Past and present members love new tennis facilities at Bognor

Among the guests were several ladies who were active members of the club in the 1960s and 70s, including Pam Powell, now in her 90s, who was once junior secretary on the club’s committee.

Also present were Lesley Williams and Kathy Kitt, who are both former ladies’ captains for several years and represented the club in numerous Sussex League matches and won the ladies’ doubles in the club championships in 1977 and 1978.

Another notable guest was Angela Fisher (nee Pitts), who first won the club’s ladies’ singles event in 1963 and went on to repeat the feat on three further occasions.

She was the club’s appointed tennis coach in the 1970s, and is warmly remembered by scores of adults who, as children, practised their tennis skills under her expert tuition.

During afternoon tea and cake, club chairman Malcolm Ridley addressed guests and members, recounting the highlights of the six-month building project.

He paid tribute to all who had dedicated time and expertise to assist and thanked those who had pledged money and contributed to the organisation and success of fund-raising events.

A visitors’ book was available to mark the event and some guests recorded their impressions of the occasion.

Angela Fisher wrote: “What a facelift. Well done everybody.” Kathy Kitt added: “A great bunch of workers – still!”

To find out more about the club, contact Janine Ridley on 01243 849351 or www.bognortennisclub.co.uk