Chairman of Sidmouth Tennis Club on how a 'quintessential summer sport' is being enjoyed safely

By Hannah Corfield

27th May 2020 | Local News

The tennis courts in Sidmouth are said to be 'doing well' since reopening three hard courts following a government announcement giving the go-ahead two weeks ago.

Chairman of the the Sidmouth Tennis Club, Martin Dawes told Sidmouth Nub News: "We are really pleased with how it's all going, given the circumstances.

"While we are slightly down on memberships, about 80% of what it might be, we are doing well and lots of people are happy to be able to play.

"It's a bit difficult due to the fact that we are only allowing singles games, due to social distancing, which is a lot more energetic.

"Many of our members are older and can find it quite strenuous, however people have been enjoying a knock-about.

"We have been extremely cautious about how we keep people safe and have introduced numerous measures; such as removing the handles from net posts, issuing people with their own balls to reuse, encouraging regular hand washing and staggering bookings.

"Everything we do follows strict government guidance and people are adapting well to the new rules.

"Being one of the only sports allowed to operate under current restrictions, it's great that a quintessential summer pastime - playing tennis - can continue."

More information can be found on the Sidmouth Tennis Club website here.