AGM and Summer Social
The AGM takes place at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre on Thursday July 4th. This will be followed by a Summer Social network lunch and (depending on interest) a coaching session on the LTA’s new Padel courts. Arrival and coffee is at 10.30 with the AGM starting at 11.00. All paid-up TIA members will receive AGM papers in week beginning 3rd June
West Worthing Club becomes latest member
West Worthing Club is a successful, welcoming Community Amateur Sports Club offering a wide range of activities so that people can play their chosen sport at all levels, maintain their physical fitness and socialise. The Club prides itself in being a centre of excellence for tennis and squash whilst providing a top-quality environment that is affordable and attractive to everyone, regardless of age or background.
The Club’s origins date from 1886, when it was based at Downview Road, just south of the main railway line through Worthing. In its early years, it had five courts, which were used for tennis and croquet and a bowling green was later added. The clubhouse consisted of a pavilion, billiard room, reading room and dressing rooms. The Club moved to its present location at Titnore Lane in 1974.
The club’s facilities have improved through a rolling programme of investment over many years and the site now boasts 7 floodlit all weather courts, 3 indoor courts and 9 grass courts / 2 covered floodlit padel courts / 6 squash courts including a glass back court with viewing for up to 100 spectators / 2 croquet lawns all year round / 20 petanque terrains, together with facilities for table tennis and snooker, meeting rooms and an excellent bar lounge and function room.
The West Worthing Club, Titnore Way, Worthing, BN13 3RT
Tel: 01903 247270
email: info@wwc.org.uk
www.wwc.org.uk
Extra public space provided in Wimbledon development plans
The All England Lawn Tennis Club has announced plans to create a new four acre public parkland as part of its proposals to transform the former Wimbledon Park Golf Course. This enhancement to the proposals comes following consultation with the Greater London Authority and an extensive public consultation period, which has seen more than 7,000 people attend one of the Club’s events since the planning applications were submitted in July 2021.
The proposed new parkland will be located at the northern entrance to the site and would be adjacent to the entrance to the existing Wimbledon Park, owned and operated by Merton Council. This northern parkland will complement the 23-acre parkland already proposed in the southern part of the site, bordering Home Park Road. This will mean that, subject to planning permission being granted, there will be more than 27-acres of the former private members’ golf course open to the public to use as part of the successful delivery of the AELTC Wimbledon Park Project.
The proposed northern parkland will be accessible year-round, outside of the Qualifying Competition and The Championships. The intention is that this new parkland will greatly enhance the experience of visitors entering Wimbledon Park from Wimbledon Park Road. The northern parkland will include new seating set within grasslands, areas of wildflower meadow, tree and woodland planting, and a tranquil pond. There will also be the opportunity to host small events – such as farmers markets and exhibition stall-type activities as well as leisure activities such as yoga and fitness classes. During the Qualifying Competition and The Championships, the northern parkland will be the gateway into the event for visitors approaching from Southfields.
The All England Club also proposes to enhance some of the community facilities in the much-loved public Wimbledon Park. Subject to planning permission being granted, the development will unlock a state-of-the-art children’s playground, new public toilet facilities, extensive new planting and an upgrade to the Watersports and Outdoor Centre, as well as new pathway links to both the northern and southern parklands.
Deborah Jevans CBE, Chair of the All England Club, said, “I am delighted that, following the many thousands of conversations we have had with local people about our plans, and working with the Greater London Authority, we are now able to propose even more green space for Londoners to enjoy, on land that has been inaccessible to the public for more than 100 years.”
Plans to bring the Qualifying Competition to SW19, and to create significant year-round community benefits, currently sit with the Mayor of London’s office. The Greater London Authority will open a consultation on these enhancements to the scheme’s design, and this consultation will be open for 30 days. In the meantime, the Greater London Authority will continue its detailed examination of the proposals.
Further information about the AELTC Wimbledon Park Project can be found at wimbledon.com/wpp.
LTA Pledgeball League is back for 2024
The LTA’s partnership with Pledgeball, the research-backed charity dedicated to rallying the sports community to tackle climate change, has returned for 2024. In 2023, thousands of pro-environmental pledges were made by people at tennis venues across Britain to make small changes in their lives – taking shorter showers, using reusable water bottles, and taking public transport to name a few – to collectively make a big difference to tennis’ impact on the environment.
This year, the LTA is aiming for even more tennis players at registered venues to submit pledges on behalf of their venue via the Pledgeball website. Four rounds will run from June to September, giving venues more opportunities to pledge and make a difference.
Venues that come out on top in any of the league’s four rounds will receive a £500 LTA grant to be used for an on-site sustainability project. This could be to support installing court-side water fountains, a bike rack or energy efficient lighting – anything that helps make the venue greener! Also, everyone who makes a pledge will be entered into the draw to win a pair of tickets to the WTA 500 event held at The Queen’s Club in 2025.
The ongoing partnership with Pledgeball is just one way the LTA is delivering its Environmental Sustainability Plan, supporting the tennis community across Britain to have a positive impact, as well as transforming the governing body’s own operations and events to be more environmentally friendly.
Tennis is increasingly impacted by environmental change around the world, particularly as a result of extreme weather events and increasing temperatures. Whether it be the impact of more extreme temperatures on Britain’s major events, or rising sea levels and severe weather meaning a higher proportion of tennis venues are at risk of regular flooding, it’s critical that we all play our part.
The LTA wants to work with everyone involved in tennis in Britain to safeguard the sport, the places it’s played, and the communities it serves for the future. LTA Participation Director and Executive Lead on Sustainability, Olly Scadgell said: “We’re thrilled to be teaming up once again with Pledgeball to help tennis venues and players across Britain make a difference, and protect where our sport is played.
“Helping our sport become more sustainable continues to be one of the LTA’s key goals. Our venue support toolkit continues to provide practical advice and solution for venues on waste and energy usage reduction, while at our summer events, we’ve teamed up with BRITA to significantly reduce the presence of single use plastic bottles.
“The climate crisis and changes to the environment are already impacting tennis at all levels, and it’s up to all of us to secure tennis for future generations.”
Katie Cross, Pledgeball CEO said: “Last summer we had the delight of working with the LTA and some of the incredible venues that are driving environmental sustainability to the top of the agenda. The appetite for ambitious change and the work that is already happening at the venues is incredible. “We are absolutely delighted to continue this partnership into Year 2 and are very excited to see what we can drive together as more venues join the charge.”
Corrie’s Clearplay Practice Wall proving a hit!
TIA Partner Member JB Corrie, has further developed its rebound wall system that can be installed retrospectively within existing tennis courts or as part of new court installation. Imprinted on the back of the Clearplay glass are net markings and the system can include personalised printing such as the one shown below located at Shadwell Tennis Club near Leeds.
There is a variety of glass finishes available and JB Corrie offers an inclusive printing service, allowing club crests, sponsor logos or any bespoke elements to be printed on to the Clearplay glass.
For further information call JB Corrie on 01730 237100