WIVELISCOMBE Tennis Club has thrown open its gates to new players after completing a major renovation of its facilities, from complete replacement and repainting the courts to redesigning the clubhouse.

The club, nestled into the corner of Wivey Recreation Ground, is extending an invitation to all budding players for its annual open day on Sunday, June 4, with a whole series of activities, on and off the courts, planned throughout the year.

The renovation project, begun last autumn and costing the club more than £60,000, was completed at the end of April with a paint job on the three newly-rebuilt courts which reversed the old colours to improve play.

Now, the playing surface is dark green, which makes the ball easier to see against the white lines, with a lighter green around the edges.

Keeping to green was felt to fit in well with the predominant colour of the surrounding 'Rec' and the fields beyond. The wooden clubhouse, built many years ago from an old telephone exchange, has been painted inside and out, with a bright new interior featuring better facilities and more space.

Club chairman Maggie Andrews, who steered the project after taking up her position last year, said: "We now have a completely new look to both courts and clubhouse, not only for existing members to enjoy but also to welcome newcomers from Wivey and its surrounding area."

Senior coach Andy Disney said the many juniors enjoying his training sessions would now have facilities to be proud of, as would the adult players who join his cardio tennis and weekly adult improver groups.

Twice-weekly club sessions, league matches, friendlies and club tournaments will also benefit from the new look.

A new Pay & Play means anyone can book a court and play, without being a member.

Noel Binding, the club's new treasurer, said the cost of the project meant the club was looking to expanding its membership, partly to take on new ventures such as an extension of the floodlighting system, but also to encourage everyone in the community to enjoy sport.

For the moment, Wivey Tennis is basking in the glow of its new courts and its smartly made-over clubhouse.

The club, founded in 1926, is open all year and welcomes players of all skills - or none.

For more information, go to www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/WiveliscombeTennisClub or contact club secretary Jeremy Toye at jemtoye@gmail.com or 07801 824755.