VIDEO: Third time lucky for Wisbech Tennis Club as it is awarded £50,000 National Lottery grant

Wisbech Tennis Club. left: Sue Pitcher, club vice-chairman; Jane Page, Club Membership Secretary; MP Steve Barclay and Sue Beel, Club Chairman. (Image: Archant)

Wisbech Tennis Club has been awarded a £50,000 National Lottery grant, through its Inspired Facilities programme, to provide two floodlit all-weather courts with a clay surface.

Club chairman Sue Beel said: “We are delighted to have secured funding which means we will now have the resources to become an all-year round club.

“We are really looking forward to offering tennis to many more people from the local area.

“It is great that we will be able to offer tennis all year round and hopefully build our membership, encouraging people of all ages to come and enjoy this fun sport.”

The news was welcomed by MP Steve Barclay, who raised the issue of sports funding in rural areas in the House of Commons after the tennis club’s two previous funding bids failed.

He said: “This is proof that perseverance does pay off as this is a case of third time lucky for Wisbech Tennis Club, who came to me in desperation after their first two bids to Sports England were rejected.

“I was appalled by the case. The club was making do with grass courts and no lights, which meant play was curtailed for most of the winter months.

“This funding is great news and I hope the people of Wisbech and the surrounding area will take the opportunity to join the club in order to show Sport England the facilities are well used.

“I see this grant as a beginning, rather than an end as it will hopefully provide the basis for future sports bids.”

The club is holding a free taster session on Sunday, May 18 at 11.30am.

For more information contact Sue on 07549263767 or e-mail wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk to register.