Hinckley Town Tennis Club originated from the Outwoods Lawn Tennis Club which was first
formed in the 1920’s taking its name from its first headquarters but which
ceased to exist shortly before the war. It was re-formed in 1959 when four hard
courts were restored for use. Mr
Neville Smith was appointed secretary (and, subsequently, to give 35 years’
service to the club). The first subs.
were set at £1.50 per year.
After establishing themselves, the club joined the
Leicestershire League in 1961 – originally with teams of just one men’s doubles
and one mixed doubles. In the same
year, a coaching scheme with tuition by Mr Neville Smith commenced for
youngsters aged 12-16 with great success and it is with immense pride that
junior coaching is still flourishing.
The future was in jeopardy when, in 1964, the land was
sold for building, but the new owner allowed the club to continue until the
land (now known as Elm Tree Drive) was needed. As this could not last, the club approached the trustees of the then new
Leicester Road Sports Ground who were agreeable for the continuance of the club
there – with room for three hard courts initially and a further one if
required. The cost of the facilities
was estimated at £3,500/£4,000. Although some grants were given by the LTA and Ministry of Education and
Science, it was agreed that the bulk of the money would have to be ‘worked for’
– including jumble sales, carol singing, whist drives, a fashion show and other
social events – and so it was that in 1969 the new courts were constructed by F
E Downes Ltd. and En-Tout-Cas Ltd. Bridging the gap between the Outwoods and Leicester Road, courts at the
old Grammar School playing fields, opposite the entrance to Hinckley Golf Club,
became the club’s temporary home for about two years.
A highlight of the President’s Day in 1973 was the
opening of a new pavilion donated by vice-president, Mr Frank Downes, who,
together with his wife and family, unveiled a plaque of dedication. The building of the pavilion provided
changing alcoves and refreshment area, together with a boarded surround to the
club giving privacy and a lawned play/picnic spot added considerably to the
facilities.
Since those days, the club has gone from strength to
strength providing its members with four hard courts. Various extensions to the
clubhouse over the years, by dedicated members of the club, have supplied
kitchen facilities, toilets, shower, changing rooms.
The clubhouse windows were double-glazed in 2007 and
court 4 was resurfaced in the Spring of 2008.
