With Wimbledon a matter of weeks away, an Edgware tennis club took its first steps to uncovering the stars of the future during an open day on Sunday (May 25).

The Drive Lawn Tennis Club, in The Drive, threw open its doors to players of all ages and abilities in a bid to boost the profile of the sport in the community.

A speed service competition, short tennis for younger players and a speed machine firing 100 tennis balls at a time, enthralled more than 60 budding players. The club are hopeful the scheme will have encouraged more people to take up the sport.

Michael Reik, the club's grounds secretary, said: "It went very well. It was very much a fun day.

"One of our members reached the highest service speed when he hit the ball at 100mph.

"We have more than 100 members at the moment, but we want to try and build up the junior section. Tennis is great from an athleticism and a skill point of view.

"It is a great way of meeting people and we want to promote the game in the community as much as possible."

The club has a number of teams playing in the Middlesex League. They are trying to upgrade their facilities to incorporate a revamped club house.

At present, the club has eight courts but they hope a plan to add a further floodlit court to the two already at the club will be given the thumbs up by Barnet Council in the next two weeks.

Mr Reik added: "It is essential for us to get a third floodlit court because of the number of teams we have playing in the Middlesex League.

"We are hoping the council will give us approval as it would make such a difference."

If you would like more information on The Drive Lawn Tennis Club, please call club chairman Andy Bressloff on 020 8958 4795.

May 29, 2003 15:00