2020 was a difficult year for everyone and its impact on the local economy was also high.

Congleton Lawn Tennis Club are very grateful that local businesses continued to support them during the year.

The club worked with the largest number of local businesses that it has ever done - these businesses either sponsored the club tournaments or competitions, provided discounts for members, advertised with the club or provided it with publicity.

Despite having to deal with the impact of COVID restrictions and a number of lockdowns, the club worked hard to attract more members who were in part encouraged to join by a reduced membership fee for 2020/21.

And both old and new members took part in a wide range of tournaments and events starting with the February Fun Tournament sponsored by Sweetie Pix and ending with the Festive Fun Tournament sponsored by Barking Mad.

The planned New Year's Eve tournament sponsored by Spall Clark Solicitors fell foul of Cheshire East moving into tier four, but there were many memorable moments during the year.

These included Luke Coltman being a winner of two tournaments staged on the same day once the first lockdown had ended, Cameron Stevens-Thys becoming the youngest winner of the club men's singles.

Also, a father and son partnership of Chris and James Garside won the club men's doubles, whilst James Wetton and Andrew Giltrap were crowned the winners of the club's inaugural club summer doubles ladder competition.

Several sponsors returned for a second year including Typhoon Thai, the Olde Kings Arms and Living Concepts, whilst member discounts were again provided for a second year by DH Osteopathy and Jan Johnson Reflexology.

New sponsors provided some unique prizes - garden ornaments for the winners of the club singles ladders, courtesy of Radchester's and pet goodie boxes courtesy of Petbox, who sponsored the Summer Fun Tournament - the first event staged after the national lockdown.

Takeaway vouchers from Cheeky Chicken and fish and vouchers courtesy of both Phil's Famous Chippy and Hightown Fish and Chips catered for those foodies wanting a prize to feed them up after the exertions of a tournament.

Judie Tingle and members of the Congleton Camera Club took action photos of club members and the new Congleton Nub News site gave the club excellent publicity.

The club is now planning for 2021. Any local businesses wanting to find out more about sponsoring a tournament or partnering with the club in any way can contact Andrew Giltrap on [email protected].

Arrangements can be made with any size of businesses and hopefully the publicity given to the partnerships will support the local community at this difficult time.