I cannot quite believe that I will never again arrive at the club to hear “Aaah, Mister Carter” from Karla - who was already on court, of course. Her gently mocking tone meant “I haven’t seen you playing for three days, what on earth have you been doing?”.

She was the beating heart of North Dulwich, fizzing with energy and warmth and the simple joy of playing the game. She mostly got the score wrong and yet somehow she did so adorably every time. There was always laughter during a match with Karla. And she worked ridiculously hard for everyone’s benefit on the club’s tennis and social lives.

It was a privilege to know you, Karla. Rest in peace.