A TENNIS club which can trace its origins back to 1878 is facing a bleak future and could well close.

An appeal has gone out for new members to help revitalise Newcastle Emlyn & Adpar Tennis Club.

A public meeting was held at Cawdor Hall the end of last year to discuss the club’s future and resurfacing of the courts but appears to have fallen on deaf ears.

The club, which was originally established in the meadows downstream of the River Teifi in Adpar, boasts three courts but they are now falling into disrepair. It was buoyant in the early-mid 2000’s - LTA affiliated - with a membership of around 60, regularly playing matches and with a thriving junior section and coach.

But over recent years interest has significantly declined and now the club has no playing members and looks set to fold.

Only two committee members remain and one of those, Maureen Webley, said: “We are making one last-ditch attempt to try to resurrect the club.

“The club has such a long and proud tradition in the town and it seems so sad that it could all come to an end.

“Back in the day when there were four grass courts and two croquet lawns, the groundsman used a local donkey to pull the courts roller – the mule had to wear leather bootees so as not to damage the turf.

“I can’t believe that in the area around Newcastle Emlyn that there are not people who want to play tennis

“It would be great to see people out on the courts again, no matter what age, enjoying the fresh air and playing the game.

“The courts are getting into a pretty poor state after being resurfaced more than 20 years ago but without a committee or members we cannot apply for grants to upgrade them.

“If we cannot get people interested then the club’s assets will be distributed to the bowls and football club which are all part of the Emlyn Sports Club.”

Anyone interested in helping revitalise the club can go on the Newcastle Emlyn and Adpar Tennis Club Facebook site or email ncetennis@gmail.com