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ABOUT US
BOSTON SPA TENNIS CLUB - HISTORY
The Club was founded as a result of the determination of a small enthusiastic group of tennis players to have accessible tennis courts in Boston Spa. They contacted the Playing Fields Association (PFA) and together approached the Parish Council for help.
Two tennis courts, in grey grit, were constructed on the playing fields and at a Public Meeting, held on 19th April 1966, chaired by Parish Councillor Mrs.North, a tennis club was inaugurated. Following this meeting, a Chairman, Officers and a Committee were elected to form Boston Spa Tennis Club
It is amusing to recall that at the first Committee meeting a problem concerning the gate lock was discussed – nothing changes! Also a suggestion was made that the Terrace Tennis Club might be approached with a view to selling used tennis balls to us – to save expense!!
Over the years, Boston Spa Parish Council, owner of the land on which the Club is situated, has given generous financial help and replacement of fencing for which we are most grateful.
In 1967 the Committee was asked to consider entering a team in the 2nd Division of the Barkston Ash League, our first foray into competition. A tennis coach was appointed to improve the play of our 29 adults and 70 juniors.
In 1970 the PFA provided a ‘Chalet’ pavilion for the exclusive use of club members (toilets didn’t arrive until 1977). Later, the Club broke away from the PFA to manage and maintain the courts themselves.
Our first Dinner Dance was organised in 1971 with tickets costing 15/- (75p) each. This continued as an annual event for some years.
1981 saw the arrival of a much needed third court and the pavilion was ‘electrified’. We also acquired a purpose built barbecue erected by prisoners from Thorp Arch, enabling tournaments to finish in style!
The original grey grit court surface has vastly improved over the years with a variety of surfaces, tarmac, rubber paint and finally, carpet.
The present pavilion was erected in 1989 and, partly by National Lottery funding, we were also able to add the fourth court. We now have four beautifully carpeted courts of which three have the benefit of floodlights.
Since the early days of one team in competition, we now have 4 men’s teams, 3 mixed teams, a ladies team and 3 junior teams out of an approximate membership of 135 adults and 80 juniors. We have an excellent coaching programme, we run social tournaments and the Annual Tournament gives all members the opportunity to compete for a variety of trophies.
2006 saw 40 years of tennis celebrated by a Dinner/Dance and it is hoped that this will become an annual event.
The Committee - 2009
Chairman: Alasdair Rattray
Secretary: VacantMembership Secretary: Julia Green
Match Secretary: Nicola Slater
Junior Match Sec: Richard Widnall
Club Coach: Richard WidnallGeneral Committee:
Margaret Lindley
Bill Squires
Trevor Hughes
Tim Baker