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Tayside clubs are given a ‘great opportunity’
Delayed centenary celebrations are set to form the cornerstone of what promises to be a busy season at Rattray Tennis Club.
The nets went up at the east Perthshire club on Friday ahead of the courts opening again from Monday this week.
The two floodlit blaes courts are open seven days a week, with club nights held from 6.30-9.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
Sandi Macdougall has recently been appointed as the club’s Covid-19 officer and has updated and upgraded all the club rules and regulations in line with Scottish Government guidance, as well as those recommended by sporting bodies Tennis Scotland and the LTA.
One of the changes brought about in the wake of the coronavirus crisis means time on the courts needs to be booked in advance using the ClubSpark website so details can be obtained for ‘track and trace’ purposes.
Alex Bruce was re-elected as Rattray Tennis Club president at a recent AGM.
He is joined on the committee by fellow office-bearers, vicepresident David Anderson, treasurer Carole Turner, secretary Peter Cairns and Covid officer Sandi.
Alan Burt, Anne Gair, Millie Young and Cath Robertson were also named as committee members at the socially-distanced meeting.
Alex praised the volunteerled committee members for the hard work which has ensured the club is once again ready to welcome visitors.
Speaking late last week, he said: “The committee has worked very hard getting the club ready to be open three weeks ahead of their target while at the same time maintaining social distancing.
“The clubhouse has been painted inside and out, new floor vinyls have been laid, and the blaes courts have been prepared to a high standard so all members and visitors will enjoy their tennis.
“Last year the committee installed state-of-the-art floodlighting so members can play well into the evening.
“Because of the pandemic the committee had to postpone centenary celebrations last year.
“However, we are intending to hold delayed celebrations this year to mark this momentous achievement.
“The committee are planning to hold open days and tournaments.
“During the open days, we’ll be dressing up in tennis outfits from bygone years – with the old wooden racquets – and holding buffets.
“We’ll be inviting other clubs in the area, along with inviting former members, and be giving them a chance to turn back the clock.
“It will also give people a chance to meet three local tennis legends – Willie Turner, Allan Burt and Cath Robertson, who can still lead the younger players a merry dance.”
Reflecting on the club’s enduring popularity, Alex added: “The club is synonymous with being very warm and friendly.
“No matter what level you play at, you are always made very welcome at Rattray.”
An annual membership is £30 and it’s £50 for a family membership – which covers two adults and two juniors.
A junior membership is £10, with a student membership pegged at the same price.
For more information, search for Rattray Tennis Club on the ClubSpark website or see the club’s Facebook page.