Sean (10), Beth (5) and Liam (7) Farrall take a break from practising their shots at the new Spencerville tennis court.

Spencerville’s new community tennis court opened recently following an initiative by the Spencerville Residents’ Association, Shirley/Papanui Community Board and local property developer Hilton Smith.
According to secretary of the residents’ association Christine Dock, a tennis court has been a long term goal of Spencerville people.

"We have wanted a court here for at least 20 years as the Spencer Park courts are usually used by visitors during the summer, limiting the opportunities for residents to play," she says.
Spencerville residents raised $3000 towards the cost of the court with garage sales and raffles and including $1000 from Hilton Smith.
The rest of the $25,000 cost was met by the Community Board and the Council’s Parks Unit.

Along with the rest of the Spencerville community, Christine is looking forward to the spring when the new court will come into its own. She says that if enough interest is generated, a new tennis club could be formed, based at the court.