Saturday 9th April saw the Grand Opening of Veryan & Roseland Tennis Club’s new Clubhouse and Floodlights. Local MP, Sarah Newton 'Cut the Ribbon' and Sue Eames, Chairman of Tennis Cornwall unveiled the Sport England plaque.
Over 80 people including members, guests from Tennis Cornwall; Malcolm Peters and Hilary Webster as well as local supporters; some of whom were involved in starting up the Club in the early ‘80s, joined the Club’s Chairman, Father Doug Robins to witness the ceremony.
In welcoming the guests, Father Doug Robins, paid tribute to those people who had worked so hard over the years to bring the facility into being. He said that in addition to the maximum grant from Sport England of £50,000, members of the Club had raised about £30,000 and that the voluntary labour and expertise self-help element had probably saved another £30,000.
Sarah Newton paid tribute to all those who had been involved in the project. She said that the grant from Sport England was important, but that the project could not have reached fruition without the dedication of local people giving of their time and talents.
Sue Eames said it was great to see the achievements of a small rural club and that she was sure having such a lovely new Clubhouse and floodlights would make a massive difference to all of the Club's players.
The new facilities include a substantial fully insulated timber clubhouse with disabled access and decked veranda, and, for the first time since the Club was started in 1982, electricity and water. Club members can now enjoy toilet (disabled friendly), changing and kitchenette facilities alongside the courts. The Club’s two courts can to be separately floodlit, and for the first time members can now enjoy year- round tennis in the evenings until 10pm, which will enable people working to play tennis in the evening.
Veryan and Roseland Tennis Club welcomes new members of any ability or background. It is very much part of the local community and seeks to encourage all ages to take up or re-engage with the playing of tennis; however, younger people are particularly welcome and it is hoped that the new facilities and ability to play under floodlights will encourage further younger people to enjoy playing tennis.