about us
About beacon park tennis
Mission Statement:
Our mission as Beacon Park Tennis charity is to serve up a sustainable tennis facility in the heart of Lichfield which is accessible to the entire community.
Through a series of low-cost, first-class facilities and both free and paid coaching-led sessions, we are promoting tennis, fun and encouraging people from all walks of life to be healthy through initiatives like Tennis For Free.
Beacon Park has enjoyed tennis courts for over 100 years.
It was our goal to extend the longevity of this facility via a programme to resurface the courts to allow this ‘jewel in the crown’ feature of our Cathedral City to be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come.
Now the courts have been fully resurfaced, we have a top-class, multi-sport facility for everyone to enjoy for many years to come.
Message from our Chairperson
“We are excited to have this opportunity to take on the tennis courts at Beacon Park. Our mission is to serve up a sustainable tennis facility in the heart of Lichfield which is accessible to the entire community.
“Through a series of low-cost, first-class facilities and free coaching-led sessions, we look forward to promoting tennis and encouraging people from all walks of life to be healthy through the Tennis For Free initiative.”
Meet our Beacon Park Trustees
Phil Shaw
Chairperson
Sales and Marketing professional working in the food industry.
Skills brought to the project: Experience in building businesses, sales and marketing, organising and leading teams.
Lichfield resident that had forgotten about tennis for 20 years.
Now playing twice per week as a result of the Tennis For Free Charity.
Steve Clarke
Secretary
IT Manager working in the utility industry. Skills in project: Programme, service and contract management.
Lichfield resident, restarted tennis through the Tennis For Free programme for my kids, now playing again regularly too!
The trustees will work with a steering group of stakeholder including Lichfield District Council Leisure Team and the Lawn Tennis Association.
Katarina Obranovic O’Dell
Booking and Events Manager
Working as a government and public sector professional. Skills brought to the project: Event organisation, communications and people skills.
Level 3 tennis coach. Started playing tennis at the age of five and completed a four-year tennis school in Slovenia, focussing on motor skills development and learning about the game of tennis.
Played at a competitive level, including ITF circuit.
Henrietta Bates
Treasurer
Former Commercial Banking Manager and now working part-time as a Finance Manager in the PR and marketing sector, Level 2 Netball Coach and Co-founder of Lichfield Spires Netball Club.
Henrietta is a huge advocate for netball in the area and is passionate about encouraging fitness, building confidence and creating a great social environment for girls and ladies through netball.
Sarah Tolley
Welfare Officer
Operations Manager working in the public transport industry.
Skills brought to the project: Extensive experience in contract, performance and stakeholder management.
Project management and policy development for high profile business transformation projects.
I started playing tennis again with my daughter during lockdown when outdoor exercise was permitted.
I had forgotten just how much fun it is and I am now playing tennis at least twice a week as a result of the Tennis for Free Charity and the wonderful facilities at Beacon Park Tennis.
James Broomfield
Operations Officer
A Lichfield resident who's returned to tennis, after a long break, through the Tennis for Free programme, now playing whenever I get the chance.
I work full time for a local company in a technical role.
Skills in project: Problem Solving, Systems Admin and a willingness to lend a hand.
Tom Slater
Community Officer
I’ve been the Head Tennis Coach of Beacon Park Courts since 2021.
I’ve played tennis since I was 10 years old and coached and played ever since!
My aim with the Park has always to get as many people playing tennis as possible whatever the standard. Things like Tennis for Free and group coaching has got people started on the program at the court.
I help organise events and social at the Park to increase the participation in tennis at the courts.
