Hard work pays off as Wisbech Tennis Club unveils new courts and facilities

The Wisbech tennis courts. (Image: Archant)

More than 100 people were in attendance as parliamentary candidate Steve Barclay officially opened the club’s two new all weather floodlit artificial clay courts and facilities, together with a self-contained mini court.

Mr Barclay cut the ribbon held by the club’s youngest member Henry Davis aged five and oldest member Pauline Maris aged 83.

The project was made possible by funding from Sport England through its Inspired Facilities programme, the Hudson Foundation, AmeyCespa Community Fund, Cambridgeshire LTA Executive, Tennis 4 Cambridgeshire, Grange Wind Farm Community Fund and A Local Wish.

Mr Barclay organised a series of meetings with the Lawn Tennis Association and Sport England, and also raised the issue of funding in rural areas in the House of Commons, on behalf of the club in their bid for funding.

Steve Barclay and chairman Sue Beel deliver the opening address. (Image: Archant)

Chairman Sue Beel said: “Thank you to everyone for their contributions to the club. We didn’t have the money to upgrade the existing clubhouse as the project alone cost £226,000, but we have been very fortunate that our main local contractor, Nick Barker and architect, Gareth Edwards came to their rescue.

“Together with a team of local building contractors they hatched a plan to contribute their skill, labour and materials for free, to construct a fantastic new clubhouse, with toilets, changing rooms and kitchen area.”

The clubs open sessions are on Tuesday 10-11.30 am, Wednesday 2-3.30pm, Thursday 6pm onwards, and Sunday 11am- noon. Monday evening only there is a booking system in place from 6pm onwards. Anyone is welcome to turn up and try out the new facilities.

For more information, call Sue on 07549263767 or e- mail wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk or website wisbechtennisclub.org.uk

Vice chairman Sue Picture flanked by local businessmen responsible for the new clubhouse. (Image: Archant)