Saturday April 9th was a special day for Lancaster Tennis Club which celebrated the completion of their resurfaced three astro turf courts and new mini court with a ceremony attended by Lancaster Mayor Jon Barry. The project had been funded by a major grant from Sport England through their Inspired Facilities scheme, with additional funds from Cumberland Building Society, Lancaster University and the Lancaster Community Fund as well as loans from Lancashire Tennis and from Club members.
As City Councillor for Castle Ward, Mayor Barry had seen the club’s facilities at their worst a few years’ ago, and he was very impressed with the improvement – even trying out the courts himself with a few rallies.
In the afternoon, former GB Davis Club players Danny Sapsford and Luke Milligan, delivered coaching and practice sessions for juniors and adults, funded through their charity Bright Ideas for Tennis. Over £400 was raised in the afternoon to sponsor an LTA recognised junior tournament in May and to help fund new junior coaching sessions for youngsters from the Marsh area.
Club fund raiser Susan Lucas said:
“ We are delighted that so many members and friends of the Club have joined the celebrations to open our great new courts. We are indebted to Sport England for their major grant and to the other sponsors, and we are very pleased that the Mayor Jon Barry has been able to spare the time to join us to open the courts officially.
We are sure that local residents will appreciate the improved facilities and wish to join our Club to try out tennis – or the cricket and bowls also on offer at Lancaster Cricket and Sports Club”.
Anyone with tennis queries can call Sandra on tel: 07752 619241 or email: sandra.eccles@talktalk.net and there is a chance to try out the great new courts at the Club’s FREE Open Day on Saturday April 16th from 2pm to 4pm.