Members of Cherry Burton Tennis Club are celebrating today (Sunday) following the opening of the Club’s newly refurbished courts.
An event to mark the official unveiling of the facilities was attended by committee members, parish councillors and club members who all enjoyed coaching sessions, a barbecue and a visit from Graham Stuart MP, who performed the opening.
Committee member Tony Baker has been in charge of fundraising for the resurfacing project and spearheaded a campaign that has raised over £17,000.
Other donations came from Biffaward (£5,000) and East Riding of Yorkshire Council who gave £1,500.
The total investment came to over £27,000.
Tony was delighted to be able to open the courts, which are free for parishioners to use.
He said: “This morning is the final chapter of many years of hard work to make the Cherry Burton Tennis Courts safe and bring them up to a high playing standard.
“We know already from visiting teams that that they are envious of the new courts and we now offer a consultancy on how to raise funds for village projects.
“It’s not difficult, it’s just hard work but the results are there for all to see and hopefully with good management they will last a number of years.”
Graham Stuart was also full of praise for the improved courts and the opportunities they now offer residents.
“This is a fantastic facility and it’s fantastic that £17K has been raised by the club and the community, as well as £5k from Biffaward and £1.5K from East Riding of Yorkshire Council,” said Mr Stuart.
“It’s brilliant that the Cherry Burton community don’t just have free use of the courts, which breaks down barriers and opens access to sport, but more than that you have a group of people in the Tennis Club who look after the courts and maintain them and make sure they are always available for people to play on.”