Pittenweem Tennis Club launches £30k centenary campaign

Pittenweem Tennis Club has launched a £30,000 fundraising drive to replace its “rotting and unsafe” clubhouse ahead of its centenary.

The 99-year-old club has no running water or toilet, no proper changing rooms and a leaking roof. In addition, the walls are damaged and there is mould growing on the inside.

Members want to demolish the building and convert a shipping container into state-of-theart facilities in time for next year’s anniversary.

Committee member Victoria White said: “We’re desperate not to close.

“£30,000 would let us carry out 80% of the work.”

The aim is to create a building suitable for use, not just by the tennis club and its 100-plus members but by the entire community.

“We intended to make 2020 our year of fundraising but obviously with Covid that all had to be stopped,” added Victoria.

“With another year of wear and t e a r, the clubhouse is no longer safe to use and we face having to close our doors if we cannot complete the upgrade to facilities as a matter of urgency.

“We got £4,500 from North East Fife Participatory Budget and commitment from another local fund for the same money.

“We also have an online crowdfunder which has another two weeks to go.”

The club rents the land from the nearby bowling club and has use of its toilets but Victoria said the situation was not ideal, particularly with Covid.

“We don’t have drinking water or any changing spaces,” she said. “Kids, when they’re getting older, are more conscious about getting changed.

“From a child protection and safeguarding point of view, we need a better changing area.”

T he building is also unsuitable for anyone with a physical impairment, something which will also change with the n ew facilities.

“The clubhouse is 35-years-old and is rotting,” Victoria said. “We’ve fixed it as best we can but it’s not safe. As a priority this year we have to take it down.”

Pittenweem Tennis Club plays in the North East Fife

Social League and was also home to an Easter camp for dozens of local children.

“The kids love playing tennis and from an engagement point of view we’re doing very well,” said Victoria.

“We have lots of kids coming, adults come and we have whole families but we don’ t have the basics.

“Our space can be used to attract new members but also, for the first time, give vital access to those with physical impairments.

“We want to ensure that the club can continue for another 100 years.”

GAME ON: Victoria White of Pittenweem Tennis Club which has launched a fundraising drive to help it survive beyond its centenary year.