TENNIS
AS the country basks in the glory of Emma Raducanu’s success at the US Open, Barnard Castle Lawn Tennis Club, located in the grounds of The Bowes Museum, has also seen an upturn in fortune and membership numbers.
Having resurfaced the three courts during the 2020 lockdown, players were delighted at the return to club sessions in April this year and the resumption of both the Darlington and District and Cleveland Leagues.
Membership numbers have increased significantly and now stand at around 160. The club has two excellent, long-standing coaches in Geoff Thomas and Derek Edwards who take adult group sessions, Geoff also offers private coaching.
This year the club formed an alliance with Durham Community Tennis Partnership to offer junior coaching for children from five years upwards. The programme on Sunday afternoons has been very popular with 40 participants.
Head coach Sam Stokoe at DCTP has plans to develop this coaching further, identifying progression routes for youngsters who aspire to follow in the footsteps of Emma Raducanu and Dan Evans.
Club sessions and coaching continue throughout the winter months with courts available to book every day through Club Spark.
From October 1 all memberships rates are half price and will carry through until April 2022.
Details of how to become a member, club sessions, coaching and visitor fees can be found on the club website barnardcastletennis.org.uk. People can also follow the club on Facebook or call into Connelly’s Toy Shop.
