Wimbledon: Sunshine in SW19 heralds start of sport’s golden period

A visit to lift the heart – to the All England Club with some of the students of the City University postgraduate journalism course, as part of a series of sessions with them.

Last summer’s Wimbledon red letter day – 7 July 2013 – has been maintained in aspic there, with the centre court scoreboard stating just what it did the moment Andy Murray sank to his knees: 4-6, 5-7, 4-6.

The place was buzzing with industry. They’re currently re-laying the loose stone on which the Court 14 and 15 turf will be placed next summer, following their excavation to create basement space, much of it for the vast photographic core. The sun was up, glittering on the Fred Perry statue, and there was a heady reminder – with the clocks going forward next Sunday – that the finest part of the sporting year is only just up ahead.