(Photo: Carl Lawson )

Left to right: Margaret Bottomley, (Chair and coach) Peter Heyes, Kai Jordan-Gill, Millie Vickers, Nicole Britton, Jenny Walker, Marilyn Marshall (supporting)

Missing from the photo are Emily Broomfield, Emma Farrell, Jasmine Manning, Karen Johnson, and Katherine Fox.

Sponsored by Senior Tennis GB / LTA, The Rusty Rackets course was a great success for Park, attracting 9 new players onto the courts

Margaret Bottomley said, 'What an enthusiastic group of lovely people they are. Despite the age differences, they bonded really well and supported and encouraged each other. The players learned the basic techniques of forehand and backhand drives, serving, volleying, and how the scoring system worked. This culminated in doubles games where everyone enjoyed a great social experience with like-minded players. Watching the progression of our new players was very satisfying. I look forward to seeing them maintain their love for playing tennis.'

Feedback from our graduate Rusty Rackets included:

'I’m absolutely loving the rusty rackets course and can’t believe the improvement I’ve seen in all of us in just a few weeks - all thanks to the patience and great coaching from Margaret and support. The small, friendly group of mixed ages and abilities works really well and I think we all support and learn from one another.'

'I'm loving the course!'

'I have enjoyed the tennis and the company so much. A massive thank you to you both.'

'Thank you for having us. We thoroughly enjoyed it!'

'Gutted I missed the final session. Was lovely to meet everyone. Thank you Margaret and Marilyn for your time these last 8 weeks can’t believe how quick it went!'

As an incentive for completing the course, players enjoyed a free social membership entitling them to 6 free sessions on court.

Well done, everyone!