Council grant courts favour with tennis club

A grant from Alnwick Town Council has enabled Alnwick Tennis Club to complete a major project to improve access to the courts which are used by residents and visitors alike.

Mayor of Alnwick, Councillor Geoff Watson, is seen with club members at the back of the courts with the newly restored and capped wall which runs along a path which has also received increased maintenance.

As the Chair of the club’s Management Committee Dr Ernie Harpur explained: “We are very grateful to Alnwick Town Council for their grant of £1000 towards the cost of improvements to the path at the back of our courts which together with the reconstructed wall which will greatly improve access to the courts. In addition to the grant from ATC, we have also received funding from Northumberland Estates,  Alnwick Lions and NCC Community Chest”.

“The tennis club is determined to fulfil its goals are to promote, and facilitate the playing of tennis in Alnwick and the surrounding area and to encourage and support junior participation, enjoyment and development in the sport. Tennis is a game for all ages from 4 to 80+ and has known health benefits derived from exercise and social interaction. The Club is committed to improving and developing the venue for the local community and visitors to the town.”

“Alnwick Tennis Club is always open to new members, especially juniors and women. Professional coaching and experienced member support is available to beginners and returners to the sport.”

For many years the club played on the tennis courts at the old Duchess’s High School but moved to the former council-run public tennis courts on Prudhoe Street around 15 years ago.

Recently Northumberland Estates (the landlord from whom the venue is leased) offered to repair, free of charge, the ancient stone wall bordering the access path at the back of the courts and acting as a retaining wall for the raised bank behind the courts. The wall was in a state of disrepair, crumbling in places, restricting access and raising safety concerns. The club gratefully accepted this offer and has gone further by having the entire wall restored and aligned.