Playing and coaching for so many years in Scotland have made Judy Murray very resilient – you might even say waterproof. And that’s certainly what she needed to be when she dropped into Southfields Lawn Tennis Club this afternoon, lured – as she later tweeted – perhaps also by prospect of cake.

“When your reputation precedes you.......'if you open our new courts at Southfields TC, we will provide cake'. Sold.”

Judy Murray on Twitter

After so much hot and dry weather this summer, it turned out to be an even more dismal afternoon than even the most pessimistic forecasts had predicted. But, to the – over one hundred – club members and their families who came along today, the sun didn’t need to shine. It was an uplifting community event made all the more special by the presence of a true tennis great.

Judy took time out of her hectic schedule to help the Southfields Lawn Tennis Club to celebrate the official opening of two brand new tennis courts at the club. Built with the support of the LTA, the LED-floodlit courts replace two out-of-condition grass ones, opening up new playing capacity for members all year round.

Speed Coaching for the Club’s Juniors

With a huge number of the club’s junior members of all ages ready and waiting on the new bright blue courts, Judy arrived straight from the Saturday Kitchen TV studio and immediately got down to the task of leading three short coaching sessions to three different groups. She introduced drills to improve hand-ball coordination and racket skills, spending time with each child in turn. From the expressions on their faces as she worked, it was clear this was a tennis experience they will never forget. Particularly interesting was her attention to the watching parents: Judy carefully explained each of the drills to us, too. It was inspiring.

The coaching session over, everyone gathered under umbrellas on the upper-most court to hear SLTC’s chairwoman Caroline de la Soujeole say a few words of thanks first to Judy and the event organisers for making the day so special and then to the LTA and the committee members involved in driving the court conversion project itself to its successful conclusion.

Ceremonial Cutting of the Cake

Judy was then asked to cut the “tennis court” cake and to declare the courts officially open. This done, she then devoted several minutes to signing copies of her new book, “Knowing the Score”, autographing tennis balls and having her picture taken with nearly everyone, while chatting to the delighted children and their parents.

Tea – served in beautiful vintage cups and saucers supplied by Corking Collectibles – and cakes galore came next, with Rosey Nugent’s tennis court cake the ace centre-piece.

The party continued after we waved Judy off to her next engagement. As the club members slowly drifted home, many of people commented on the day and how much they valued being part of such a vibrant and social tennis club. One comment in particular stands out from one of the club’s life members, who said,

“In all the years I’ve been associated with the club, this is the most successful event we’ve ever had. Thank you.”