Former British Ladies’ tennis number one Sam Smith cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the new Downswood lawn tennis clubhouse.

The ceremony and party on February 8 marked the culmination of a year’s hard work to erect the £217,000 building at the Tattenham Corner tennis club which had proved a challenge for the clubhouse committee.

The club found half of the money from its reserves and members gave interest-free loans as did the Lawn Tennis Association. The National Playing Fields Association also gave a loan and contractor Sita gave a grant to pay for the kitchen.

Peter Appleton, club president, said: "This is a momentous occasion and a milestone in the history of the club."

Anyone interested in joining the Downswood Lawn Tennis Club should contact Janet Dunbar, club secretary on 0208 3941389.

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