Jan 2013 - Social - Real Tennis, Cambridge, meet 5.50pm

Ten members plus guests came along and had great fun trying out this intriguing game. We are so lucky to live near to these two rare courts. The playing areas of the asymmetrical court includes walls, floor, netted galleries, penthouses, an awkward corner (tambour) and a comfortable watching gallery. The three professionals who look after the courts are very keen, patient and approachable and spent loads of time explaining the rules and techniques of how to play.

The racquet game was originally developed in France in the 16th century from a game of handball and was a favourite of King Henry VIII. There are courts at Hampton Court and 43 other sites around England, more than in France. The balls are all hand made nowadays and play more like baseball than tennis. The rules are quite unique and include one that says that depending on where a ball bounces a second time decides on the playing area of the court for the next shot!

We were very interested to know that the club is open to anyone who would like to play and has a wide variety of members including business people, school age children, men and women, retired and student members.

http://www.curtc.net/

Many thanks from us all to Terry for arranging a great evening.