18 Avenue Tennis Club junior and senior members got up early on Saturday morning 25th April to visit the newly opened British Lawn Tennis Association Headquarters in Roehampton. The visit was arranged as part of the Avenue’s Centenary Year celebrations and included lunch, a presentation from the LTA president, guided tour of probably the best overall tennis facilities in the country, a chance to play on the Roehampton courts and a possibility to seeing someone famous.

The visitors achieved all their expectations when Pat Hunter introduced herself and other Avenue members to Jamie Murray (brother of World No 3 Andrew Murray) who was at Roehampton for some last minute training before jetting off to Tunisia to compete in a doubles competition.

Pat said Jamie was very polite and took the time to talk to us despite being a little late for his practice session on the outside clay courts. After a few snaps of his training session the group went off to play on the Roehampton indoor courts which were very good but very hot.

The next Junior Tennis Camp at the Avenue Tennis Club will be run during the May school holidays (25th – 29th May), bookings for 1 week or on a daily basis can be done through the office on 01278 782758 but please book early to avoid disappointment.

The next Centenary Event will be run on 30th May, which is FA Cup Final Day, when an Adult and Junior Tennis Tournament will be run prior to watching the big match at the Tennis Club.

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