THE HISTORIC Knowle and Dorridge Racquet Club has opened four new all-weather courts in a £250,000 investment.
The new courts were unveiled on earlier this month with the help of Meriden MP Dame Caroline Spelman – a past member.
Members enjoyed a glass of champagne and lunch prior to watching exhibition matches by the first team players.
The club was established in 1908 and has become ‘one of the communities most valuable assets’ with nearly 800 members.
The club announced the project will cost around £260,000 and will provide four new state of the art courts suitable for use all year round.
Planning permission has also been granted for an LED lighting system designed to minimise light spill.
The club caters for those who wish to play in the club teams and those who wish to play socially.
And memberships are available for Tennis, Squash and Racketball.
It said the annual Spring Progressive Tennis Tournament followed, ensuring that all members had the opportunity to play on the new courts.
A spokesperson from the Racquet club: “The club has a comprehensive development plan to provide activities and opportunities for existing members, future members, specific target groups and for those who are not able to access facilities at the club on a regular basis, which will benefit greatly from the new facilities.
“The courts will enable the club to supplement its outreach activities, which involve sending coaches into the local schools, by providing opportunities for schools to bring their pupils to the club for structured sessions. The opportunity also exists for the club to encourage people to take up tennis or return to tennis, through the introduction of regular sessions.”
Dame Caroline said: “I was delighted to be able to join supporters of the Knowle and Dorridge Racquet Club to open their excellent, new all-weather courts on Saturday.
“It was great to see so many members in attendance – particularly the clubs youth players.
“This project, which represents a £250,000 investment into existing facilities at one of the communities most valuable assets, marks a new chapter in the life of the 110 year old club and guarantees its use for future generations.
“I sincerely hope that this will spur many more local residents to get involved in the sport”.
The club says tournaments run throughout the year. Club social tennis sessions run on Tuesday evening at 6pm and Saturday afternoons 2pm – 5pm.
The club will stage an Open Weekend on 12 May between 10am – 2pm.
For information go to www.kdrc.info
