Tennis exhibition to open in Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury's first Festival of Tennis begins this weekend when the doors open for a special tennis memorabilia exhibition in the heart of the town.
A number of other tennis related attractions have been arranged to coincide with a professional men's tournament featuring world ranked players on the brink of stardom returning to Shrewsbury.
The Shrewsbury Club, on Sundorne Road, will stage the Aegon GB Pro-Series men’s $15,000 event between March 21 and 28.
The Festival of Tennis will be launched with a two-week celebration of the sport at stop. coffee shop within Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery in The Square. Admission is free to the exhibition which opens on Saturday.
Dave Courteen, managing director of The Shrewsbury Club who has helped organise the festival, said he hopes many local people will pay a visit.
He added: "There will be an exhibition of tennis artefacts and exhibits depicting the changes in the sport throughout the years.
"Visitors can enjoy a gallery of artistic tennis photography by local photographer Richard Dawson, wonderful shots he has taken of players in action during previous tournaments held at The Shrewsbury Club.
"There will also be tennis memorabilia, old rackets, programmes, cups, trophies, plus pictures of local players playing with the great Ken Rosewall.
"It will be a great place for people to go and have a wander around and have a cup of coffee."
A civic reception will also be held at the stop. coffee shop on Monday, March 23 to officially launch the Aegon Pro-Series tournament, a high profile event which offers top class tennis free of charge to local people.
The Shrewsbury Club has also joined forces with Tennis Shropshire to hold a free Tennis Factory day in The Square between 10am-4pm on Saturday, March 21. It will serve as an ideal introduction for youngsters to the sport via fun challenges.
A special tennis-themed wine tasting evening has also been arranged at Tanners Wines on Wyle Cop on Wednesday, March 25.
Guests will enjoy the history of the wine cellars before having the chance to sample eight different wines from the birthplaces of famous tennis players.
There will be a fun quiz to try and match the wines with the birthplaces. Tickets priced £30 are available now by calling The Shrewsbury Club on (01743) 467755.
