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Tennis Wales report growth of the sport across the country

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PARTICIPATION figures released by Tennis Wales, the National Governing Body for tennis & padel in Wales, show an increase in adult and junior participation.

The Lawn Tennis Association for Britain (LTA) published GB participation figures for 2022 in February that showed sustained success in getting
more people playing tennis, more often; with growth across all demographics, regions and nations of Great Britain, particularly amongst 16-34 year-olds and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The latest LTA participation figures or Wales have shown that trend continuing in the country. It found that in the year to May 2023, 176,000* adults in Wales picked up a racket and played
tennis at least once in the last 12 months, and that 71,000* adults played monthly.

These figures are a significant increase from around 130,000* playing annually and 31,000* playing monthly in 2019, which was the start of Tennis Wales’ tennis ‘opened up’ strategy. Another
positive is the number of women taking part in tennis activity each year, with more than 50,000* women playing annually on courts across Wales.

The number of children participating in tennis has also grown. 27,000* children currently play tennis each week while 154,000* play at least once a year. In addition, the sport has high
levels of latent demand, with more than 50,000 school children wanting to participate and try tennis (Sport Wales, School Sport Survey 2023).

Jamie Clewer, Head of Participation at Tennis Wales siad: “These figures show how our sport has ‘opened up’ to new and returning players in the last few years. Our network of tennis courts
across Wales includes public parks, tennis clubs, commercial facilities and community indoor tennis centres. Together we’re seeing amazing participation rates in the game”.

Reflecting on the Sport Wales School Sports Survey figures he added: “We’ve provided free LTA Youth Schools teacher training to more than 650 Welsh teachers, and via the LTA Tennis Foundation,
invested £250 into each school that has completed the training for tennis coaching and equipment.

“Our network of accredited tennis coaches are superb, welcoming children into the game through our LTA Youth programme in Wales, with fun games, and smaller courts and rackets”.

Tennis Wales’s strategy to ‘open up’ tennis includes an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plan which has:

Increased female participation and female workforce

  • Seen direct investment into new Open Court disability coaching sessions
  • Introduced tennis into more under-served communities through LTA SERVES
  • The creation of a Welsh Government funded anti-racist project
  • Seen the launch of the first LGBTQ+ tennis club in Wales.

Elsewhere, a new National Facility Plan has prioritised capital investment into the game and is:

  • Building low-cost indoor structures in areas of poor tennis provision
  • Modernising tennis club facilities for the future
  • Refurbishing public parks as
  • part of a UK-wide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA
  • Working with schools, colleges and universities to utilize school tennis courts
  • Developing padel, with new padel courts being built

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

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A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

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Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

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ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

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Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

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MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

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