YELVERTON  Tennis Club recently celebrated the opening of their new floodlighting.

Members gathered to play a rain-interrupted American tournament and were joined by a number of guests including Cllr Margaret Garton, Mr and Mrs David Williams from the Plymouth and District League, four past chairmen and current and  past members to witness the first public use of the lights.   

Mary Downey, chairman, reminded those present that it was five years ago that planning permission was granted after a lot of hard work, time and effort on the club's behalf by John Marshall.

She went on to describe how, over the last two years, the club has made a concerted effort to gather the necessary funds for the project.  A sub-committee was formed and various fund-raising events planned.  These included a grand draw organised by Jenny Kay, various quiz evenings and get-togethers, and during 2008 YTC's first car boot sale and golf day.  

Mary praised the team spirit and camaraderie at the club and thanked everybody who had helped.  She made a special mention of her fellow members on the sub-committe, Bill Tynan, Roger Short and Jenny Kay.  Roger and Bill's help in organisation of the works was invaluable  and Jenny's enthusiasm and commitment to the cause had been fantiastic.  

During 2008 the tennis club were delighted with the allocation of an £8,000 grant by Awards for All.  This had helped to bring the project speedily to fruition.  

First class work by both TT Electrical Services and Tom Brittain on the installation side and the suppliers Western Electrical helped everything to run smoothly.

Phil Gasche, the men's captain, made a presentation to both John Marshall and Mary Downey. He thanked John for getting the project up-and-running and Mary for seeing it through to completion.

Yelverton Tennis Club is now looking forward to playing throught the winter and giving thought to its next goal of a ball machine.

Although as a club they field a number of teams, they are also renowned as a friendly and social club and are always pleased to welcome members of all standards, including juniors.

Contact Mags Berry on (01822) 855583 if you would like information on how to join.