History of MPTC
Basic facts
For links to more detailed accounts see the Archive section below or menu left.
1903 Northern part of Mapperley Hall estate released for building.
1906 Site acquired by John Dane Player.
by 1912 Four grass courts and pavilion used by Mapperley Hall Croquet Club.
1922 Land sold to James H. Shipstone.
1923 Club formed by enthusiasts led by Charles Sanderson and Arthur G. Dickins. Two courts. Shipstone first president.
by 1932 Private court acquired for club.
1937 Good quality hard court laid, cost £500.
1939 War starts, club stays open, used by servicemen stationed nearby.
1946 Men's and ladies' teams entered in 'temporary' post-war leagues. Influx of members from Victoria LTC.
1947 Full Notts leagues restart, MPTC play as Victoria until 1949.
1948 Robert Pullman secretary until 1972.
1950 Ownership of club secured, thanks to president, S. J. Browne.
1952 Men runners-up in Division 1.
1954 Fourth court acquired.
1955 Membership rises to 91 when 28 join from Clumber LTC.
1961 Team entered in new Mixed League.
1980 First all-weather courts laid.
1984 Record high of 257 members.
1993 The Racketeer launched.
1994 New clubhouse opened by Jack Britton.
1998 Floodlights 'opened' by Jeremy Bates.
The Archive
- The Mapperley Park Tennis Club Robert Pullman
-- The first account of the club's history, written for the Notts LTA Handbook 1961. - The Story of Mapperley Park Tennis Club Chris Weir
-- Monumental 13-part opus. - The Concise History of MPTC Andy Lusis
- The Prehistory of MPTC Andy Lusis
-- What happened before the club was formed. - Seventy Years Ago Andy Lusis
-- The discovery of the oldest known photo of the club (above), taken in 1932. - Court in Time Vince Selke
-- The story of the Men's B team. - A Publishing Phenomenon Andy Lusis
-- Celebrating the fiftieth issue of The Racketeer. - Tennis Clubs in and Around Mapperley Park Andy Lusis
-- An area with a wealth of tennis history.