HEWORTH Tennis Club has celebrated its 100th birthday and marked the occasion with the official opening of the 'Trish Leach Pavilion', named in honour of the long-serving former committee member who was integral to the club.

Over 90 club members, families and local community members gathered at the club on East Parade to mark 100 years since the club’s founding in the 1920s.

The event was attended by Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central and Heworth Councillors Claire Douglas, Ben Burton and Robert Webb, who were impressed by the warm and inclusive community spirit on show.

In her address to the crowd, Ms. Maskell championed the importance of local sport clubs to health and wellbeing, whilst paying tribute to the volunteers who work tirelessly to make them a success.

The day was a triple celebration, not only to mark the club being 100 years old, but to formally name the pavilion and to celebrate the recently refurbished and renovated courts.

Former committee member, Trish Leach, was a key figure in getting the new clubhouse pavilion built, working endlessly to secure the necessary funding and consents and then coordinating the construction work.

After a lot of setbacks, the building got the go ahead in 2014, so it was fitting that ten years on, members and their families gathered to officially name it the 'Trish Leach Pavilion'.

The new plaque was unveiled by Trish herself alongside club President and former chair David Grice, and York MP Ms. Maskell.

Current chair, Erica Town paid homage to all the hard work by those on committees, both past and present, and recognised that their continuous voluntary work along with longstanding loyal members had made the tennis club what it is today.

During the celebration day, a family fun session saw over 20 children of all ages take to the courts to take on a variety of games, including some enthusiastic participation from parents.

Attendees then enjoyed cakes galore, sandwiches and a doubles tournament in the sun.

Heworth Tennis Club now has over 220 members from juniors to adults, so it was fitting that those of all ages and abilities were able to enjoy the day.

A memorable event for all involved and the club looks forward to celebrating more milestones in the future.