Tennis isn’t just for the summer for players in Buxton – state-of-the-art floodlights are now installed at Buxton Tennis Club, significantly extending the opportunities for games and coaching.
A major grant from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund* boosted the Club’s fundraising for the floodlights which are transforming the opportunities for regular players and learners alike.
The project has involved the installation of floodlights using environmentally friendly LED lighting and technology to prevent light ‘spillage’. The lights extend the playing time available on the Club’s three courts and enable more members of the community to give tennis a try.
While Tarmac operates several sites locally including Tunstead, Hindlow and Ballidon, the sponsorship came from the company’s national Landfill Communities Fund. The sponsorship of almost £25,000 was used in conjunction with a Sport England grant already received to cover the cost of the lights.
Steve Thompson, chair of Buxton Tennis Club said: “Until we had the lights, tennis outside the Summer was restricted by short days and competing demands at weekends. Now our members can enjoy tennis on a dry evening whatever the season.”
Paul O’Nyons, engineering and operations manager at Tarmac’s Tunstead cement plant, added: “A few months ago I came to the club to congratulate them on the grant. I was really pleased to be able to come back and see the floodlights installed and benefitting established and new players alike. This improvement has enabled the club to encourage more people to come along and give tennis a go.”
Anyone interested in playing should contact Steve on 07968336483.
*The Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund (or Landfill Tax Credit Scheme as it was formerly known) enables landfill operators like Tarmac, to donate part of their annual tax liability to enrolled Environmental Bodies for a variety of approved community and environmental projects. Landfill operators can reclaim 90% of their contribution as a tax credit which means the remaining 10% must be provided either by them or an independent third party. Through the fund Tarmac donates around £1 million each year to community projects throughout the UK. The fund is open to applicants who meet the strict criteria for projects delivering community benefit. For more information please go to www.entrust.org.uk.
Picture caption: Tarmac Tunstead engineering and operations manager Paul O’Nyons (left) congratulates Allan Ramsay of Buxton Tennis Club on the new floodlights.