From: The Racketeer 6, March 1994
The Story of Mapperley Park Tennis Club
Part 2 - Halcyon Days and War Clouds
by Chris Weir
Chris Weir finds the early years of the club to be not well documented, and shows how the War disrupted tennis at Mapperley Park.
TENNIS IN NOTTINGHAM during the twenties was never more popular. Clubs appeared all over the city and a major boost to the sport came with the laying out of Highfields tennis courts, in the mid-20s, as part of Jesse Boot's University development. Indeed Jesse Boot took a particular interest, both in the construction and maintenance of the courts, even taking a hand in the appointment of a groundsman. In a letter to the University Registrar, he wrote: 'In the first place you will need a good groundsman who understands tennis to look after al the tennis courts and bowling greens - the 24 hard courts will be in use all year round and will consequently require constant attention.'
At Mapperley Park, these were halcyon days. The three grass courts, one later replaced by an 'en-tout-cas' hard court, were in constant use. On endless summer days enthusiastic members of every age and ability gathered at the edge of play, eagerly awaiting their turn on court. The 'gentlemen' were attired in long white trousers and white shirts, with short-sleeved pullovers to hand in case the later evening air turned chilly, while the 'ladies' graced the courts with pleated skirts and blouses - all prepared to do battle with wooden rackets. At the end of tournaments there was a slap-up tea and the presentation of cups and trophies, and an abundance of post-match good-hearted banter. But, yes, you've guessed, I'm really making most of this up! Unfortunately the club's oldest surviving minute book only starts in 1941. On its first page it is stated that: 'No minutes of Meetings prior to May 1941 appear to have been preserved (signed G.A. Rendle, Club. Sec. and Treasurer)'.
However, in May 1941 MPTC enters the realms of recorded history. The first minutes date from the 3rd May, when a 5.30 p.m. meeting was attended by the chairman, Mr. Dugard; Hon. Secretary, Miss Richmond; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Rendle; and committee members: Mrs. Mellors, Mrs. Rendle, Miss Domleo and Mr. Cobb. The War understandably overshadowed the proceedings. The first minute taken recorded that Miss Richmond was obliged to take over the secretarial post, as Mr. Watson, the previous holder, had 'resigned owing to war duties'.
In 1941 the membership stood at only 29 'playing members', 3 'walking members' and 2 'junior members' - 18 members were serving with the forces. The treasurer reported a balance of '£8 in hand'. It was further noted that, 'In view of the difficulties of war-time catering, it was agreed that members should bring their own tea'. The next meeting took place on the 13th September, when Mr. (Jack) Britton - already making his presence felt! - enquired as to whether the club could be kept open during the winter. It was duly recorded that 'the Club be kept open for winter tennis', and a winter subscription of 25 shillings was levied, with a concession for service members. In addition, following a suggestion by Mr. Britton, 'a list of rules and members' was to be kept on the club's notice board.
Throughout the war period it proved difficult to acquire enough tennis balls to permit normal play, and from the autumn of 1942 most balls were 'reconditioned'. These were inevitably hard years for the club, but by the 1946 season it was once again possible to look to the future, and a new, 'go-ahead' committee quickly got down to work. The committee consisted of Mr. Rendle, serving as both secretary and treasurer, with Mr. Britton, Mr. Coulishaw, Mrs Ferneyhough and Miss Bosworth. Other members present were Mr. Gerram, Miss Gaunt, Mr. (Robert) Pullman, Mr. O'Kane and Mr. Mitchell. The Committee soon got things moving. Sub-committees were appointed 'Matches' and 'Grounds, Teas & the Pavilion'. Mr. Ferneyhough was appointed match captain, along with men's and women's match secretaries. In addition, arrangements were made to accept temporary members, at 15 shillings a month, and to relax the restriction on the number of under-16 members. Mr. Pullman, who, like Jack Britton, is another of our earliest members, proposed that the committee apply for membership of the League. This was seconded by Mr. O'Kane and passed. Mapperley Park was back in competitive tennis.
From May 1946 a Mr. Birchall was appointed groundsman, at the flat rate of £2 1d 0s a week. Mapperley Park Tennis Club had come through a difficult time, but it was now back in business, with a busy schedule of matches, tournaments and other events.