As written by late Peter Thomson, Life Member, for the opening of the new Lynfield Tennis Clubhouse in April 2001 (See Full Club History).

President's speech from the 50th anniversary celebration on 19 February 2023.

The Beginning

Lynfield Association carried out a Poll of the Lynfield Area and found that a Tennis Club was the most supported facility for the district. Peter Thomson was requested by councillor Graeme Wilson to join the committee of the Lynfield Association to provide the knowledge of a Tennis Club operation.

1970
Council (Mt Roskill Borough then) agreed to lease the site in The Avenue to the Lynfield Association. All Households in the area were called on soliciting $10 per house to become members of the Lynfield Community Centre (at that time non-existent). At the same time they were asked to indicate whether they would join themselves or their children if a Tennis Club was formed.

July 1971
A public meeting was called and held at the church hall in The Avenue. A steering committee, chaired by Peter Thomson, was elected to facilitate the formation of a tennis club.

July – December 1971
Planning and fund raising took place over the next few months and in the meantime the Club got under way by using courts at the Waikowhai Intermediate School. Council gave a grant for $5,000 from the Lynfield Reserve Fund. Through the good offices of Ian Gough* and his employers, the Downer Corporation, the planning earthworks and laying of the first four courts was completed by 24th December 1971 and the Club moved on site in January 1972. Council provided the small shed (still there) for a clubhouse.

The original shed

Hospital Ward Buildings

New clubroom

1972
The Club affiliated with Auckland Lawn Tennis Association.

1975
The Club became an Incorporated Society. The Club continued to be a subsidiary of the Lynfield Association for the first few years but was granted a separate lease of the land in its own right in the end. The Club purchased two ward buildings from the old Cornwall Hospital, renovated and converted them to a pavilion – great rejoicing – we even had toilets!

1976
Work commenced on fund raising for two more courts.

1977
Two extra courts built. For the years from 1971 – 1977 we received grants from the Mt Roskill Borough Council for varying amounts up to $5000. Part of the initial fund raising in 1971 for $1000 was for the clearing of the passive reserve (The Avenue playground etc) under a contract awarded to the Club by the Council.

Clubroom Replacement

1990’s
Unfortunately the Council was not impressed with our ward building clubroom as we were and they were condemned. Serious fund raising commenced and it was out with the old and in with the new.

The clubroom gone!  

Packing phone books to raise funds

We shifted ourselves to the Community Hall while the building work was being done and luckily Santa managed to find us there. The midweek ladies put on one of their magnificent spreads for Christmas.

New clubroom completed

Celebration and VIPs to open new clubroom.

The Club would like to pay tribute to:

• Ian Gough who passed away 11 November 2005 aged 65 at his home in Adelaide. His efforts for the club will always be remembered.
• Peter Thomson who passed away in February 2023.  His efforts in making the Tennis Club a reality, and for putting together this excellent history of the early years.
• Anne Morgan for her fantastic photographic record of club history and events in more recent times.

Tennis Court Resurfacing

As result of the Auckland flooding event in January 2023, 4 tennis courts, clubroom kitchen and carpet were damaged.  Repairs and resurfacing was completed in December 2023.

LED Lighting and Light Pole replacement

Courts 5 & 6 were replaced with LED lightning in Sep-2024.  2 lights poles on the side of Court 4 had rusted at the base, with 1 collapsing and leaning on the fence. Both were replaced in Nov-2024 and all lamps replaced in the process.