FROM the very humble beginnings in 1955 when tennis in Ulladulla was played on a private court at Yatte Yattah to 60 years on in 2015, the contribution of devoted and passionate volunteers has been manifested in the magnificent 12-court tennis complex we have today.
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A gradual progression through the years saw tennis being played on four private courts plus two asphalt courts in Green Street, where the bowling club greens are now.
But such was the mercurial rise of tennis in Australia back in the 60s and 70s, when the tennis committee of the time recognised the need to develop a central tennis complex to cater for their growing membership.
In 1978, Shoalhaven City Council was approached and various sites were considered before the current Warden Street was agreed on.
Initially, four plexipave courts were erected, with lighting and fencing, by the hard-earned sweat of many volunteers and contractors.
Great social nights, around a 44 gallon drum fire and makeshift toilets were had, and by 1982 it was decided a clubhouse with facilities were needed.
The volunteers deserve great accolades for making this occur and amazingly the building is still standing some 33 years later.
With prudent management, the association was able to change to synthetic grass courts with a view to extending the life expectancy of the average tennis players’ legs.
By 2015 the tennis complex has grown to a 12-court complex with landscaping and a children’s playground and is a facility the envy of many regional and suburban centres throughout NSW.
With the growth of the centre, the tennis club is now able to host prestigious Tennis Australia tournaments attracting quality players who can accumulate ranking points on their way to the top.
On Saturday, August 8 the tennis club will host a dinner/dance to celebrate its 60 year anniversary. This will be held at the Ulladulla ExServos Club and all past members, champions and committee persons are invited to attend.
For further details contact Val Crook on 4454 4160, 0408 322 354 or email valcrook@bigpond.com.
On the weekend of the July 11 to 13 the club will be running the Ulladulla Bronze Tennis Tournament.
This is a mid level event for experienced tournament players who have competed at least at White level.
It is open to boys and girls aged 16, 14, and 12 years of age with selected tournaments also catering for 18s.
Players will be coming from all over the state and Canberra to play in this event.
All members are welcome to come along and watch the future players with some top level junior players pushing their skills at this great event.
All members, the club will be running a canteen all weekend so anyone who could help with time or cakes/slices to sell please contact Pauline on 0417 686 028.
On Sunday, July 26 a Medibank Junior Development Series tournament will be held.
This is part of a series of round-robin tournaments for beginner to intermediate standard of player. Ages for boy and girls 10 to 17 years as at December 31, 2015.
All junior members are encouraged to play this event as it’s great to play against new players and the more tennis you play the better you become at this fun sport.
Competitors acquire points for each tournament they play and can become eligible to compete at the end of the series in the champion of champions tournament, followed by the state final.
Entries close July 21.
For details and entry forms see Keith Bonser or phone 0417 437 006.
NO ladies competition will be played on Monday, July 13 as the committee are running junior tournament.
All players are most welcome to come along and watch and any members who could help in the canteen or donate cakes or slices to sell would be most welcome.
For those who can help in the canteen please contact Pauline P. on 0417 686 028.
Would you like to play tennis? If so, these are our current organised competition and social groups, anyone with enquiries should phone any of these people.
Monday Ladies Comp - Pauline 4454 1495, Monday Night Mixed Comp - Steve 0406 765 992, Tuesday morning mixed social - Lynne 4455 3369, Wednesday Morning Mixed Social - Clubhouse 4455 4593, Thursday Night Ladies Comp - Sue 4455 3189, Friday morning mixed social - Pam 44541759, Saturday afternoon social - Pam 4455 2358 or Jan 4455 3574, Saturday Morning Junior Comp - Keith 0417 437 006. Saturday Morning Beginners group - contact club coach Luke 0420 976 696.
