Hundreds of supporters of Ross Tennis Club attended a special meeting at the Chase Hotel recently.

The Tennis Centre has become a Community Interest Company and support from the members and wider community is vital if it is to succeed.

David Snow, one of the new directors of the Tennis Centre CIC said that the unbelievable turnout showed the overwhelming support for the centre. He thanked Chris and Sue Friend for their legacy and explained that they would have a continuing involvement in the club. A new board has been established and committees will need to be formed to take on responsibility for different aspects of the business.

The membership fees, together with donations and interest free loans also means that a surplus has already been created which will mean that refurbishment to two of the tennis courts can begin.

David told the meeting that it is Ross-on-Wye’s tennis centre and it would be sad if Ross could not make it the best tennis centre possible. He said the club is vital for all ages, especially for encouraging youngsters to enjoy sport.

The Directors of Ross Tennis are ambitious to upgrade the facilities to create the ‘best tennis facility in Herefordshire’, but are adamant that the club should remain open to all.

David told the Ross Gazette: "We were overwhelmed with the support we received at the meeting at which we welcomed 150 adults and children. We received multiple of offers of help, and several new financial commitments which, alongside other fundraising, puts us in a position to begin work on the development plan for the tennis centre. There is still a lot of work ahead, but with the outstanding support of this wonderful community, RTCCIC will continue to offer an opportunity to play tennis to residents of Ross and beyond”.

Short term plans include the refurbishment of the top two courts, creation of a club house and social area and refurbishment of the toilets.

At the meeting people were asked to show their support in a variety of ways including making a donation, offering to consider a donation or interest free loan at a later date or to help in some other way, such as joining a committee.