WITH golf clubs across the Island taking full advantage of Boris Johnson’s relaxing of lockdown rules, tennis has followed suit, allowing hundreds more to start playing the game they love again.

Ventnor Tennis Club led the way by reopening its courts to members on May 13, in line with the vast majority of Island golf clubs, with Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club allowing play from Monday last week.

Isle of Wight County Press: Play returned to Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for both sports on May 16.Play returned to Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for both sports on May 16.

Tennis at Ryde got underway on its new £80,000 artificial surface courts, while two croquet lawns were occupied with play. 

Club chairman, Richard Hutchins, said: "Having completed all appropriate policies, Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club were delighted to open their playing facilities to members.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ryde Lawn tennis and Croquet Club chairman, Richard Hutchins, cleaning the main gate in readiness for the first post-lockdown.play at the club.Ryde Lawn tennis and Croquet Club chairman, Richard Hutchins, cleaning the main gate in readiness for the first post-lockdown.play at the club.

"The Playstreet Lane club had laid three new artificial grass courts only last year.

"The day before lockdown, the resurfacing project continued with three further new artificial grass courts.

"Following extensive maintenance, the club was also able to open their four national standard croquet lawns and two further grass tennis courts.

Isle of Wight County Press: Dr Mark Rogers, at Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, preparing to play his first match since lockdown rules were relaxed to allow limited sporting activity.Dr Mark Rogers, at Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, preparing to play his first match since lockdown rules were relaxed to allow limited sporting activity.

"With tennis and croquet being two of the very few sports opening its doors at this time, the club would welcome any new members considering returning to the sports, or taking up a new challenge.

"Although national and local leagues in both sports are on hold, members have at least started their journey to recommence competitions when the governing bodies are ready to them give the green light."

Club senior, David Fothergill, added that members were all delighted to be back out playing again.
“People are gradually coming back and we expect the courts to fill again," he said.

Isle of Wight County Press: Harry Oldham blows away the cobwebs with a game of croquet at Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club last week. Harry Oldham blows away the cobwebs with a game of croquet at Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club last week.

“We expect to see about 50 players and a further 16 playing croquet shortly.”

Ventnor Tennis Club’s chairman, Joe Cole, was upbeat about how things were developing.

“Core bookings have been decent and membership is up. It’s been good to see quite a few families playing, but we are bit down on our older players at the moment,” said Joe.

Isle of Wight County Press: At Ventnor Tennis Club on May 13, Hugh Idle and Elliott Jones were among the first to take advantage of Boris Johnson's decision to allow some outdoor sports to start up again.At Ventnor Tennis Club on May 13, Hugh Idle and Elliott Jones were among the first to take advantage of Boris Johnson's decision to allow some outdoor sports to start up again.

Ryde Mead Lawn Tennis Club started up again on May 13, as has Tennis in the Park, Cowes, which runs it for the community.