JGTC held a members’ meeting, on Wednesday 1 May, at the Hub@451 Lanark Road to outline the club’s plans to redevelop its playing facilities. All members present gave full support to the current core strategy to deliver all-weather courts to boost membership numbers and dramatically increase playing times on the court.

The presentation focussed on the next key milestone which is, of course, to secure the necessary substantial funding. An update was provided on all the various applications made to date – for example, to the Sport Scotland “Sports Facilities Fund” – and those in the pipeline — to various landfill companies. The Club had also recently decided to direct an earlier £10,000 legacy from a local benefactor towards the total costs of the project, forming the first building block of the overall funding target of approx £100,000 to rebuild the two courts and replace the existing fencing. Finally, the club outlined the background to its decision to register with HMRC as a Community Amateur Sports Club, and thereby benefit from gift aid on individual donations. Once this is in place, the club can then engage the local community and local businesses in a number of fundraising initiatives.

We look forward to raising awareness around our efforts to future-proof one of the few sporting assets in the village and welcome local support in doing so.

Paul Murphy, Chair Juniper Green Tennis Club (C&B News June 2024)