Perran Tennis Grand Opening

Perran Tennis held a Grand Opening on Sunday, a celebration of the rejuvenation of the Club. With some 140 players, spectators and guests in attendance Peter Lampier (Club Chairman) gave concise description of the Club’s growth both in membership and enhanced facilities. Club Coach Steve Luck introduced various guests including Wendy Reading(Funding Manager Cornwall SITA Trust), Sue Eames, Heather Doble and Malcolm Peters from Tennis Cornwall, Anne Williams from Tennis South-West, Linda Higgins Chairman Perranzabuloe Parish Council,accompanied by Doreen Lawrence the Club’s council representative.Pat and Richard Shoebridge from Bolenna Court Hotel were also in attendance together with Sarah Newton.

Steve was presented with the County Endeavour Cup awarded annually to an individual who has made a difference to tennis in Cornwall. Sarah Newton following a traditional countdown untied the ribbon across the Clubhouse. This symbolically marked the refurbishment of the clubhouse, grass courts, hard courts and the addition of flood lighting.Four tournaments then ensued – adult mixed on the grass, boy’s primary, girl’s primary and mixed intermediates on the hard. Following three rounds of doubles lunch was served – a delicious bar-b-que by Kernow Sausage Company accompanied by salads followed by desserts produced by club treasurer Alison Luck. During the lunch break Team Perran (Perran Tennis teenage committee) ran a treasure hunt for 26 young children. A wonderful spectacle of youngsters racing around the grass courts for clues!

Play recommenced on all courts. The food hit another high as fourteen individually crafted cakes made by members were made available, notfor long, they all disappeared within minutes! The day’s events were drawn to a close with a final for the adults after which medals were presented by Peter Lampier. Chris Legg and Pippa Matta won the professional tie-break 10-7 defeating Jan Higgs and Dave Pell(President). The intermediate section was won by Yan Trenny with his brother Hugo coming runner-up. Medals were awarded to Sam Legg(winner) and Finlay Brodie (runner-up) in the boy’s primary group. The girl’s primary medals were won by Fleur Hinkley (winner) and Aysha Bennie (runner-up).

In summing up the chairman thanked those absent for their generous support Barry Cotter, Lynn Bonehill (funding manager Cory) and Steve Liddington of the Kitchen and Bathroom Studio. There was a special mention for Mike Payne the grounds man, who has refurbished the pavilion to a high standard. Steve Luck then thanked players, spectators for their support and in return received a generous round of applause. All went away contented in the knowledge they had been part of a memorable day.