From: The Racketeer 20, August 1996
The Story of Mapperley Park Tennis Club
Part 13 - The Late '80s: Busy Days
by Chris Weir
Chris Weir makes a final, heroic assault on the club's archives, before taking a well-earned rest.
OVER THE WINTER of 1986-7 the club's membership stood at 220, including juniors, and its finances were in a 'reasonably healthy state.' Courts one and two were re-laid, ready for the summer season, and a third mixed team was established 'to give more people an opportunity to play League tennis.' Coaching was available both for adults and for 8 to 14-year old juniors (through a Prudential Grass Roots coaching scheme organised by Lisa Ostrowsky).
There was an annual jumble sale, a stall on Arnold Market, a barbecue, a Ladies' day in May, an annual dinner and the Club Tournament. In 1987 the club's officers included Alec French (President), Michael Smith (Secretary), Richard Barraclough (Treasurer), Shirley Darlaston (Mixed Match Secretary), Shelagh Playford (Ladies' Match Secretary), Simon Taylor (Men's Match Secretary) and Pat Darlaston (Club Captain), whose match winning ways had become the talk of the club. In addition, on the committee were Geoff Firmin, Jan Hursthouse and Judy Small.
The club was bubbling with ideas: logos for sweatshirts, coaching developments and membership drives. And revolving around all these activities were the club and team matches, with all the League ups and downs, the club evenings, the games that are at the heart of any club.
Yet each club is unique. It has its own history, its own successes and failures, its own personalities and its own club atmosphere. In tying up MPTC's history, up to the late '80s, I'm aware that I have only skimmed the surface and that I've missed out far too much. I'm also aware that I am a relative newcomer to MPTC and that lots of members, who have known the club much longer than myself, must all have their own stories to tell. So, if anyone has the urge to contribute to the club's history, with their version of events - the court is now available.