On Sunday 3rd June, Craven Lawn Tennis Club in Gargrave held a charity tennis day with former GB Davis Cup players Danny Sapsford & Luke Milligan.
The aim of the day was to raise funds for a variety of tennis "outreach" programmes to be run by the club over the next couple of years or so to encourage new players, and those who haven't played the game for a while, of any age, to come along and try tennis at the club. The day raised a magnificent total of £1,300, all of which will be "ring fenced" by the club for the promotion of tennis locally and further details of courses etc will be released in the coming weeks and months.
A large number of players, of all ages and abilities (both members and non members) participated in the coaching sessions run by Danny and Luke which proved hugely popular and truly were a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. The club has 7 courts (4 grass & 3 brand new all weather) which were all used on the day such were the numbers attending. There was also a magnificent BBQ and bar with Pimms etc and, blessed with wonderful weather, Craven LTC lived up to it's reputation of the north's "Mini Wimbledon" as a small village club with truly magnificent facilities and a very friendly, welcoming and sociable atmosphere.
After the various coaching sessions had finished, Danny & Luke played an exhibition match of Men's Doubles at the club in front of an enormous crowd which was a fantastic demonstration of their skills and they also invited club players (young and old) to join them at times on court which proved a thrill for those participating.
The next event at the club will be the Annual Teenage Tournament on Monday 23rd July for those youngsters aged 11-18 years. Players do not need to be a member of the club, this event is open to all. Anyone interested in playing is asked to contact Club Secretary Beth Whitley at secretary@craventennis.org.uk or 01756 749664 for further details. She will also be happy to answer any more general enquiries about playing tennis at the club.