’s most recognisable and respected voices in tennis broadcasting. She also spoke about her time competing on Strictly Come Dancing, and entertained guests with revelations about what it was like to appear on the show.

The dinner was held to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch.  In 1926, the invention of the waterproof Oyster marked a major breakthrough in watchmaking.  Its inventor, Hans Wilsdorf, said he named it the Oyster because, just like an oyster, it can remain an unlimited time under water without detriment to its parts.

Guests were also treated to a watch workshop demonstration. The latest Rolex models were also displayed, alongside a selection of Rolex approved pre-owned models.

Richard Deacon, managing director of Deacons Jewellers located in Old Town, Swindon, who are authorised Rolex retailers, hosted the event.

“The evening was a wonderful opportunity to hear Annabel’s very entertaining and informative tales about what actually goes on behind the scenes, both in the world of professional tennis and in television,” said Richard.

“And Rolex watches are, of course, a luxury but they are also a great investment, whether new or pre-owned. Being surrounded by a great wonderful selection of watches in the luxurious space in Whatley Manor and with a brilliant speaker made us all feel that it was a very special evening and a decent way of acknowledging 100 years of technical brilliance.”