Church Stretton Tennis Club serves up new courts and county awards

It has been a year to remember for tennis in Church Stretton. The town's completely refurbished courts were officially opened by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner JP, who watched a display of tennis on the new surfaces.

The refurbishment came through a partnership between the Lawn Tennis Association and Church Stretton Town Council, with a generous LTA grant funding the work. Residents can book a court online for £5 an hour, and free coaching sessions for young people take place every Saturday morning.

"The tennis courts look fantastic and are now truly accessible to all residents, particularly with the free coaching sessions," said Town Mayor Andy Munro.

Behind the project was a familiar face. At Tennis Shropshire's annual awards in February, Graham Porter received the Cathie Sabin Volunteer of the Year Award for being an exceptional driving force behind the growth of Church Stretton Tennis Club. He gave countless hours to improving facilities and building participation, helped secure vital LTA funding to resurface the courts and led every stage of the process.

Graham has also helped organise successful club open days and played a leading role in launching walking tennis sessions, opening the game to people who might not otherwise play.

The town had a second winner on the night. Church Stretton School was named School of the Year after introducing tennis to the curriculum. Pupils have enjoyed it so much that extra lunchtime and after-school clubs have been added, and the sessions, led by an LTA registered coach, have led more players to register at Church Stretton Tennis Club.

Tennis Shropshire trustee and awards lead Sarah Downes said the awards celebrate "people who make tennis thrive across Shropshire", from volunteers and coaches to clubs and programmes that open their doors to everyone.

The Lord-Lieutenant's visit also saw her meet around 40 volunteers from across the parish over lunch, a fitting tribute to the community effort behind the town's sport.

To book a court or find out about club sessions and coaching, visit Church Stretton Lawn Tennis Club's page on the LTA ClubSpark website.