ROWLEDGE Tennis Club celebrated the opening of its resurfaced tennis courts and new floodlights with a family touch tennis tournament.

More than 40 players attended the tournament on September 29, which raised almost £200 and was the initiative of the club’s head coach, Matt Marlow.

Nick Rees, chairman of Rowledge Tennis Club, said: “It was great to see so many members of our club enjoying the new courts in a fun and relaxed environment.

“We have worked hard to raise the money to upgrade the courts and this was the perfect opportunity for our members to have their first go on the new surface.”

Various fundraising initiatives enabled the courts to be upgraded, which the club hopes is “just the start” of more investment to keep it as a central point in the village, where it was established in 1923.

Known as a “sociable and welcoming club”, Rowledge Tennis Club has around 200 members, with approximately 100 juniors ranging from four to 18 years old. However, the communal areas are also now in need of an upgrade.

Mr Rees continued: “We are really proud of the improvements that we have made to the courts and the new lights but we are desperate for a new club house.

“The current structure has already lasted way beyond its original life span and we would really like to raise enough money for a new building worthy of such prominent position within our village.”

During the next few months a number of fundraising events will be held at the club to help ensure its future.

Mr Rees added that Rowledge Tennis Club is always looking for new members to join.

He said: “We welcome people to come and try out the new courts and we are always happy to have new members.

“We have a really active junior section and every Monday we hold a mixed tennis session, which has proved really popular.”

The club holds a range of sessions throughout the week including back to tennis, cardio tennis, adult sessions and junior lessons.

To find out more about the club, e-mail Kelly at [email protected] or visit rowledgetennis.org.uk.