Beckenham Tennis Club is celebrating one hundred years since its founding in 1923. The club held events in September to celebrate the milestone.
Centenary event details
A fun afternoon at the clubrooms, including some tennis, a catch-up and reminiscing, and sharing of old photos and memories. Some members dressed in 1920s style for tennis and played with some older-style rackets.
In the evening the celebrations culminated with dinner at The Cashmere Club. Speakers shared their memories and photos from the past were displayed. It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and players.
From the Archives
In the clubrooms, sometime back in the 2000s
Building the Volley Wall, December 7th 1957
Still standing solid, 65 years later. Subjects unknown
Photo: 1920s, exact date unknown
In this image we see the Club Captain Jimmy Morris (his back to the camera) and Club President Mr Maxwell behind him. The Port Hills in the background appear to have no houses on them, and Sugarloaf has no visible TV or Radio transmitter . The reverse of the photo identifiies some the of the Subjects:
Jimmy Morris captain
Mr Maxwell President
Ken McGraw [?] Ted Fancy[?]
Miss Phylis [?]
Mrs [?]
Mrs [?]
A Passionate Letter to The Editor (1929)
We don't know in which newspaper or journal this letter was published, possibly The Christchurch Press or The Christcurch Star.
The letter writer expresses an opinion that Beckenham Tennis Club should not be allowed to expand the number of courts at Beckenham Park (in addition to the existing 4 courts we still play on today).
Tennis has long had a reputation as being a sport reserved for only the rich and powerful in society, as referenced in Mr McAllister's letter -
... fenced in for a chosen few
There is also an insinuation of political corruption within council that granting the application might be "fishing for votes ".
Here in 2023 it should go without saying that the fences are there to keep the balls inside the courts, not to keep people out.
We welcome anyone who would like to join our club and share in the great game of tennis. Take on a new challenge, stay fit, or just have some fun games with our awesome members - join
Correspondence with Norman Kirk MP 1968, 1969
In 1968 the club applied for a Golden Kiwi (Lottery) Grant for $1000 to build a new pavillion (our current club rooms).
In August of 1968 the club was notified by MP Norman Kirk that application for a Golden Kiwi Grant would be held up untill the next financial year due to the volume of applications.
The grant was finally appoved in 1969, and the message was sent by telegram, from the office of Norman Kirk, then Leader of the Opposition. "Big Norm" would go on to become Prime Minister in December of 1972.