On July 14th, Mapperley Park Tennis Club held a grand opening day to mark the resurfacing of all four courts and the construction of a new mini tennis court. The work was made possible by the award of a £50k grant from Sport England's Inspired Facilities fund.
Danny Sapsford of Tennis Circus brought along Miles Maclagan for a day of inspirational coaching (junior and adult) and instructive but fun exhibition tennis. Over 100 people were present to indulge in free Pimm’s and beer, with lunch at tables set out on one of the courts. Unfortunately, owing to the hot weather, the court surface could not take the weight of people sitting on the chairs, so some repairs will be needed.
The event was also intended to mark the club's 90th anniversary, but a mention of MPTC in the Evening Post of 1921 has cast doubt on the origins of the club. In a well briefed speech at the opening ceremony, prior to cutting the ribbon, Danny remarked that he could be back next year to celebrate the club's centenary.
Afterwards, Danny wrote: "I'm glad you had a great day, and I truly think that you are doing a fantastic job at Mapperley. You have such a keen, enthusiastic committee / coaches, and you are all the perfect example of how tennis clubs should be run. If only there were more clubs like yours in the UK."
This report would not be complete without mentioning Cynthia Lindo, who was the indomitable driving force behind the grant application and the chief organiser of the opening day.
Pictured:-
- Christine Preston (president), Danny Sapsford, Miles Maclagan, Paul Hacking (hon. secretary)
- Miles, Cynthia and Danny
- Junior coaching clinic
- Lunch on court 2