Lockdown easing big hit with Sidmouth Tennis Club members

Across the country, amateur sports' folk have been chomping at the bit to get back to their particular activity.
Since the announcement that Monday was to be the day that they could return to their pool, field, course or court of play, they have been refreshing their kits, dusting off their equipment and cancelling their subscriptions to online fitness classes.
The fervent desire to get back to their sport has been clear.
Nowhere has this been more obvious than at Sidmouth Tennis Club where, as the date was announced and court bookings for the online system went live, we saw an inundation of bookings for both court space and for the coaching offered by Head Coach Sue Wiltshire and her team.
It's no surprise then that this week, on a beautiful blue -skied Monday in March (when adult coaching usually takes place) we found the courts full of men and women just thrilled to be back; racket and ball in hand, enjoying the spectacular tennis weather.
Indeed, the tennis might have been a little rusty, the muscles a little creaky but the craic was certainly mighty.
Of course, even with the sea sparkling in the background, the ubiquitous strict Covid protocols of social distancing and sanitising still need to be observed but even these couldn't wipe the smiles from members' faces.
With league match fixtures for the Summer Leagues across Devon (Sidmouth fields 7 teams) keeping the Captains busy, there will be a seriousness to follow. However, for now, it was just sheer joy for those who were once again able to meet up with their team-mates and friends and play the game they love in a setting which is second to none.
If you are interested in joining the club, contact dianekt@btinternet.com or if you'd like to find out more about coaching: sue.wiltshire@talk21.com