There was a double whammy of happiness at Orchard Tennis Club - long before Santa arrives at Christmas.
The Blakemere Road-based tennis club in Welwyn Garden City was delighted to open its newly re-surfaced tennis courts as they held their annual charity tournament.
It was a soft launch for the new blue, synthetic grass courts with a grand opening scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 21, at the club's open family fun day.
Esteemed veteran life members, Rae Walter and Sue Neville, had the honour of cutting the ribbon.
Excited players took to the courts to compete on the new blue synthetic grass TigerTurf courts, laid by Premier Sports.
Herts LTA representatives, president Lee Evans and Carole Draper, stopped by to admire the transformation and congratulate the sub-committee who helped make it all happen.
The event was well supported despite freezing temperatures, the change of colour of the court surface from green to blue, only seemed to complement with the chilly conditions.
Four teams competed enthusiastically for the Stuart West Charity Trophy, a tournament set up in memory of a popular and active club member which is now in its 12th year.
Three of the teams were captained by members of the West family - Stuart’s wife Sue and his children, James and Danielle.
After a full-on day of competitive tennis, it was James’s green team that emerged victorious, winning by just two games.
Members dug deep throughout the afternoon for the nominated charity, Blue Cross - an animal welfare charity with a rehoming centre in Kimpton, with a barbecue, cake stall and raffle adding to the occasion.
The total from all fundraising reached £535.
Event organiser and club president, Dave Wesson, was thrilled with how everything went off.
He said: "It’s a pleasure to arrange the tournament and see our members come together and raise much-needed funds for excellent charitable causes.
"This year our members played in bitterly cold weather which is a sign of their commitment to both our great club and a very worthwhile cause."
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