DESPITE the battering from Storm Gareth this week, there’s an undeniable hint of spring in the air in Helensburgh – and with it thoughts are turning to the start of the summer tennis season at Craighelen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.

The club is holding an open day on Saturday, March 23, giving visitors a chance to join in a range of sporting activities on offer.

There will be children’s squash, ladies’ tennis and fitness classes, from 10-11am followed by children’s tennis and general cub play sessions in both tennis and squash, from 11am – all free of charge for the day.

The club has three ladies’ teams and two men’s teams entered in the West of Scotland Tennis Leagues, and the 55+ ladies and men’s teams will soon begin their spring knockout competitions, starting on March 24 for the ladies and March 31 for the men – both against Titwood in the first round.

Club nights are on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year and social play also happens every Sunday afternoon, all sessions having a happy, friendly feel to them, with players of all standards made most welcome.

The squash match season is drawing to a close, with the Club Championships in full swing. The finals of all three events – ladies’ singles, men’s singles and junior singles – will take place from 2pm onwards at next Saturday’s open day.

The club also offers racketball sessions, with club nights on Fridays from 4-6pm.

Club squash sessions take place on Fridays from 6pm and on Saturdays from 3-5pm.

Prospective new members are always welcome. For further details just come along to the club or visit craighelen.com.