GNOWANGERUP TENNIS CLUB

Tennis was played in Gnowangerup as early as 1913, and players were known to visit Tambellup and Katanning. In July 1921 a meeting of the Gnowangerup Tennis Club was held at the Baptist Church and by August that year and it was reported "a site for a court had been secured in Denny St opposite the secretarys, Mr Rogers residence".

TENNIS COURTS ON DENNY STREET 1920c                   #1

The opening of the Gnowangerup Tennis Club was held on 15th October 1921, when the patron, Mr. R. B. Davies, officially declared the courts open for the season. These were the first tennis courts and were situated near the creek line in the area of Denny Street.

Playing on earthen courts and the opening set was between Dr House (patron) Dr and Mrs Bateman and Miss Wisher. A handicap competition was played which resulted in a tie between V. McDonald and N. Stewart and in the ladies' division Mrs. Moffat was the winner.

Apart from the office-bearers mentioned above. Dr. Boyd and Mr. W. Cuneo were elected vice-presidents at the annual general meeting; Mr. V. McDonald, captain; Mr. T. Hams, vice-captain; Mr. J. Dyson, secretary; and Messrs. T. Graham, G. Royal and H. Paynter committee.

Mrs. Heppell was elected ladies' captain. Miss V. Head vice captain, Mrs. N. P. Davis, secretary; and Mesdames Boyd. Anderson and Miss P. Davies, committee.

The courts and the pavillion were almost completely washed away in floods c1940, with only a few posts remaining. A large box of club cutlery was found some time later, having been washed 6 miles down the creek, but only 2 cups were broken. It seems the box filling with mud cushioned the contents!

In 1949 the first grassed court in the Great Southern District were constructed at the new tennis club site north from the Bowling Club. Originall it was watered from the town dam.
In 1999 the Tennis Club held a 50 years Reunion at the tennis clubhouse for past and present members. One of the founding members, Tom Hams, spoke about the early days of the club.
 

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References:                 Article:      The Gnowangerup Star Newspaper
                                                 Glen Oliver

                                  Image:     1       Gordon Freegard Collection

Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2023