New court gives village sports a boost

TENNIS players in Holt can now look forward to playing all year round after the village sports committee successfully upgraded the main court.

Holt Sports and Recreation Committee has, after years of fundraising, had the village’s main tennis court resurfaced and held a grand reopening ceremony last week.

Chairman of the committee Andy Slade said, “We’re absolutely delighted – the new court looks great and we can’t wait to start using it. Both tennis courts are in use a lot of the time now, and we’re hoping this improvement will attract even more users.

“The court was surfaced in 2000 using a material that   turned out not to be suitable for wet conditions and rainwater would pool on the court. We had to raise the best part of £18,000 to resurface the court, but we’re thrilled with the result.”

The court, at Holt Recreation Ground, is used by tennis players in the village as well as groups such as Holt Netball Club and Staverton’s youth football club.

Another member of the recreation committee, Gill Andrews said, “The court is now finished and looks fantastic. We couldn’t have done it without the last couple of years of local fundraising with the help of Bradford on Avon Area Board, local businesses, a donation from St. Katharine’s Church’s Auction of Promises, and generous private donations.”

The reopening event also honoured local woman Meg Slade, who is retiring from the sports and recreation committee.

Gill continued, “Meg  has worked extremely hard, with the committee, over the past 19 years and has been the driving force to set up, manage and maintain both of the courts which now provide excellent sporting facilities to residents and visitors.”