Tennis club bids farewell to inspiring coach as he prepares to travel globe

FUNDRAISER HELD TO RESTORE DAMAGED FRONTAGE AND FENCING

- By DONNA CLIFFORD

ST James Tennis Club on Hereford Avenue recently hosted a US Open-themed fun day. The day was held so that members could say a heartfelt goodbye to their beloved coach, Paul Scrivener, who is stepping down after 15 years of dedicated service to travel the world.

Alongside the celebration, they launched a fundraiser to restore the club's frontage and fencing which has suffered from ongoing antisocial behaviour and wear.

The club said it is working closely with Humberside Police and local schools to encourage more young people to play rather than vandalise, and believe the event marked a turning point in that effort.

Ria McKeon, committee member at the club said that many people don't realise what the tennis club really looks like. They said: "They think it's derelict land and don't realise how vibrant, beautiful and lovely it is."

They explained that the club is at the end of the season, but they do continue training all year round. The club's saying is 'if it's raining, it's still training' - showcasing the dedication of the club.

"We're reaching out to say there's people here who are wanting to play sport, we've got a great facility to do it, we are a community asset and tennis is for everyone.

"We have two lovely housing estates with Nunsthorpe and The Grange on our doorstep. We are surrounded by schools and we want everyone to know we are here and we have a great family feeling.

"We are needing help with funding for our damaged fencing and frontage. We have a facility where people feel secure but unfortunately we've had damage to our frontage, and broken fencing.