Its Game Set and Match for Denmead tennis fundraisers
Congratulations to Denmead Tennis Club who raised a 'smashing' £125,000 to improve their facilities, helped along the way by a £20,000 grant from Winchester City Council.
The club celebrated one of the biggest days in its history on Sunday (Feb 4) with an official opening ceremony attended by Mayor of Winchester Sue Nelmes and special guest Fred Dinenage.
TV presenter Mr Dinenage, of nearby Hambledon, has family connections to the club and on Sunday marked the special occasion by switching on the new state-of-the-art floodlights at the grounds, with about 200 people watching on.
Paralympic tennis champion and World No.1 singles champion Peter Norfolk was also in attendance and played a demonstration match for guests.
In addition to floodlighting at King George Playing Fields at Denmead, the money was spent on completely relaying and resurfacing the three courts. The whole area has been enclosed with secure new fencing and disabled access has been provided from the Ashling Park Road car park.
Winchester City Council's sports development officer has been working closely with the club over the past few months, offering advice and guidance and supporting the club with their development.
It already has strong links with the Havant and Waterlooville School Sports Partnership and the council hopes that more young people in the Denmead area will be able to benefit from the club's excellent facilities.
Other significant contributions included a grant of £30,000 from Denmead Parish Council and funds from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, the Lawn Tennis Association, and the SITA Landfill Trust.
In thanking the relevant bodies for their financial help, club chairman Brian Summers, said: "Denmead Tennis Club is very aware of the important role it has to play in the local community in terms of encouraging junior sport, in health promotion, social cohesion and in crime diversion."
The Club has some vacancies for new membership, and anyone interested should ring 02392 263 191 or visit www.denmeadtennis.org.uk.
Photos of the event were taken by Alan wallis and can be seen at www.alanwallisphotography.co.uk