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