Wolverhampton tennis club damaged by fallen tree

The courts are part of Woodfield Social and Sports Club in Wolverhampton. 

The damage was first seen by a club member, who messaged the chairman Richard Luckett, 52, from Penn, to let him know about the giant tree which had collapsed onto the courts. 

Upon arrival, Richard, head of finance for a food firm, noticed the fall had damaged the nets, posts and possibly the AstroTurf. 

Richard said that at 'this stage' he is unsure on exactly how much, or how long the repairs will be and is waiting for the club's insurance provider to check it all over before clearing it away - but assured members the court it fell on will only be out of use for 'days'. 

As well as the courts, fencing was also damaged because of the tree, and Richard said the damage further qualifies plans for a fundraising plan in the works - set to start next year - to refurbish the club's courts, which were laid two decades ago. 

Richard, said: "I was out at a school fair at the time, and after getting the text I thought I would just pop down and have a look on my way home which is when I saw the extent of the problem.

"The tree stretched really far, it damaged fencing, the court nets and poles and could well have done some damage to the surface. 

"At this stage we're not 100 per cent on the damage, but we have left it to the insurance company to have a look at before clearing it all up, it will be sorted within a few days. 

"Earlier this year we put plans together to fundraise the money to pay for a refurb of the club's tennis courts and hope it will not only offer a better place for our current players and members, but also attract new people to the club. 

"I became chairman in 2017 and at the time we gave got the courts professionally cleaned, paid to have some of the trees cut down and it really boosted the amount of people that came to the club, so we think it could have a similar effect. 

"We've had it confirmed that the AstroTurf at least needs re-doing, it's served it's purpose. 

"We'll be raising money next year through community events and applying for grants."

The building has been a staple of the area for decades, and it was recently discovered that it's coming up to its 100-year anniversary,

Richard and the rest of the committee are keen to celebrate the impressive milestone, and the fundraising is part of making sure it makes it's two-century anniversary, remaining a place where residents can come together and enjoy a game of tennis. 

Richard, said: "We discovered some documents when the building was owned under a different name back in 1925, so its 100-year anniversary will take place next year."