Bunting, Pimms and glorious sunshine were all in evidence on Saturday 27 July, along with club members, visitors and representatives from Sussex Tennis at the opening of the brand new Henfield Tennis Club pavilion. Local award winning crime writer Peter James was given the golden key to unlock the door and was then joined by Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert to cut the ribbon.
Peter James spoke of his love of tennis and how he is a great advocate and keen player of the sport. He said playing kept him fit, mentally alert and he loves the social aspect of the game. In his latest book, ‘You Are Dead’, his main character Inspector Roy Grace moves to Henfield village. “Seeing this newly laid patio in front of the pavilion is giving me some ideas, Henfield Tennis Club could be an excellent crime scene for my next novel!”
Nick Herbert praised the work of the club members and committee in pushing forward with the plans. “The pavilion is a great credit to the Club and a legacy for the village. It’s important to provide facilities for sport in rural areas, to encourage good health and the social wellbeing of the village. Much of the success of the club is because of their forward thinking attitude towards opening the club for all – from young families and school children to the older generations. The coaching team has done tremendous work, and this linked with top class facilities means a bright future for tennis in the village. And who knows – perhaps the next British tennis star!”
WIth the installation of a new court three years ago, all that seemed to be missing was a comfortable pavilion. To get a £50,000 Sport England grant was the start of our work, alongside £20,000 from Section 106 planning money from Horsham, our visions were at last affordable. We’ve used local builders and kept our budget on track, we hope people enjoy the new facilities and bear with us while we put the finishing touches to the building and landscaping. A huge thank you to everyone who’s been involved at all levels, we are very proud of this beautiful building and know it will help tennis to grow in the village.”
Emma Osman
