Parks' 1st Newsletter 11th April 2025
'Parks' tennis enthusiasts, I'm back as promised! Here is my 1st ‘Parks’ Torbay Newsletter.
Importantly to start with, because of the renovation works currently being undergone at ‘Oldway Mansion’ and with now receiving an update from Torbay Council, we will have to stop all group coaching sessions at ‘Oldway Park’ from the 3rd of May 2025. (All coaching sessions will be held at ‘Abbey Park’ Torquay from the 3rd of May)
Unfortunately, due to car parking restrictions and no toilet facilities, we were left with no choice. We are considering though, even bearing in mind the difficulties referred, to run possibly one early evening adult coaching ‘Pay & Play’ session midweek at ‘Olday Park’. If anyone would be interested in this, I would welcome hearing people’s views.
Firstly, with a big bang I officially announce the Big Open 'Parks' tennis day & launch of this years 'Barclay's' big tennis weekend, at Abbey Park Torquay on Saturday the 3rd of May 10.00am-15.00. Wait for it, as I advised in my 1st message all tennis sessions on the day are free! All age groups are welcome! 'Parks' LTA licensed coaches & 'Barclay's' Activator volunteers will be on hand, to make your day both enjoyable and rewarding.
Starting the day will be the ‘Barclay's’ big tennis session, at 10.00am. Just come along and join in and you won't regret it! All ages are welcome. Just wear some comfortable clothes (think activewear) with a good pair of trainers and you’re good to go! Don’t worry if you don’t have a racket. We have you covered!
10.00am-11.00am
Juniors are going to be catered for fully on the day, with coaching group sessions. Gives children the opportunity to ‘have a go’, have some fun and enjoy some professional coaching.
RED BALL/ ORANGE BALL (5-9 yrs)
GREEN BALL/ YELLOW BALL (10-18 yrs)
11.00am-12.00 (midday) (DON'T FORGET SOFT DRINKS/SNACKS)
Adults group coaching sessions (beginner/novice/intermediate/advanced)
These coaching led sessions are run in a relaxed way, offering a host of different hitting drills. It’s fun, as well as learning new technical & tactical skills. Most people have their own tennis rackets, but again we have this covered and are able to loan an adult’s racket, if required.
12.00 (midday)-13.00
Cardio Tennis is a fun, sociable group fitness class with a tennis twist. This tennis workout is open to anyone. All ages & abilities. Great music, great cardio. You will love it!
13.00-14.00
Walking tennis. Love tennis, but looking for a gentler pace of play, come and try this relatively new adult’s session! It’s growing in popularity throughout the UK. Wait for it, I’m running this one!
13.00-14.00
Being a real passion for myself, as well as my fellow LTA coaches, we are running our first inclusive tennis session for children and adults with physical and learning disabilities & mental health conditions.
The power of sport and activity for people with specific needs, is so powerful & we’re totally passionate about ensuring everyone has an inclusive and enjoyable experience.
This session is open to anyone of any age and any ability. It’s a chance for people with physical or learning disabilities to take part in a series of fun games and activities, and friends and family can participate too! This session will be run by our expert coach Fran Gray (LTA licensed) and will be tailored to fit the specific needs of participants.
14.00-15.00
Social Tennis
This will be normal social tennis, but with a nice twist! One of our LTA licensed coaches will organise pairings & opponents (unless you already have your preferred partner or 4 players) and will also offer some coaching tips, when requested. This will be both fun & rewarding in meeting new players. If you come along alone and a playing partner is not available, you may get a coach to team up with!
14.00-15.00
I can announce that ‘Social tennis’ within the new format explained above, will be released officially at ‘Abbey Park’ Torquay on Thursday the 15th of May 18.00-20.00 and weekly thereafter. (balls will be supplied) at £10.00 per person. This will be available for booking online from the 18th of April. (Good Friday)
After social tennis, why not have a social drink at ‘Cantina’ Abbey Park, right next to court 5. It’s open throughout the summer period until 21.30 on Thursdays.
Whenever you are using the ‘Abbey Park’ tennis courts, afterwards why not relax and enjoy some lovely surroundings with a drink & even some food. They will be often having music sessions in the afternoons & evenings. Check all out on the Cantina website.
Future coaching sessions
There will be many revamped tennis sessions from last year and totally new coaching group sessions released throughout the year. Watch our ‘Parks’ site closely.
Myself & Tom are available for individual/group private lessons at both ‘Abbey Park’ & ‘Oldway Park’ and please contact either myself on 07754-727324 (used for What’s App) or Tom on 07704 672857 (used for What’s App) for information/booking.
Just a quick easy appraisal, for the Big Open 'Parks' tennis day & launch of this years 'Barclay's' big tennis weekend, at Abbey Park Torquay on Saturday the 3rd of May 10.00-15.00.
Schedule:
>> 'Barclay's' big tennis 10.00am-11.00am
>> Junior group coaching 11.00am-12.00 (midday)
>> Adults group coaching 12.00 (midday)-13.00
>> Cardio Tennis 13.00-14.00
>> Walking tennis 13.00-14.00
>> Physical and learning disabilities coaching 14.00-15.00
>> Social Tennis 14.00-15.00
See you all on court, Terry
Parks’ Development Officer & Head Tennis Coach (Abbey Park & Oldway Park)
‘ITF’ & ‘LTA’ licensed Tennis Coach
UK Mobile + 44 (0)7754 727324 (Main number & used for ‘WhatsApp’)