2009 has been a good year for the tennis section with the construction of the new hardcourts and the arrival of a number of new members.
Although the courts have been ice and snowbound for over 3 weeks 2010 promises to be even better for both the tennis section and Club as a whole as we will see the completion of 3 years of hard work on the Spacse project and a major improvement to the Club’s facilities. The various bodies we applied to for funding finally came up with the goods and the various grants and loans provided, together with the Club’s own resources and fundraising has enabled us to fully deliver the project.
The new hardcourts were finished in the summer and a start has now been made on the floodlights. The new changing rooms and entrance area are well on the way to completion and work will shortly start on the existing Clubhouse which will be significantly remodeled to provide a separate members lounge/games room, office and refurbished toilets and kitchen.
All work is due to be completed for the start of the new season and the Club will organising ‘open events’ so please keep your eyes and ears open and join in if you can, your support will be much appreciated.
We still need to raise money for furniture and other finishing touches, so donations or pledges are still very welcome.
In order to provide something that provides lasting recognition of the project and as a fundraising opportunity, the Club is aiming to erect a glass feature wall in the new entrance containing the
Club ‘s coat of arms with space for the names of members and supporters. For a sum of around £25 members will be able to have their own or family name and if desired their role or position engraved on the glass wall. More details will be announced over the next few weeks about how you can reserve your space.
At the recent Tennis AGM I accepted the nomination to become the new Tennis Section Chairman and in taking over the reigns I would like thank Dave Wharton who has stepped down from the role of Chairman after ten years of committed service. I am pleased to report however that Dave will be staying on the Tennis Committee.
Heather Wharton will also be stepping down in her role on the Committee and will be concentrating her efforts on the vitally important role of managing the Club’s finances as Assistant Treasurer. We also hope to see Heather on the Tennis Courts this season.
Finally I would also like to thank my fellow members of the Club Development Committee, Ray Austin, Deana Kaye and Bob Hinchliffe, but particularly to Brian Lorenzini as its Chairman and Gill Boyle who has project managed the scheme—I think they are all due a well deserved rest—before the next project!
Alan Millington
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• Playing & Coaching Update
Play has continued throughout the autumn with good use being made of the courts and floodlights with the singles ladder and mixed league in particular having an impact, so thanks to Tom Moseley for the singles ladder and Sylvia & Keith Mills for the mixed league.
Min-tennis coaching will re-commence after the Christmas holidays in the sports hall at Prestwich Arts College on Heys Road on 9th January starting at 9am for mini red (under 8yrs), 10am for mini orange (under 10 yrs) and 11.15 for green balls on the outside courts.
For juniors wishing to play in junior or adult teams, the Club coach Adam Maddock is running six sessions from 2nd February—9th March on Tuesday evenings from 5.30-6.30pm. Anyone interested should contact Adam on 07928174228 or Keith Mills on 773 1677.
