Enthusiasts looking to serve up new tennis courts at Patterdale have launched a fundraising appeal page as part of their bid to raise more than £50,000.
Located in the King George V Playing Fields by St Patrick’s Church, the tennis courts at Patterdale were established in 1939 thanks to a donation by local residents Elsa and Ridley Temperley.
However, in recent years the courts have fallen into disrepair and are no longer safe to play on.
Helen Reed, Bronwyn Kerr and Fra Cooke have been busy fundraising, writing grant applications and generally galvanising support locally for the project to bring these old courts back to life.
So far the team have applied for grants from district and county councils and to other local benefactors and corporations who have generously agreed to donate.
As of April, well over half of the total amount has been raised. But they still have a long way to go and have launched a gofundme page with a £25,000 target.
Helen said: “The courts are in a stunningly beautiful location overlooked by Arnison Crag and Helvellyn with views of Ullswater.
“If the events of the last 12 months have taught us anything it is that our physical and mental health and wellbeing is greatly improved through outdoor exercise and fresh air.
“Tennis is a fantastic way to get fit, socialise and even make new friends and the regeneration of the Patterdale Tennis Club is seen as an important part of the fabric of the Ullswater Valley community.
“The proposal is to fully resurface the two courts and to provide additional multi sport markings on one them to allow other sports to be played such as netball/basketball and five-a-side football.
“The fencing will be replaced and there will be an integrated Smart online booking system. Access will be via both annual membership or an hourly fee allowing locals to pay a one off annual charge and for visitors to pay as they play.
“The local primary school will also make use of the courts and they will be actively promoted through tourism in the valley.”
Donations will potentially enable work to start this spring and have the brand new courts up and running for the summer.
To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/patterdaletenniscourts
