Over 150 people attended the grand opening of newly refurbished tennis facilities in Thornbury on Saturday.
The event at Thornbury Lawn Tennis Club by the Mundy Playing Fields marked the unveiling of the two projects, the new-look clubhouse for Thornbury Lawn Tennis Club and two refurbished public courts, which cost a combined £100,000.
The updates to the clubhouse, which was officially opened by Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, include a spacious, warm and brightly lit clubroom overlooking the courts, a kitchen area, changing rooms, showers and separate toilets, which were funded by the club itself, in partnership with Sport England.
Newly elected Thornbury mayor Cllr Helen Harrison was given the honour to open the public courts, and was joined by other town councillors and children from Thornbury-based charity Jigsaw, who have been chosen as this year’s Mayor’s charity.
After the opening, members of the public were invited to visit the facilities and try their hand at tennis, while the club members engaged in a fun “beat the coaches” and “juniors versus adults” competitions.
“I was delighted to join Thornbury Lawn Tennis Club to help celebrate the refurbished club house and new public courts,” said Mr Hall.
“The club has come a long way since 1911 and I know a huge amount of effort has gone into the refurbishment by dedicated local volunteers and club members. I look forward to playing a game on the new courts in the near future."
Mayor Harrison added: “It was a real honour to be part of the clubhouse and courts opening ceremony.
“Thornbury is blessed to have such an excellent public facility that is available for all, but is on the doorstep of such a great club should they wish to continue.
“I would encourage people to go down, try out the facilities and play tennis within Thornbury.”
Brian Jordan, chairman of Thornbury Lawn Tennis Club, said: “The clubhouse refurbishment has taken five years from conception to completion,”
“The result has exceeded our expectations, which is a tribute to the work of our local contractors and the volunteers. The tennis facilities in Thornbury are now some of the best in the area.
“The weather for the opening was perfect, visitors and members had a really enjoyable time watching and playing tennis. There was a shower later in the afternoon, but shelter and refreshments were available in the refurbished clubhouse.
“The courts were playable immediately the rain stopped and the day concluded with sunshine and a BBQ for members. It was a really enjoyable day.”