New tennis complex

Press, 14 September 1976, Page 38

New tennis complex

The Fendalton Tennis Club will soon become the first club in the South Island to use synthetic surfaces on its courts, after deciding on a French product, Nova. The decision was made on Friday night, according to the club’s president, Mrs M. E. Murray, after much thought and help from other clubs, particularly Elmwood. The synthetic product is based on resin and should provide a surface similar to grass courts. The club has a five year guarantee from the manufacturers.

A new tennis complex, expected to cost well in excess of $lOO,OOO, should be completed by the end of November, the culmination of four years effort and planning. The club has sold its Memorial Avenue property, which comprised a run-down pavilion and, six courts because to repair even three courts would push it into debt. It is leasing a site on Bumside Park — after two years of negotiating and searching — and building on it a new pavilion and eight courts. “We have to transfer with

as little disruption to tennis as possible, and it has become something of a community venture, with the cooperation of the Waimairi County Council,” said Mrs Murray. She said the club had surmounted difficulties that people had called “impossible” when she first, introduced the idea four years ago, but now everyone was pleased with the way the project was progressing.

The pavilion will be octagonal, presenting a clear view of every court. On the ground floor will be changing, shower and toilet facilities and a secretary’s office, with a kitchen, lounge and committee room on the first floor. Three of the courts will have night lighting. At present the club has more than 400 members, of whom more than 200 are juniors, but the new facilities are expected to attract further tennis players, particularly from the Bumside area.

Motor-cycling.—Steve Baker of the United States, beat Britain’s 500 c.c. champion, Barry Sheene, into second place in a 750 cc. international race at Mallory Park in England.