Sewing Bee’s Patrick Grant Reopens Austwick’s Revamped Tennis Courts
Patrick Grant, the well-known judge from the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee and the creative force behind Community Clothing, is about to re-open the newly resurfaced courts at Austwick Tennis Club. The event kicks off at 7pm on Thursday, July 31.
This marks a big moment for the club. After nearly twenty years, the courts finally got a much-needed facelift.
Patrick, who lives locally and loves tennis, will serve the first point on these fresh courts. The project cost £32,000 and came together thanks to various grants and club members chipping in.
Now, the courts look great and should last for years. More importantly, they’ll help bring new faces to the sport—kids, adults, beginners, everyone.
Table of Contents
Patrick Grant: A Multifaceted Talent
Most folks know Patrick Grant as a judge on *The Great British Sewing Bee*. His fashion and textile know-how have won him plenty of fans.
But he’s not just about sewing. As the founder of Community Clothing, he pushes for sustainable fashion and supports local manufacturing.
It’s no surprise to see him involved in the tennis club’s re-opening. He clearly cares about the community—and he just loves a good game of tennis.
Community Clothing: A Vision for Sustainable Fashion
Patrick started Community Clothing to make quality clothes affordable and support British manufacturers. The brand sticks to sustainability, using local materials and ethical practices.
Honestly, buying from them feels good. You know you’re backing a fairer, greener industry.
The Significance of the Court Re-surfacing Project
Getting these courts resurfaced means a lot for Austwick Tennis Club. After 20 years, the old surface had seen better days.
Work began last autumn and wrapped up in spring, finishing with a fresh coat of paint and new lines. The courts are now ready for league matches and, hopefully, a new wave of players.
Funding the Project: A Community Effort
Raising £32,000 wasn’t easy, but the club pulled it off with help from several sources:
- Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund: £3,700 via Derbyshire Environmental Trust
- Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust: £1,000
- The Craven Trust: £500
- Gifts from club members: £12,350
- Gift aid from HMRC: £1,850
- The club’s own reserves: £13,100
It really shows what a community can do when everyone chips in. The support didn’t just pay the bills—it proved how much people care about local sports.
Encouraging Community Participation in Tennis
The new courts aren’t just for tennis. They’re a spot for people to connect and get moving.
Robert Bellfield, the club’s chair, is keen on keeping the courts in top shape. He wants to support league tennis and bring in new members of all ages.
The Role of Sports in Community Building
Sports have a way of pulling people together. They give us a reason to meet up, compete, and maybe even become friends.
Re-opening the courts feels like a win for the whole area. The club’s upgrades might just inspire more folks to pick up a racket and get involved.
Looking Forward: The Future of Austwick Tennis Club
Now that the courts are looking sharp, Austwick Tennis Club can host all sorts of events. They’re eager to welcome new faces and expand programs for every age and skill level.
This resurfacing project feels like the start of something bigger for the club. There’s a sense that more good things are on the way.
Upcoming Events and Initiatives
To keep the momentum going, the club has lined up some fresh activities:
- Junior Tennis Programs: Getting kids started and helping them build skills.
- Adult Tennis Clinics: Coaching and practice for everyone, no matter their experience.
- Community Tournaments: Friendly matches that encourage a bit of healthy rivalry—and plenty of laughs.
By mixing things up, the club hopes to keep everyone interested and make tennis a real fixture in the community. It’s shaping up to be a lively, welcoming place for anyone who wants to play.
Conclusion
The re-opening of Austwick Tennis Club’s newly resurfaced courts is a big deal for the community. People came together and made it happen, which honestly says a lot about the spirit here.
Patrick Grant showed up and brought something special to the event. It’s not every day you see fashion, sustainability, and sports overlap like this, right?
If you’re curious and want more info, check out the original article.
