Ottery St Mary Tennis Club is officially 60 years old this year. Formed in 1948, the club has been a long serving provider of high quality tennis in the locality.

Ottery St Mary Tennis Club is officially 60 years old this year. Formed in 1948, the club has been a long serving provider of high quality tennis in the locality. To celebrate this Diamond Jubilee, the committee are staging a Grand Diamond Jubilee Tournament on July 19, for any current or ex-members of the club, preceded by a tournament for the local under-15s in the morning. The committee are delighted to have obtained sponsorship for the event from Easterbrook Eaton Limited, Chartered Accountants in the town, and are able to offer trophies and prizes for the finalists. Entry forms can be obtained from the tournament secretary, Ray Puttick (01404) 813720. Places are limited and will be allocated on a strictly first come first entered basis. At the end of this season the club will have a major improvement with new courts offering a better playing surface than the current synthetic turf facility at the Colin Tooze Sports Centre. This surface, disliked by many players, is supposedly similar to a grass court surface with a low bounce and much stretching and movement required. The club meets regularly throughout the year, with summer club nights Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30pm onwards and Saturday afternoons from 2-5.30pm with a break for tea and cakes thrown in! New members are always welcome, the committee are keen to expand the number of teams playing in the league and are looking for players to encourage the development of the club. Chairman Gina Cox said: "2008 will be an exciting year for the club, with the diamond jubilee, the prospect of new courts and an expanding membership. The committee are keen to ensure that the quality of tennis at the club improves and there is greater participation from new local members and a development programme for the young players.