Anyone for tennis? Or golf?
Friends’ joy at courts return
TENNIS friends were back out on court firing balls as they enjoyed rekindling their competitive spirits and seeing friendly faces.
With outdoor sports once again allowed under the easing of lockdown restrictions, people were eager to meet up with their friends for a long awaited game of tennis at Canoe Lake. People were so keen, in fact, that courts were booked up 10 days ago.
Foursome Deb Prytherch, Kate Wharton, Heidi Leaver and Justin Sayer were all back in action on a sunny day.
‘It’s just so nice to see so many happy faces and see our friends again,’ Heidi, 54, of Southsea, said. ‘We have been chatting on WhatsApp but it’s not the same. We’ve not seen each other for over three months.’
Deb, 66, of Southsea, said: ‘We’re all very excited. I can’t remember the last time we played. I’m sure we’ll all be creaking a bit.’
Kate, 42, of Southsea, said: ‘It’s the social side of it you miss. There’s nothing like it.’
Ambulance worker Justine, 48, added: ‘It’s been a challenging time for me so it’s really nice to see everyone and get back out on the court after all this time.’
Rob Fairall, 48, of Southsea, was also playing doubles with three friends. He said: ‘It’s good to be back and is long overdue. I didn’t really understand why we couldn’t carry on playing as tennis is outside and socially-distanced like golf.
‘It’s good to see everyone again. Playing tennis is good for your mental and physical health.’
Tim Peters, 66, was back playing with his son Tommy. ‘It’s been really nice to see lots of familiar faces and we’ve been very lucky with the lovely weather,’ he said.
‘It’s been good to hit some balls again with my son.’
■ TENNIS players ‘desperate’ to get back to the courts are enjoying the sport in glorious sunshine as The Avenue Lawn Tennis, Squash and Fitness Club on Southleigh Road , havant, welcomed back its members.
Binky Hallett has been chairman of the club for four years, and a member for 40.
She said: ‘It’s fantastic to be back, there’s so much preparation that everyone’s been putting in. Players have been desperate to get back.’
Last year the club marked 100 years at its current site, although the coronavirus pandemic prevented any celebration being held.
Ashley Neaves, head tennis coach at the club, said that he has been at the site since 9am yesterday and had seen lots of players excited to start playing again.
He said: ‘I’m buzzing, we’ve been so lucky with the weather.
‘It’s so lovely to see people smiling and happy.’
■ EXCITED golfers arrived at a Denmead golf course as soon as it reopened its doors to the publicBody
From 7am, the team at Furzeley Golf Course was welcoming sportspeople ready to tee off after a long wait to get back on the course.
Derek Brown, the club’s golf professional, said: ‘I’m elated that the club has opened, just over the moon.
‘The course has been fully booked from seven in the morning, and we expect a busy bank holiday.
‘We’ve been working hard to get the course ready.’
The club has been closed since January 4.
Robert Brown, Derek’s brother and the club’s director of golf, said: ‘It’s good to have the golfers back and have everyone playing.’
Both brothers have been at the club since it started in 1991.
Golfer Ray McCready was back on the green this morning, and was excited to play again after three years off from the sport due to medical issues. He said: ‘I could not wait to get out here - although everything hurts!’