Earlier today, Saturday 13 July, Marlborough Tennis’ new Clubhouse was formally opened. A milestone in the development of the club. Two stories, overlooking the four floodlit of the six all-weather courts and with a spectacular vista over the Og Valley towards the Ogbournes and beyond from its new top floor balcony. A big step forward from the original converted portacabin that has acted as the club’s pavilion since the club moved in to its new Port Hill home in 2018.
Back then the creation of the six courts on the landscaped Port Hill site consumed just about all of the club’s £800,000 funding at the time. So much so that there was so little money left in the club’s coffers that a second hand converted portacabin was winched in as the club’s pavilion. Functional, yes; glamorous, no. Permanent, never.
The club has raised £275,000 which includes donations from members, from the local community, Marlborough Town Council, Wiltshire Council and £10,000 from the Landfill Communities Fund which is administered for The Hills Group Limited by Community First, the Rural Community Council for Wiltshire.
“We have been amazed by the generosity of our members and the support we have had from our Club Sponsors RBC Brewin Dolphin, from the Marlborough Area Board and from The Hills Group has exceeded our expectations”, said Chair Andrew Payne. “We now have a facility to be proud of and one that we can share with the wider Marlborough Community.”
The opening day festivities includes tournaments for junior members, an opportunity to dust down that old wooden racket in the loft in a “Vintage” event, along with an exhibition match featuring the title winning Wiltshire men’s team.
“The club is now at the start of the next chapter in its history”, commented Marlborough Tennis Chair, Andrew Payne. “We have a growing membership, six fantastic courts, and to top it all, our brand-new clubhouse which will serve as a legacy for future generations of Marlborough tennis players.”
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