Wooler club welcomes reopening of tennis courts as first step towards celebrating centenary

None more so, perhaps, than Wooler Tennis Club which is celebrating its centenary this year.

Club chairman Jo Gidlow said: “We're really looking forward to the courts opening on March 29. It will be great to get back to playing tennis and hope that plenty of people will get their rackets out to come and have a hit.”

The club was formed when a group of local businessmen and tennis enthusiasts bought some land from the Tankerville Estate.

From the start, the club had a healthy membership and held regular club nights, tournaments and social activities.

After the courts fell into disrepair; in the 1970s, a determined group of young people, lead by Noel Hodgson and Bill Ferguson, did a brilliant job in refurbishing the courts and reviving the club.

Wooler Tennis Club is still going strong, with a clubhouse and newly laid courts, social events, club nights and coaching.

Although covid restrictions have meant that any big gatherings / parties will be pushed into 2022, the club plans to mark the centenary in some way this year.

Russell, who joined the club two years ago, said: “Having moved from the south a couple of years ago, I was in need of finding a local tennis club. Fortunately, I met someone who suggested that I go along to the club in Wooler because there are always some members playing in the afternoons during the summer.

"I met many of the club’s stalwarts who made me feel very welcome. Soon I was a regular attender making up doubles teams and enjoying playing tennis.

"After all the restrictions caused by covid, we are now planning for reopening of the facilities and members are looking forward getting back into the swing of things.”

New members, especially juniors, would be welcomed. Details are on the website https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/WoolerTennisClub

Coaching starts on March 30: Junior Coaching : 9.15am-10am: 6yrs-8yrs, £2; 10am-12noon: 9yrs+, £5; Adults: 12noon-1pm : Adults share lesson cost. To book contact Phil on 07711479026 or Linda on 01668 282132.

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