BNSC : Nostalgic Video

BNSC :  The Inauguration of the Dome

From the archives of the original Blackburn Northern website, this short video commemorates the official opening of our Tennis Dome and the major redevelopment of our Clubhouse in 2005. This transformative project became a reality thanks to a successful sports lottery bid, the tireless fundraising efforts of our dedicated members, a generous legacy from former trustee Frank Lassey, and financial support through a loan from Thwaites Brewery.

The redevelopment required the members' lounge and function rooms to be closed for nine months, during which the building was completely gutted, expanded, and given a full refurbishment. The ambitious construction also introduced a state-of-the-art indoor tennis facility, affectionately known as the "Tennis Dome," which houses two premium courts. This dome was built on land graciously donated by the local authority. Additionally, two existing outdoor courts were resurfaced with high-quality artificial grass to further enhance our club’s facilities.

The video features notable figures, including Jack Straw, who served as Blackburn's Member of Parliament until 2015, and Ian Broughton, whose passion and relentless drive were instrumental in realizing the vision for these new amenities. The video also highlights our esteemed coaches at that time—Jamie Hutchings, Mark Schofield, and Dave Bell—who played an integral role in fostering a strong tennis community which continues today with Jamie Hutchings.

Click here for a touch of indoor tennis nostalgia .....