With Wimbledon in full swing – I decided to take up the long placed offer of visiting Crosshill Tennis Club – one of the oldest tennis clubs in the region.

It’s 12:30pm on a Sunday and I am struggling to find the entrance to the club, when I finally do - it’s down a long alley. From sharp instructions of a coach I feel assured it’s the right direction.

I am surprised as the alley leads to a rather unexpected area of green and red. Waqar Hussain, the current chair, calls out and walks towards me as I approach the pavilion.

We watch an old couple slowly make their way to the club. Finally after they arrive, Waqar in now familiar style greets them. “The name is Paterson” informs the man, “I used to be a member of the club”.

They exchange names of past members but no connections are made and I can sense the confusion.

After a walk in the pavilion Mr Paterson invites us both in - pointing to the honour boards “there you are” he says “XX Paterson , team captain 1966”.

He was a member nearly 40 years ago! Waqar retells of a trophy arrived in the post from the son of a past member who was the singles champion is 1948!

Liz who has been taking a group of ten under eights is ready to take the next group. There is a cacophony of noise as it becomes apparent this is a weekly event eagerly anticipated by the children.

Muhib explains, “I used to play tennis myself and wanted my son Jawaaid to experience a different sport other that the football and cricket. The club has now a good coach and it’s nearby so I thought why not”.

Tariq father of Hashim and Hira agreed but added “I want Hashim to play competitive tennis and coaching is essential if he is to have any chance.”

“He simply enjoys it” Kulsum says of her son Khalil aged eight.

As I leave the club it feels like having witnessed something strangely poetic –the past and the future of this old institution in serendipitous moment. I feel as if I had experienced a faded part of Blackburn’s history - hidden like a lost island and at the same time I saw process of rejuvenation and hope.

For more information or to register your child at the club please contact Waqar Hussain on 0781 458 9090 after 7pm or email info@crosshilltennis.co.uk. For further detail please go to crosshilltennis.co.uk.