West Bridgford Tennis Club was founded in 1885. Originally the Club was on Millicent Road, at the junction with Bridgford Road. In 1902 the Club moved to Wilford Lane, close to the river Trent and finally relocated to its current site in 1906.
In 1920 the club became a Company Limited by guarantee (West Bridgford Lawn Tennis Club Limited).
One of the most important steps in the Clubs history followed in the same year, when the Club purchased the site freehold with the aid of loans from members.
At that time the club had 7 grass courts and 4 red shale courts. Interestingly, the shale courts were let to another club known as The Hard Court Club until after WW2.
The 1950's was a struggle for the Club. Annual subscription had been 3 pounds 3 shillings in 1938 and had only risen to 3 pounds 10 shillings by 1960.
There were occasions during the 1950’s when the club was in danger of closing, but the hard work and dedication of the committee members turned this around.
Despite a shortage of members, the men’s first team was consistently successful, often finishing top of the first division of the Nottinghamshire League.
In the 1960’s the Club was more prosperous and in 1965 floodlights were installed on two of the hard courts.
In the 1970’s the annual senior subscription was still in the region of £5.00.
Other clubs had begun to invest in all weather courts and West Bridgford was getting left behind. The Club eventually raised enough funds to re-surface two of the dilapidated shale courts with grey-green grit.
It was with the arrival of an enthusiastic and capable committee in the 1980's that the Club was able to embark upon major new projects of improvements.
First, three new tarmacadam courts were constructed (where the indoor courts are now) followed by the construction, in 1985, of a new brick-built pavilion which was paid for by selling the land which is now the site of the two bungalows separating the club from Little Bounds.
In 1988 the two grey-green grit courts were resurfaced with tarmacadam and their floodlights were renewed.
In 1990 the five remaining grass courts were re-surfaced (three acrylic and two tarmacadam ) and floodlit for the first time.
Improved facilities allowed the Club to increase the annual subscription to a more appropriate level. Membership numbers increased as word got out about the new courts at West Bridgford and a combination of the two meant that, for the first time, the Club was able to pay its way from tennis income.
Anyone remember the jumble sales?
With the appointment of a professional Club Coach in 1990, the coaching programme expanded and as the Club attracted more members, the competitive teams grew in depth and strength.
In 1995 an ambitious Committee raised funding via grants from the National Lottery and Rushcliffe Borough Council as well as a loan from the LTA.
These funds built the new pavilion, 3 indoor courts, changing rooms, gym, meeting room, office and the bar lounge. Opening in 1999, 3 outdoor courts were also re-surfaced with artificial grass, as part of the project, and the old pavilion was demolished, making way for a larger car park.
The 'new' Club - open for 13 hours a day provided opportunity for even more tennis and coaching, attracting even more members.
Today the Club has a membership of approximately 800 members.
It now reaches out to the wider community, not just its members and employs a mangement team and a team of professional coaches. However, this not for profit Club is still run by an elected Committee of dedicated volunteers who have been the driving force over the past 20 years in its growth and development.
Although closed during COVID, the Committee worked hard to ensure the financial security of the Club once reopened.
The Club now has an active Junior and Adult programme and runs many internal and external competitions throughout the year, including the prestigious Club Championships.
Continued development of programmes, social events and facilities are to improve tennis for all members and provide the best possible value for all who use it.
