By Judy Cartwright
THE long-awaited Terranora Tennis centre moved a step closer with a sod-turning ceremony and the announcement of a name on Saturday.
The complex, to be built at the end of Henry Lawson Drive, Terranora is to be named in honour of long-time Terranora coach Joan Nicoll.
The Joan Nicoll Tennis Centre will feature 12 courts and will cater for players of all ages.
Joan, who lives at nearby Bilambil Heights, has been a much respected and admired coach at Terranora Tennis for more than thirty years.
The long-time coach has inspired many young locals with her enthusiasm and skills, not only with her playing but with her coaching techniques, to take up and continue to play tennis.
For many years Joan has organised and accompanied many of the Tennis Terranora players to tournaments all around the country.
“Tennis is a sport you can play throughout your whole life” Joan said
“It is a great social way to meet people no matter where you are in the world”.
Joan said it was a great honour to have the tennis centre named after her.
The new centre, ten years in the planning, was officially launched by Tweed Shire Councillor Warren Polglase and State member for Tweed, Geoff Provest.
Mr Provest and CR Polglase did the honour of taking up the shovel and much to the delight of the spectators the first of the earth was lifted.
The duo was watched by Brian Turner, principal of Tweed-based team See Civil who will complete the work.”The Joan Nicoll Tennis Centre” will not only be a venue with twelve courts for Juniors and Adults to come and learn and compete but also feature a show court with seating for two hundred people,” Terranora Tennis Club president Rob Nienhuis.
“We are pleased to announce that the courts will be built to Australian specifications to further the opportunities for our local juniors.”
