December 2019 saw the world thrown into chaos. COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic virus emerged and brought many countries to a virtual standstill. This virus caused international flights to cease, many businesses to shut their doors, and many to suffer huge financial hardships. Schools closed, reverting to online learning, and hospitals had restrictions in place too! Sporting facilities were heavily restricted, and many were not allowed to open. The virus has mutated since 2019 and still exists today (2023), but it is no longer as deadly.
During 2020, when the chaos of the virus caused sporting facility closures, Lavington Tennis Club took this as an opportunity to apply for funding to help get our little club back up and running more effectively. Secretary Leanne Hewett and President Shiralee Allen negotiated with AlburyCity Council, with several meetings over many months to discuss the future of Lavington Tennis Club. It was decided our focus was to be on lights for the club to encourage new members, and have the courts operating longer hours.
After sourcing quotes for electrical work and construction, and completing a comprehensive and very detailed application, a Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four SCCF4 - 0882 Installation of lighting - Lavington Tennis Club was granted in November 2021. The funds were in the bank account in May 2022, and then due to COVID-19 creating supply issues across the construction sector, getting the poles was delayed. Work finally commenced on 9th August 2022, the footing holes were dug, then Albury was hit with many weeks of heavy rain which kept filling the pits. Workers from Torney and Allen Electrical-Communication had tried hard to pump the water out but alas, work had come to a standstill.
Finally, in December 2022, we had sufficient dry days so work could commence again and the concrete footings could be poured.
It has been a long process, that initially should have only taken a couple of weeks. However, we are very grateful to all the workers who struggled in the intense heat of Summer to get these lights up and running. Our social players had to forgo some of their much-loved Tuesday and Thursday mornings tennis. Bookings for the courts were reduced due to court closures. Coaching was at a standstill. However, despite the delays and slight inconvenience, it was all worth it in the end.
On 26th January 2023, the team at Torney and Allen Electrical-Communication switch the lights on for the very first time, and they look great!
What's next you might ask? Watch this space...