Long-awaited construction of five new Echuca Tennis Club courts are under way as the newly merged entity also looks to celebrate the union of Lawn and South.
Echuca Lawn and Echuca South tennis clubs ratified a merger of the two clubs prior to the commencement of the 2021-22 season, and while both have already co-habited and competed under the new banner, committee member Daryl Poole said now was a chance to formerly celebrate.
The “marriage” of the two clubs will be celebrated at Echuca Club on Saturday, August 6, and Poole encouraged anyone with prior affiliation to either club to attend.
“We’re inviting all past and present players who have been associated to come down to that evening, and reminisce the origins and histories of both clubs,” Poole said.
“It was official last season but we didn’t get a chance to celebrate that union, and of course it’s about getting excited for the future.
“We have to sort out an emblem, but we’ll be called the Echuca Tennis Club. We want to recognise both clubs history in our emblem and the fact that we’re here in Echuca.”
With the official recognition of the new club comes the beginning of the court construction.
Six courts were removed in lieu of a pathway along the newly constructed Dhungala Bridge before Campaspe Shire Council voted in April 2021 to surrender land for five new courts.
Three grass and two synthetic courts will take shape and while Poole concedes it was initially disappointing to lose a court, the hardcourt will allow tennis to be played all year.
“When the bridge came in we lost six courts, and we were a bit unhappy about that,” Poole said.
“But I think at the end of the day, what we’ve ended up with is going to be pretty good because we’ve got the mix of three grass and two synthetics.
“It’s exciting because it gives us the opportunity to be a 12-month a year club. We have to do some fundraising for some lights but all the footings will be a part of this.”
For those wishing to attend the Echuca Tennis Club union please RSVP by Monday, August 1 to Donna Glen on 0429 877 315 or echucasouthtennisclub@gmail.com.au. The celebration will be held at the Echuca Club on Saturday, August 6 from 6.30pm.
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