A North Yorkshire farming family has diversified its business with the opening of two new padel courts at Poplars Farm in Ferrensby.
Andy and Ione Cumming, whose family has farmed the site since the 1950s, launched HG5 Padel in July after deciding to turn part of the farm into a community sporting hub.
The new courts have already welcomed players from Ferrensby and surrounding villages, as well as people travelling from Boroughbridge, Knaresborough and Harrogate.
The couple were inspired to launch the venture after trying padel themselves with friends and taking a lesson.
Ione Cumming said the idea came to her while driving past another farm-based padel facility near Sutton on the Forest.
She said:
“We really loved it.
"Then one day I was driving past the Padel Farm in Sutton on the Forest and thought, we could do this!”
The Cummings have explored a number of diversification opportunities over the years.
Poplars Farm was a dairy farm until 2016 and has since expanded into growing wheat, barley and maize, alongside sheep grazing.
The family also runs Poplars Storage from the site and has opened a purpose-built livery yard, Arkendale Livery, in a former dairy barn.
For Andy, HG5 Padel represents a long-held ambition to create a sporting community on the farm.
He said:
“Creating a sporting community on the farm had always been a pipe dream and now with HG5 Padel it has become a reality!”
The club is offering coaching sessions, private lessons and fixtures, with two experienced coaches already working with players.
Andy is also planning to train as a coach to help run beginner classes.
The new venture has attracted a mix of players, with the owners saying they have been particularly pleased to see people of different ages using the courts, including young parents bringing their babies along.
Following the soft launch, HG5 Padel will hold an official opening event on Saturday 19th September.
Andy said:
“We have been delighted with the mix of people using the courts, from different age groups to young parents bringing babies.
“We are learning on the job, but the feedback has been really positive. It’s been a great start, and we feel very excited to keep growing the offering here at the farm.”
More information about HG5 Padel and its membership options can be found on the club’s website.
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