WHETHER you are pro with an expert serve or a complete beginner, ability or lack thereof is no barrier to enjoying a good game at Shrivenham Tennis Club.

Founded more than 20 years ago, the group now counts nearly 100 members who diligently train and hone their backhand on the court each week.

While a dash of competitiveness is always welcome the club’s watchword is fun.

“The ethos of the club is to promote the enjoyment of tennis and to encourage people of any level to come out and hit some balls,” said club secretary Carol Hand.

“Whether you are three or 83 years old, fit as a fiddle or less able, there is an opportunity to find a like-minded person to stand across the net from and hit balls to and fro. Tennis is fun on a lot of levels. We don't have to be Wimbledon-standard to join a club and have fun.”

Coaching sessions are divided by age groups.

The junior section trains every Monday and Wednesday with club coach Chris Hand.

Players are encouraged to take part in various tournaments in-house and against local clubs and schools throughout the year.

The club also runs a coached ladies session on a Wednesday combining drills, a fun workout and games of doubles.

To ensure everyone gets an opportunity to try the sport, the club holds a Special Educational Needs (SEN) tennis workshop once a month.

“All the youngsters who play in this group have progressed enormously over the time they have played. Recently, Alex who is 20 years old and plays regularly at the club played in a DSActive tournament for people with Down's syndrome in Basingstoke and came first winning a gold medal.”

In the spirit of camaraderie and enjoyment, Shrivenham Tennis Club hosts a weekly ‘relaxed evening’ for a chance to mix things up a little.

“It’s free on a Thursday evening at 6.30 pm and is for a mix of abilities,” adds Carol. “We rotate to give people the opportunity to play a mixed four, men's doubles, ladies’ doubles and singles. This can be a chilled social game or have a competitive edge depending on the combination of characters - always with a smile though.”

The annual membership fee for a family of four is £145. To find out more about memberships or to join email shrivenhamtennis@yahoo.com, visit http://shrivenhamtennis.wix.com/shrivenhamtennis or go to the

Shrivenham Tennis Club Facebook page.