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Plans were all in place for the construction of a new pavilion, but last December was a nail-biting time for members waiting to hear if they had been successful in their bid for a Sport England grant from the Inspired Facilities Fund (London 2012 Legacy funding). News that the Club had been awarded £50,000 came as a very welcome Christmas present and a much appreciated £15000 loan from ECLTA was the final piece in the jigsaw. Work started in the snowy conditions of February and was completed in mid-June just in time for our junior tournament day. The project had taken four years to complete for a range of reasons but the final positioning left space for a fifth court should it be required in the future. The Development Sub-Committee of three set up to supervise the project consisting Jan Rochester, Jenny Cooper and Club Chairman Graham Lewis-Taylor were heavily involved in the design of the building in order to ensure that it met the needs of members, visiting players and the local community. In particular this involved maximising the area of glass on the side which faces the courts so that parents and other spectators can watch from inside whilst conditions are not so pleasant outside! The French doors which open out onto the courts have been a very popular feature. The interior features a lounge, kitchen, toilets and an admin area together with the requisite disabled facilities. To fit in with the local architecture of the area, the building has a slate roof and walls clad with cream weatherboarding above a brick plinth and natural sandstone paving slabs.
The Committee felt that it was fitting that the Opening should be a big occasion and bring members from all parts of the Club together - team players and social players, juniors and their parents, young and old. It was also a day to celebrate with people who had been employed on the project and those from the local community who had given their support along the way. Saskia Clark, our local Olympic silver medallist and world champion in the 470 Class (sailing) and now honorary member of the Club presented medals with ribbons in Olympic colours to the fifty juniors who had taken part in the morning competition and Priti Patel MP assisted in awarding mini-tennis certificates. A group of lady members produced an amazing buffet for the 200 or more people who attended the event and made sure that everyone was well looked after. The pavilion opening and unveiling of the plaque by Saskia Clark was photographed and reported on by the local press and members and guests were then treated to a feast of tennis. Four Essex County players – Peter French, Jack Stammers, Paul Gardiner and Mark Klein provided the crowd with an entertaining exhibition match of a quality probably never before seen at Wickham Bishops! Tea and home-made cakes provided by members rounded off a memorable day.
The Club has seen a significant upsurge in activity on the courts as well as a boost to membership. Stronger links have been made with the local community throughout the planning process and the Club has strengthened its position as an important contributor to the village.