Nigel Evans has congratulated Read and Simonstone Tennis Club after they received £10,000 National Lottery ‘Awards for all’ grant. Community clubs can apply for grants of between £300 to £10,000 for projects that support people and communities.
Built in the 1970’s, Read and Simonstone Tennis club has been situated off Carleton Avenue for almost 100 years and is a bastion of the local community but its wooden clubhouse is now in dire need of restoration. The club has recently undergone a change of management, and with Christine Conner as the Chair of the Committee, a decision has been taken to open up the facilities to other local organisations who will be able to use the clubhouse.
Speaking about the National Lottery grant, Ms Conner said:
“As a Committee we are passionate about sport and encouraging people to participate in it. We feel that we have the basic structure but need funding to make the club somewhere where people can come and enjoy the facilities and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it.”
The Committee have successfully received £10,000 from National Lottery and an additional £5,000 from Ribble Valley Borough Council, they are awaiting the result of further applications from the Lancashire Environmental Fund and Tesco. It is intended that the funds will upgrade the clubhouse facilities, including providing electricity and gas to the clubhouse, which has so far been without.
Nigel Evans said:
“It is fantastic news that Read and Simonstone Tennis Club has been awarded the maximum grant from the National Lottery ‘Awards for all’ pot. The club has been serving the community for many generations but is in a dire state of disrepair, the grants they have received will help to secure the club’s future. It is testament to Christine and the Committee that their efforts have proved so fruitful and I wish the club every success.”