Cromer Tennis Club opens resurfaced courts

Two hosts of the Cromer Pier Show were special guests at the opening of the courts at Cromer Tennis and Squash Club - where a ribbon was cut before attendees had a quick hit around. 

Kelvin van Hasselt, club chairman, welcomed Phil Reid, compere of the current summer show, and Olly Day, who hosts the Christmas show, to the courts for the event. 

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From left, Phil Reid and Olly Day, hosts of the Cromer Pier Show, with the club's head coach Andy Margarson (Image: Paul Brittain)

He said the resurfacing meant the club would have top-quality facilities to play on all year round for decades to come. 

Mr van Hasselt said: “Basically it means that we’ve got first-class courts for the next 15-20 years. 

“It’s a foundation on which we can build up our membership. 

“All-weather courts are suitable for the winter when we don’t have our grass courts. 

“We’re now in a very good position for the future.”

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Two of the courts have been resurfaced with ‘Tiger Turf’ artificial grass, which is easier on the knees for older players, and the other two have a Tarmac surface.

One of the Tarmac courts also has markings for four new pickleball courts, designed by club vice-chairman Icarus Hines.

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The sport, described as a combination of badminton, ping-pong and tennis, was introduced to the club by Richard Millman in August 2021, and since then it has been run by Jean Spruce and Judy Oliver.

Mr van Hasselt said he was particularly happy to have the stars of the pier show at the opening, and described the current production as “the best show I’ve ever seen” in many years of going along.