Sidford Tennis Club held an Open Morning on Sunday, April 14. The club was established in 1948 and has around 110 members, and welcomes new ones of all ages and levels of ability. The aim of the Open Morning was to share information about what the club has to offer, and to provide the opportunity for some informal tennis playing.

Daryl Bass, chairman of Sidford Tennis Club said: “People play tennis for a variety of reasons, including health, exercise and the social side. Tennis is one of the few sports where people can exercise energetically in later life, and we range from mini-tennis juniors to active members in their 80s.

"We have lots of social opportunities for adults of all ages to play, and are supported by a very talented coaching team. Junior coaching is available for children from age seven and upwards, and as they progress to teenagers.

"In addition to our regular social, competitive teams, coaching, Triples league and cardio tennis, we've also included two new programmes, Pickleball and Walking Tennis. Pickleball, which is gaining in popularity, requires less technique than tennis, so is easier for beginners to pick up. Walking Tennis is for those who are just starting out, to build their confidence and also people recovering from injury or who require more time to get to the ball for whatever reason.”

Heather Parrish, 86 from Sidmouth said: “I've been playing tennis since I was 10. It's a very satisfying sport, and I enjoy playing outside in the fresh air. This is a lively, happy club and I've always been made to feel welcome.”

Chris Davies from Sidbury said: “I've been going to Cardio Tennis, which is a group class, and am joining the beginners' tennis sessions on Saturdays. Tennis wasn't taught at my school, so I'm looking forward to developing my skills. Sidford Tennis Club has an excellent location and social vibe.”

Daryl Bass added: “We were delighted the Open Morning went so well. We had an enthusiastic response from visitors and potential new members and it was great to see them enjoying doubles and triples play before joining us for some light refreshments afterwards. Many thanks as always to those who helped out on the day.”

Anyone interested in joining Sidford Tennis Club should contact either nickfish16@hotmail.com or daryl.bass@hotmail.com, or message via their website https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/SidfordTennisClub