Ilmington Tennis Club, Founded 1949.
A brief history of Ilmington Tennis Club by Dick Shurey.
In 1949 a few enthusiasts from Ilmington played now and then on a grass court at York Farm, there was of course no playing field then.
In 1950, meadow farm land was purchased in
Mickleton Road with funds raised under the leadership of
Mr P. J. Jewsbury. The idea was to create a playing field for the residents of
Ilmington. Part of the field was allocated for two grass courts (where the skate
board ramp is now).
Preparation of the courts is begun and a Tennis club committee was formed under the chairmanship of Brigadier J Nicholl.
Despite enthusiastic work throughout the summer - including a lot of rolling after heavy rains - play could not start although subs. were fixed at 5 Shillings (25p in today's money).
In May 1951, posts and surrounding netting were erected. On May 12th the courts were officially opened by Mrs Jewsbury (who with her husband continued to be magnificently generous and staunch supporters over many of the early years of the club).
In the same year (1951) the playing field was officially opened.
The social side of the club was especially strong over many decades. There was for example, often three very popular dances a year in the village hall always with a real live band! It is reported that Mr & Mrs Jewsbury gave dancing lessons. By June 1951 there were 34 senior members and 17 juniors. (No juniors were allowed under 13 years old).
Within two months the courts were closed until the following year because of wear & tear on the new grass. Whist drives were a popular form of fund raising. In 1955 estimates were obtained from En-tout-cas for laying a hard court; the costs were too high.
In 1956 the new pavilion was officially opened by
Mr & Mrs Jewsbury. In May 1957 the courts were closed because of drought.
1958 was a mixed year - there was a 'quick step competition' which was 'worth
the effort'. The accounts recorded a loss of 5 Shillings on the year and the
chairman said the members should 'pull together for a happier year'.
The committee complained that the grounds man had not spent enough time on the
courts and the arguments over the courts resulted in arguments at the 1959 AGM.
The Bowling Club wanted permission to play on the grass courts - the request was turned down. Subs. now 7/6p (outsiders15/-). A barbeque was held and 'Mr Taylor's offer of a gramophone and records for the event was accepted.
1960 and the courts were well used but the dancing declined but in 1962 a supper dance at the village hall (band cost 10gns) was an 'overwhelming success'. There were 150 expected at the 1963 dance. Mike Empson resigned as grounds man.
More to follow.