Fresh from playing in the Senior Men’s Doubles Final at Wimbledon, Jeremy Bates visited Painswick Lawn Tennis Club to open two new courts.

Over 100 members and guests gathered to watch him lead some coaching drills for members prior to playing in an exhibition doubles match with the men’s ‘A’ team.

The ribbon to open the courts was cut by Jeremy to a fanfare, release of balloons and cheers from those present.  Before this he had said what an important role local clubs could perform in welcoming juniors and potential new players.

The evening was completed with an alfresco supper and social tennis. 

The courts have been built with the assistance of substantial funding from the LTA and Van Willerton, Operations Manager Midlands Area, said how pleased they were to support a progressive club such as Painswick and would be watching further developments with great interest.

John Courts, President of Painswick LTC, in welcoming everyone thanked all those who had supported the project and particularly the LTA.

He said: “This is an excellent example of funding coming into ‘grass roots’ tennis and Painswick LTC is delighted to be the recipient.  It is now up to the Club to make best possible use of this facility to expand tennis activity for all ages and provide juniors with a skill for life.”

He added: “Maybe we can even uncover a Wimbledon champion”.