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Great Britain wheelchair tennis star Abbie Breakwell helps unveil £120k court revamp in Spalding – as town club also unveils new floodlights




There has been a double celebration as a new-look tennis court opened up – with a Great Britain wheelchair tennis star in attendance – at the same time as night time facilities were unveiled for players.

It was a match made in heaven as athlete Abbie Breakwell came to Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens to help unveil the new £120,000 tennis courts, financed by the Lawn Tennis Association and South Holland District Council.

Abbie Breakwell a Great Britain wheelchair tennis star at Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens. PHOTOS: CHRIS LOWNDES
Abbie Breakwell a Great Britain wheelchair tennis star at Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens. PHOTOS: CHRIS LOWNDES

The news comes as Holyrood Walk-based Spalding Tennis Club (STC) announced its new LED floodlighting.

A winning link between the two will encourage people who enjoy playing the game to use the courts, with the advantage of continuing as the autumn nights draw in.

Councillor Tracey Carter, South Holland District Council Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing, said: “It was great to see so many people enjoying the new courts at the weekend, and to have the chance to play with local coaches and Abbie, who is such an inspiring example of how successful you can be if you give something a try and having high-quality, accessible facilities like we can now offer at Ayscoughfee.

"I am delighted that we have had the opportunity to work with the LTA to make these improvements to the courts, and that they will continue to help get people outdoors, getting active and having fun together for many years to come."

Stanley Cole (5) gets into the swing
Stanley Cole (5) gets into the swing

In conjunction with this, the club is offering half-price membership in all categories until the end of April next year.

Amanda Halifax from STC said: “We are trying to encourage all standards to come to our social tennis where we play tennis and then have coffee and cake after .

“The club is celebrating the recent installation of the new LED floodlights which provide year-round tennis opportunities on their all-weather courts.

The tennis courts can be used in the evenings
The tennis courts can be used in the evenings

“This benefits their entire membership and provides more availability for junior and working members in the autumn and winter evenings, as well as coaching sessions and more accessible tennis for visually impaired members.”

Coaching sessions are open to members and non-members, with reduced rates for members.

Junior group coaching takes place on a Saturday morning and Adult group coaching on a Monday evening. Mixed social club tennis is available to adult members of all abilities on a Thursday evening from 6pm-8pm and Sunday morning from 11am – 1pm with friendly chat and refreshments in the pavilion after.

Coun Mark Le Sage said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to the Lawn Tennis Association, Ayscoughfee and the SHDC Communities team for putting on such a fabulous opening event.

“It was lovely to see so many young people out on the courts which before the work was carried out were in poor shape.

“Abbie Breakwell, a Great Britain wheelchair tennis star, was inspiring and a wonderful advocate for the sport – we hope she will be returning to Spalding soon.”

Spalding Tennis Club - new LED lights means players can play at night
Spalding Tennis Club - new LED lights means players can play at night

Visit www.spaldingtennis.co.uk where membership can be purchased, and coaching sessions can be booked.

Got a story? Email jenny.beake@iliffepublishing.co.uk



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