Burnham-On-Sea’s Avenue Tennis Club kicks off a year of centenary celebrations this week with a Valentines Day Buffet and Bar evening.
The event on Saturday February 14th, starting at 7.30pm, will include refreshments for both members and non-members and tickets cost £7.50 per head.
A free day of tennis coaching is also being held on Monday 16th February for youngsters aged six and over from 9am to 3pm.
This will also be the first day of a week-long Junior School Holiday Tennis Camp being organised by the club’s head coach, Vinny Duddy (pictured). Details of costs and bookings are available on 01278 782758.
During March, Vinny and Trainee Coach Craig Phillips will also be visiting junior schools in the local area to provide tennis taster sessions. Local schools already signed up include East Brent, Brent Knoll, Berrow and East Huntspill.
The Avenue Tennis Club was formed at the Royal Clarence Hotel in Burnham on February 27th 1909, and play started on May 1st that year. Initially the name of the Avenue Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club was agreed and two grass courts and a croquet lawn were laid where Courts 1 (the club house), 2, 3 and 4 are now. May 1911 saw the name changed to the Avenue Lawn Tennis Club, with the Croquet section leaving the Avenue in 1912 and the club affiliating to the LTA in 1913.
“If anyone has any photographs – new or old – of the club or its events, the club is interested in seeing them for a display that is being put together during the Centenary year,” added Mr Duddy. Photographs can be delivered to the club to Mr Duddy.
.CENTENARY EVENTS AT BURNHAM’S AVENUE TENNIS CLUB
February 14th
The first centenary event held will be a buffet and drinks event for both members and non members, the cost of which will be £7.50 per head and start at around 7:30pm.
February 16th
A free day’s coaching to all juniors attending the Avenue’s Tennis Camp during the school holidays (16th Feb – 20th Feb – see sheet below)
March 15th
Sunday Social Tennis Tournament from 12:00 till the England – France Six Nations Match starts at 15:00 hrs.
March 21st
A St Patrick’s Night Party Celebration will be the second event of year take place. A disco and a hot Guinness Stew will be offered at a price of £10 per head, again starting at around 7:30pm.
May 30th
Large Screen hosting of FA Cup Final in afternoon with Junior and Senior Tennis Competition to be held in morning
July 5th
Large Screen hosting of Men’s final from Wimbledon, preceded by Tennis Open Day with free coaching and games for all. Racket demonstrators will be on site.
September 19th
Centenary Tennis Open Day – details to follow
September 20th
Junior and Adult Social Tournament
September 26th
Centenary Ball – A black tie event with live music, DJ and food
