Last Friday night, The Chronicle joined Pangbourne Tennis Club for their ‘lights on’ ceremony where tennis legend Tim Henman flipped the switch.

The evening saw a close, friendly community that had pulled together to raise £60,000 to fund the court lights.

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Fundraising committee member Kim DeMarchi said: “This is huge for Pangbourne! I moved here from the States just before Covid and knew no one.”

“I desperately wanted to make friends and had never played tennis before, but this is now my community and everyone is so lovely.”

Members of the club served friends and family complimentary prosecco from fairy-lit marques as all awaited Tim Henman’s imminent arrival. The star drove up to the club and was greeted by the committee.

Attendees flocked around Mr Henman as he signed children’s rackets and tennis balls. “it’s a great setup,” he said to committee members before asking a group of excited children “How’s your game girls?”

The Chronicle spoke directly with Tim Henman who said: “This is a great opportunity for the club, it can reach more people and they can also play longer hours. Tennis is not cheap, this is such an important investment.”

Everyone gathered around the lightbox and Kim DeMarchi addressed the crowd. She said: “You all said we want court lighting, and it’s been a year and we came full circle.”

“Quiz nights, raffles, the tennis ball, all brought more and more money in. We also want to thank local Pangbourne businesses that have helped.”

Mr Henman then flipped the switch and after a few moments, the pitch was fully illuminated. Everyone cheered and flowers were presented to Kim DeMarchi. Several players then took to the court to play a celebratory game of tennis.

Team captain Amanda Holland said: “We’re a real community club with no hierarchy, everyone finds their own level. We also want to thank the LTA, they support us in all kinds of ways.”