Bohemian Tennis Club in Gosforth, Newcastle saw its official re-opening of the refurbished facilities, Saturday October 4 2014.
The wet weather curtailed some of the planned tennis activities but nonetheless the club was delighted to have over 70 members and guests turn up to help celebrate the Clubs and Sport England’s funded Inspired Facilities project.
Proceedings began with a welcome from Chairman, Aidan Mernin who explained the improvements that had been made and outlined the benefits these would have to all club users. Clubhouse renovations have made a welcoming bright space that can be used for both club functions and private parties too. Increased floodlight provision will increase the numbers able to play tennis over the winter months and will prove to be a great asset to the club and it's members. Aidan thanked those who helped fund the project - Sport England and The Trout Hotel - and all those involved in putting together the funding bid.
Aidan handed over to Jo Cunliffe, the LTA Regional Tennis Participation Manager, who spoke about the progress made by the club in the past few years. She praised the efforts of the committee and the coaching team - in particular Ben Adams and Gail Mernin - who have worked hard to develop and deliver a comprehensive coaching programme at Bohemians which is accessed by more than 100 people each week.
Chris Lott, Chairman of Northumberland LTA, then presented head coach, Ben Adams with The Development Coach of the Year Award which he won at the 2014 NLTA Awards this summer.
Member of Parliament for Newcastle North, Catherine McKinnell, concluded the formalities by performing the official ribbon cutting ceremony and declaring the club officially re-opened!
Special thanks to Sport England through their Inspired Facilities programme along with Tyne & Wear Sport (Jade Mackie and David Marrin) who were an invaluable support to the Club throughout the process.
Photos are; Aidan Mernin (Chairman) with Catherine McKinnell (MP), busy clubhouse at launch, Catherine McKinnell (MP) prior to cutting ribbon, mini tennis players, Ben Adams and Chris Lott.