BARNARD Castle Lawn Tennis Club members are counting down the days until they can get out on court again following the Government’s announcement last week easing Covid-19 restrictions.
The club have confirmed their newly-surfaced courts, situated in the grounds of The Bowes Museum, will be open from March 29 and members can’t wait.
Diana Peat, the club’s secretary, said: “It will be great to be back out on court this year. It looks really hopeful. We’re hoping to be able to play matches this year, something we weren’t able to do last year because of restrictions, but we will have to see how things progress.”
Access to the courts will be limited to club members who will be required to adhere to Covid-19 secure systems laid out.
Ms Peat added: “It will be for members only for the moment because we still have to have track and trace in place, but it is possible to join as a member and we have a variety of packages available.”
The club, which has about 80 members, introduced a range of membership packages including ones for first time members to encourage more people to get out and enjoy the sport.
A parent and child, under 11 years, membership, introduced two years ago, provides families with another alternative activity as well for the Easter holiday. The club have also introduced a holiday membership package for visitors to the area (when restrictions allow) costing £30 for a week.
Tennis coaching for all age groups will also be up and running with the club’s coach, Geoff Thomas.
She said: “We anticipate to have coaching sessions back in place with Geoff and will be following the Lawn Tennis Association guidelines for that.”
Club treasurer Pauline Connelly said: “We have all the systems in place from last year when we were able to open. Members will have to sanitise when they come into the courts and we have an online court booking system in place. I’m really looking forward to getting out on the lovely new courts. Everyone has said the new surface is not just lovely to look at, but wonderful to play on as well.”
Anyone interesting in learning more about club, or wish to sign up as a member can visit their social media group page at facebook.com/
BarnardCastleLawntennisclub.
