The Grove Tennis Club has been encouraging parents to dust off their old tennis rackets and get back on court so they can play with their children.

Over the past 6 weeks, The Grove Tennis Club coach Marc Squire has been running a course to encourage parents back on court, so they can enjoy playing tennis through the summer with their children.

The initiative has had so much success that Marc is considering running another course. "It's been great to see so many adults being inspired by the fun the kids are having and getting back on court" he commented. "We call the refresher sessions 'Rusty Rackets', but the reality is that it's the adults that are a bit rusty- but we're getting them out in the fresh air, running around and having fun and that's what it's all about." The club hope that the momentum of the course, which has been paid for by a club initiative that raised money from a coaching day from former David Cup player Danny Sapsford, will encourage more members to join.

"The group has really bonded- none of us are going to get to Wimbledon, but Marc has made the sessions such fun that we are all inspired to keep playing (even if it's not terribly well)" commented one of the parents.

"We're a really friendly club, with a flourishing junior membership and spare court time" explains Grove Comms. Manager Andy Rice, "we'd love to see more Saffron Waldenites come down and enjoy our facilities- just drop in for a Saturday social hit (from 2pm to 5pm) for more information. Like the Rusty Rackets, you don't have to be in top shape, just have the will to get involved. Tennis has never been more inclusive and- with Marc nurturing a new group of club players with shiny new rackets- more social!"