It seems somewhat inevitable after the exceptionally dry spring we’ve just experienced that the rain should arrive just in time for Wimbledon! Of course it’s not quite so bad nowadays with the multi-million pound retractable roof on Centre Court but for the vast majority of people that doesn’t really help as all the outside courts, including Court No 1, remain roofless and at the mercy of the elements. Indeed while writing the roof is firmly in place on Centre Court where Venus Williams and Kimiko Date-Krumm are slogging it out for a place in the third round of the Ladies’ Singles; all the other courts, however, are covered.
The Wimbledon fortnight is traditionally a time when people become inspired to rummage through cupboards: the one in the hall to hunt down their old tennis racquet (wooden in my case!) and the bedroom wardrobe to search out that ancient pair of trainers (you guessed it Green Flash!). No doubt many people reading this are far too young to remember wooden tennis racquets or even Green Flash gym shoes – as they were known then – but the more mature reader among you will get the picture!
Well if you’re among the two week Wimbledon wannabes there’s nothing to stop you having a go now and continuing way beyond a fortnight. Maidstone’s tennis facilities are ace and now’s the time to take advantage of them!
There are lots of places to play tennis in the Maidstone area and you don’t have to rely on a friendly neighbour with a court! Nor do you always have to worry about the weather or even the time of day!
David Lloyd Leisure at 21 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4UA has a set of 10 tennis courts. Of their 5 outdoor courts three are floodlit and there are 5 further indoor courts. There is a range of lessons designed for all ages and abilities with professional coaches just waiting to welcome you on court and looking out for the next Andy Murray or Laura Robson. To find out more contact David Lloyd Leisure on 01732 873773.
Maidstone Borough Council serves up a number of tennis courts in the area on a pay and play basis. This means that courts can’t be booked over the telephone rather tickets to play have to be bought in person at the park on the day you want to play or up to three days in advance of your game by the park attendant. Courts are used and paid for by the hour and prices are per player whether a singles or a doubles match: adults £7.30, senior citizens and juniors £4.00. The tennis courts are located at: Penenden Heath, South Park, Giddyhorn Lane (available outside Maidstone Tennis Club’s commitments, and Clare Park. For more information go to http://www.maidstone.gov.uk
Maidstone Lawn Tennis Club puts the ball firmly in your court giving beginners and more experienced players alike a warm welcome to simply drop into their courts at Poplar Grove, Maidstone ME16 ODE during one of their social play sessions. Alternatively and for further details call their Membership Secretary on 01622 761970 or visit http://www.maidstoneltc.co.uk
Bearsted & Thurnham Lawn Tennis Club is located at Church Landway, Bearsted where you can’t fault its members for being a “friendly group of tennis enthusiasts” with “an active social diary”. To find out more call 01622 736005 or visit http://www.bearstedtennisclub.co.uk
Knicknack Tennis (there’s a name for you!) in East Farleigh offers a wide range of facilities from adult, junior and school coaching to equipment related services such as sales of tennis products, re-stringing etc. Knicknack can be found at Unit 3, Roses Farm, Gallants Lane, East Farleigh ME15 0LG and be contacted on 01622 745778.
Maidstone Tennis Academy is a smash hit with the Lawn Tennis Association who has selected it as part of a national group of centres to “promote the development of children’s tennis”. But adults can also receive tennis coaching here and anyone wishing to discover or improve their talent for tennis in a fun, caring and professional environment at Mill Meadow Yard, St Peters Street, Maidstone ME16 0SX should contact them on 01622 677914 or visit http://www.maidstonetennisacademy.co.uk
Of course many villages around Maidstone have their own courts and clubs where everyone can play, but there are too many to list here and anyway if you live in a village with tennis courts you probably know where they are! Tennis can be great fun and is an excellent way to socialise nor do you have to be the best player to have a ball on the tennis court!
So with all the tennis facilities available in and around Maidstone it’s game, set and match to the county town!
See you on court!
Until next time
India J