EVESHAM Tennis Club is holding an open day to celebrate the official launch of its three new floodlit tarmac courts.
After the devastating flood of 2007, club membership dropped to an all-time low of 26 adult members as the 20-year-old tarmac courts became unplayable.
However, with much hard work and determination, £54,000 has been raised to change the fortunes of tennis in Evesham and the Abbey Road club currently has 120 members and six fully floodlit courts (three acrylic and three tarmac).
With all six courts playable into the evening, the club can now accommodate up to 300 members and the public have the chance to sample the courts at the open event on Sunday, July 8 from 1pm.
The three tarmac courts have been completely resurfaced and have had 16 energy-efficient LED floodlights installed thanks to financial support from Evesham Rowing and Rackets Club, the Lawn Tennis Association, Severn Waste Environmental Fund (Landfill Communities Fund), Wychavon District Council and Mencap.
The tennis club, with its partner organisation inspire2coach (i2ctennis.co.uk), offers coaching for all ages and abilities ranging from children from five to 16, adults in beginner and improver groups, at schools, teams and individually.
The club provides social tennis several times a week, tennis ladders, facilities for disabled players and school holiday tennis camps and it is hoped the new facilities will attract new members to the riverside club as well as those who choose to pay and play.
The open day will offer free coaching sessions, cardio tennis and speed scoring of serves and coaching is open to any age and all abilities. To book a session, search GBTW (Great British Tennis Weekend, Evesham) and sign up free of charge.
There will be a barbecue and the club bar will be open, whilst membership discounts will be available. Visit www.erc.club/tennis-home for details.
