As part of the Centenary Celebrations the Avenue Tennis Club Committee organised a St Patrick’s Night Celebration.  The night was a complete success with everyone enjoying the Irish refreshments on sale, the dancing and the Irish Stew.   Bar Manager, Lenny Cameron wanted to thank the ladies who took the time and effort to organise the stew – his wife Julie Cameron, Poo Jenkins, Jane Sanders and Ladies Captain Lynn O’Dell with Sally Christison organising the decorations.  Dave (Scooby) Vennall did his bit for the club by doing the bar all night which was greatly appreciated.

One of the party goers Theresa Plant, a Salsa Dancing teacher, organised a small Irish Jig performed by some of the Avenue Tennis Clubs Juniors which was well received by all.  This was followed by a small session from Georgia Tonkin, who does Irish dancing at the local dancing club.  Head coach, Vinny Duddy said that he was thoroughly impressed with the dancing and was very surprised to see that it was mainly the boys who took up the challenge.

The night was organised to raise some funds for the main Centenary Ball on 19^th September with Jack Tonkin, Georgia Cameron and Maddie Christison running the nearest the bottle competition and raffle.  We regularly host events ranging from birthday parties to wedding receptions at The Avenue. Our spacious modern function hall, bar and kitchen are available for hire to parties of up to 100 guests.  We are also able to help put you in contact with local caterers and disco firms if needed and we can supply bar staff for your event.  Please contact Caroline Heyes 01278 780035 to discuss your requirements.

The next Centenary event is a trip to the LTA’s new headquarters at Roehampton where there will be a guided tour of the facilities, a presentation and the opportunity to play on their courts.  Anyone wishing to go should put their name on the list in the club house foyer; expected cost for the day should be around £10 per person.

The Avenue Tennis Club will be running another Junior Tennis Camp during the Easter school holidays following the success of the last one held in February.  The camp will run on both weeks of the holiday (Mon – Thur & Tue – Fri).  Bookings for both weeks, 1 week or on a daily basis can be done through the office on 01278 782758.

The Avenue Tennis Club is a friendly, family oriented organisation whose members enjoy excellent facilities with 8 floodlit courts and a large clubhouse including bar facilities.  Friday nights is family night where members and non members are encouraged to come down to either the adult coaching or club doubles match play.  Junior members enjoy free organised fun tennis sessions for up to school year 3 from 6:30pm till 7:30pm, school year 4 and upwards from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.  School year 7+ members have organised match-play from 8:00pm.  If you want any details about membership or other coaching courses which run throughout the week then please contact Head Coach, Vinny Duddy on 01278 782758 – www.avenuetennis.co.uk.