A SPORTS CLUB in Chipping Sodbury celebrated its 70th year last month. 

Sodbury Tennis Club based in the Ridings, Chipping Sodbury celebrated its 70th birthday in May. 

An inclusive weeklong event began by celebrating one of the long-standing members 70th birthdays and continued with members and tennis players joining in various events culminating in a Fun Tennis Day on Sunday, May 26. 

A wide range of activities throughout the day included walking and social tennis, parent/adult and junior matches plus the opportunity to test the speed of your serve.

(Image: Sodbury Tennis Club) Other activities included a Sodbury does Bake off, a hog roast, photobooth and a disco into the evening.

Much fun was had by all including the traditional dodge the rain shower game!

A program marking the event and club history has been produced to provide a lasting souvenir of the celebration.

All members were allocated a House team. Wimbledon green, Roland Garros, red, Australian Open, blue and US Open, yellow.

This added a colourful competitive edge throughout the week as members were encouraged to wear house colours and add the house competition element into their usual tennis activity.

(Image: Sodbury Tennis Club) The points tally was displayed throughout the week encouraging more active participation by house members, champions, and captains.

During the week Roland Garros held the lead closely followed by Australian Open and Wimbledon house with US Open trailing.

The final Sunday offered something for everyone the Bake Off earned significant points for the various houses with our own “Prue and Paul” managing to come to a decision after careful tasting of the excellent entries.

The final tennis themed relay competition event heralded an all to play for score, but the dominant Rolan Garros powered through to be crowned House Champions 2024.

All the club's membership sections, past and present and inclusive tennis groups stepped up and joined in the fun celebrations held by STC.

The club is run by volunteers.

Club chair, Kathy Ryan said:  "It was a great week of tennis events enjoyed by many members and followed a lot of hard work put in by the organising committee, all volunteers.

"It is a great honour to be the Chair of such a brilliant club."

For the second consecutive year, Sodbury Tennis club has won awards in the Avon Tennis round of the national LTA awards.

STC was awarded The Connecting Communities category for its outreach work in the schools and other organisations to encourage more people to play tennis in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Head Coach, Pete Caseley, won Development Coach of the year for his work in delivering a coaching programme that is creative and follows LTA coaching frameworks in a welcoming, inclusive and fun manner.

Abi Matthews won an unsung hero award.

She is a member of the coaching team and Ladies Club Captain.

She is a great role model and an inspiration for others.

LTA President, Sandi Proctor visited STC to personally congratulate the club on its achievements.