Blofield put their faith in grass future

Daniel WynneBlofield Tennis Club has undertaken a major renovation of three of its grass courts, which are due to open again at the beginning of May. The courts, located on Old Yarmouth Road in the village, have been rotavated, laser-levelled and re-seeded.Daniel Wynne

Blofield Tennis Club has undertaken a major renovation of three of its grass courts, which are due to open again at the beginning of May.

The courts, located on Old Yarmouth Road in the village, have been rotavated, laser-levelled and re-seeded.

Aase Simpson, the club's chairperson, highlighted the significance of the project, explaining: 'The club has been in existence since 1924 and as far as we are aware, this is the first major renovation of the courts to be undertaken. Over the years, the levels of the courts have changed significantly and after several extreme spells of weather in the last few years which greatly affected the courts' playing quality, we recognised that the only sensible option for the club was to start again.'

Blofield TC were keen to use a local business for the renovation and Simpson was pleased with their decision.

'We were delighted when we came across D Watson Contracting Specialist Sports Ground & Amenity Contractors based in Hingham, Norfolk who are rated by their specialist suppliers as Norfolk's Premier Sports Ground Contractors.'

Dale Watson, of D Watson Contracting, described the size of the task.

'The work began in September last year when approximately 60 tonnes of turf was removed. I am particularly pleased that the Club has also appointed me to maintain the courts throughout the year.'

Tony Spurgeon, President of the Norfolk LTA, who assisted the Club with a grant towards the renovation, praised the actions of the Blofield committee.

'We were impressed with the way the club has increased its membership, encouraged everyone to join and the efforts of the club to improve their facilities through enthusiastic fundraising,' he said.

The Norfolk LTA has a strategy to encourage many people to play tennis throughout the County and is currently looking at ways to increase community tennis through its own fundraising.

Spurgeon added. 'We were very pleased to help Blofield because Blofield helped itself and we will do the same for other enthusiastic, proactive clubs.'

Simpson added: 'Over the last couple of years, we have seen a large increase in our membership which currently stands at 135 and we are confident that having excellent new grass courts will attract new members, particularly those who so enjoy playing on grass during the summer months.

'We have already had a large amount of interest. The number of grass courts in the county is decreasing dramatically but with Wimbledon being played on grass, we believe there is still a call for it - who knows, the next British Wimbledon Champion may be from Blofield.'

The club are holding an open weekend on Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9 from 11am to 3pm each day when you can try out the courts and special membership offers will be available.

For more information, contact Liz Waller (01603 715866) or Aase Simpson (01603 270606) or go to www.blofieldtennisclub.co.uk .

t This Sunday, Stanmore Tennis Club will host an open day from 10am till 2pm on the clubs newly re-surfaced floodlit courts. Come along to play and enjoy free coaching from club coach Chris Stocker. Contact Chris on 07869037556 if you require any more details.