Taken from Basingstoke Gazette article:
Club Nets Tim's Support
TENNIS star Tim Henman pulled in crowd when he returned to Odiham for a special occasion.
The 37-year-old former British Number One cut the ribbon and served the first ace on a new, third, tennis court in Chamberlain Gardens, built using Odiham Tennis Club funds and a £22,500 grant from Sport England.
"Tiger Tim", who retired from a long and distinguished career in the top flight of tennis in 2007, has very strong local links.
He married local girl Lucy Heald, at All Saints' Church, in The Bury, in December 1999. And he last came to Odiham lennis Club in 2008, when he
reopened the courts after a £48,000 refurbishment.
He said: "It's always a special place for me to come back to, having got married here 12 years ago, and it's great to see the club flourishing with the addition of this court."
It may not quite have been a Wimbledon Centre Court crowd, but more than 60 people turned out for the event, including Basingstoke Rugby Football Club chairman Dr Steve Tristram, whose wife is godmother to Mr Henman's wife. Councillor Ken Crookes, chairman of Hart District Council also attended.
After cutting the ribbon, Mr Henman proved his enthusiasm and skill have not waned, by serving on the new court before having a rally with long-standing club member Roger Barnacle.
He then led a coaching session for youngsters Will MacPhee, Tim MacPhee, Adam Blades and Charlie Flynn, who all volunteer at the club to coach young players.
Pam Verdon, chairman of Odiham Tennis Club, said: "It has been fantastic and we are absolutely thrilled that Tim came.
"There have been many ideas over the years of where the third court could go. But we've got a great committee at the moment, and we get on really well to accomplish things."
By Chris Gregory
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