Despite the desperate times of COVID-19 during 2020 and continuing into 2021, Riverside Tennis Club has been able to provide safely controlled play coming out of lockdown and eventual easing of restrictions.

The club was “highly delighted” to be awarded LTA Wiltshire Club of the Year 2020, which recognised the work that had gone into the quick and appropriate response to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Also praised were the improvements to the club’s website, new club logo, branded club clothing range and the organised club play system complying with the national restrictions.

Further accolades from the LTA saw the club win the South West Region award for 2021 which meant being put forward for the National Award in June.

Salisbury Journal: Brothers Hari (r) and George (l) Chowdhury competing in the Boys 14yrs and under Singles. Elder brother Hari ran out the winner but it was a well contested game.Brothers Hari (r) and George (l) Chowdhury competing in the Boys 14yrs and under Singles. Elder brother Hari ran out the winner but it was a well contested game.

Although the club was not successful nationally the National LTA online panel gave the club a very good review.

To celebrate these awards and thank the members for their loyalty during the past eighteen months the club formulated a Festival Weekend on September 4 and 5.

This kicked off with a Fun Tournament, devised by Head coach, Karina Weedon and Ladies Captain, Liz White, for all ages with adults and juniors playing Mini tennis together and lots of other fun for over two hours.

John Glen, MP, called in to watch some of the action and later tweeted his congratulations to the club for achieving so much this season.

A complimentary lunch for over 100 people was provided by the club’s social committee before everyone made their way to the new courts seven and eight, where they had the choice of a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink to raise in celebration.

The first presentation was by the Rhind-Tutt family who gave the club a bench in memory of the late Jim Rhind-Tutt, who had been a past President of the club for more than 20 years.

Salisbury Journal: Chris and Andy Rhind-Tutt unveil the commemorative bench in memory of Jim Rhind-TuttChris and Andy Rhind-Tutt unveil the commemorative bench in memory of Jim Rhind-Tutt

Following this Carolyn Barry, the club co-ordinator and coach, received the LTA Wiltshire Club of the Year award from the LTA Wiltshire representative followed by Chris Hewitt, club chairman, who received the LTA South West Region Club of the Year award.

Finally, the new courts were officially opened by Keith Chapman, Club President, and Florence Demain-Griffiths, four years old, the youngest member, who together, cut the red ribbon across the two nets.

Salisbury Journal: Keith Chapman, President, and Florence (Flossie) Demain-Griffiths cut the ribbon to officially open the new courts.Keith Chapman, President, and Florence (Flossie) Demain-Griffiths cut the ribbon to officially open the new courts.

Steve Archer, who headed the Develop committee for the two new courts, formally made the first cut of a festival cake depicting the two courts in green icing made by club member, Pam Bath.

The annual club tournament got underway at 2pm and continued on the Sunday.

The club said: “The Festival Weekend was the greatest event in the club’s history and its success showed the dedication of the committee members and helpers and the community spirit of all the members and their families.”