A MEMBER of Manor Road Tennis Club has been recognised for his work in helping to transform opportunities in the sport in Lymm.

Pete Radcliffe has received the Lawn Tennis Association’s ‘Cheshire Volunteer or the Year Award 2023’ for his part in creating and developing four new, artificial ‘Tiger Turf’ courts in the walled garden of Lymm Rugby Club.

A member of Manor Road Tennis Club for more than 25 years, he first attempted to move the club from its former site in 2006.

He stuck to his guns and, following two more attempts, eventually teamed up with Lymm Rugby Club and started the successful project in 2019, completing in the summer of 2023.

"Manor Road Tennis Club is now part of what is recognised as a thriving Lymm Sports Hub and this is transformational," said Pete.

"The reaction of existing and many new members has been superb, with regular tennis now possible throughout the winter, including entering the Winter League for the first time, and having our Christmas social event on our own courts was very special.

"Our main project collaborators are David Simpson and Andy Leach, Lymm RFC’s chair and treasurer respectively, but all members of the rugby board were hugely supportive. Within MRTC, chair Keith Moss played a vital role directing and encouraging throughout.

"Roy Kettle, as secretary, has been my right-hand man for the past year and since the project was completed has taken over running ‘operations’ in the Walled Garden, attracting new members and organising events, such as regular social tennis.

"All the other members of the MRTC committee deserve credit too for their support, input and time in helping make it all happen."

The LTA award was made in recognition of Pete’s project management role and is part of a national scheme involving a total of 22 awards throughout the UK.

"On behalf of all my colleagues I am enormously delighted and proud to receive this award. It was a complex project, technically and culturally, involving many stakeholders, and it provides such a legacy," he said.

"It required significant perseverance and project management skills, particularly communication, to cope with the setbacks, delays and other issues, while retaining the end vision.

"Our ambition is to build on the new foundation provided to realise the original aims and grow the membership, becoming a significantly larger tennis section within the Lymm Sports Hub. Exciting times ahead!"