The likes of Andy Murray have been playing on a clay court in Rome recently, whereas members and guests of Sidmouth Tennis Club had the opportunity of playing on grass last weekend.

The likes of Andy Murray have been playing on a clay court in Rome recently, whereas members and guests of Sidmouth Tennis Club had the opportunity of playing on grass last weekend.The surface had been well prepared by groundsman Colin Whitehall and those players present, who had held membership for a number of years, could not remember the last time that the court was both in such good condition and ready to play on so early in May. Playing on grass is easy on the feet and puts an emphasis on the serve and volley game, or at least that is the theory! There was a very healthy turnout for this regular Saturday afternoon mixed club session which resulted in not only the grass court being in constant use, but also the three recently resurfaced all weather hard courts. On the adjoining cricket ground, the Sidmouth 2nd XI batsmen were keeping the scoreboard ticking over at a rapid rate of knots in the local derby with Budleigh Salterton, croquet players in keen competition and with yachts tacking their way across Lyme Bay, the picture would do justice to any picture postcard.From those actively engaged in sport, or just spectators, sat in and around the clubhouse in Fortfield Terrace, it came as no surprise to hear such comments as 'surely this is what life is all about?'.The recent increase in membership of the tennis club, both adult and junior, has seen the courts in greater use, but there is still an abundance of playing time, both in the daytime and evenings, so new members will be very much welcomed, irrespective of age or ability.Those readers interested in joining this friendly club are encouraged to pick up a brochure from the clubhouse or, better still, go along to one of the mixed sessions that are currently held on a Thursday evening from 6pm or on a Saturday from 1.45pm.