His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner JP, paid a visit to Church Stretton on Saturday, 4th October, to officially open the town’s newly refurbished tennis courts and meet with local volunteers.

Accompanied by local MP Stuart Anderson and the town and county’s new Deputy Lieutenant, Jo Baugh, the Lord-Lieutenant attended a display of tennis on the completely overhauled courts.
The refurbishment was made possible by a successful partnership between the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Church Stretton Town Council, with a generous grant from the LTA funding the essential work.
The courts are now set to be more accessible than ever for the community. Residents can book a court online for just £5 an hour. Furthermore, the project includes a commitment to nurturing new talent, with free coaching sessions aimed at young people being provided every Saturday morning.
Following the formal opening, the Lord-Lieutenant spent time with key figures from the community, meeting with approximately 40 volunteers drawn from across the parish for a special lunch.
Town Mayor Andy Munro expressed his delight at the high-profile visit and the completion of the project. “It’s a great honour to host the Lord-Lieutenant for not one but two events in the town,” he said. “The tennis courts look fantastic and are now truly accessible to all residents, particularly with the free coaching sessions.”