On Sunday 18th May Camvale Tennis Club in Paulton opened its courts from 9am until 6pm (9 hours) to all members of the local community, albeit new to the game, “rusty rackets” or seasoned pro’s. This was part of the “Great British Tennis Weekend” organised by the LTA to encourage more people to take up the sport and hopefully become members.
With rackets and balls freely available, over 75 people attended, including one mother and daughter from Maidenhead (100 miles away)! The Club organised 45 activity sessions during the day utilising all of its courts; especially the KidsZone, with many people taking advantage of more than one session. With a range of different people (and abilities) the club’s coaching team, including Tennis Leaders, were kept on their toes all day…….. albeit at a cost of a healthy sun tan.
The activities on offer included: mini-tennis, junior and adult sessions, family play, tennis xpress and fun sessions of cardio tennis; all supplemented with helpings of home-made cakes and refreshments provided by club members.
In addition, two local Bath & N E Somerset Councillors came along to offer their support as well as 12 club members who helped with meeting, greeting and answering questions from our guests.
Numerous compliments have been received, including an email received from one mother saying: “Many thanks…. My boys really enjoyed playing a bit of tennis together. My youngest was even showing me how to hold a racket properly in the garden yesterday.”
In summary, Head Coach and Secretary, Brian Wessell said: “The entire Committee is delighted that the day went so well following much planning and organisation. Feedback from parents and children alike has been positive and it was good to see smiles on so many faces. It was a great advert for Camvale Tennis and the sport and we just hope that many of those who came will return to play on a regular basis.”