Colston Tennis Club
If anyone has any old photographs or memories of Colston Tennis Club, do email them to editor@parishpump.net and they can be included on this page
TENNIS, TENNIS, BEAUTIFUL TENNIS...
Nick Goodenough, of Broadwell, writes:
Exercise is so important, and sport is predicted to come roaring back when lockdown ends, no more so than at Colston, Broadwell's very own Tennis Club.
Colston had its first meeting in the grounds of Filkins Hall on 4 May 1896. For £15 p.a., the Club rented part of the grounds including a cottage and some outbuildings so that members would have somewhere to stable their horses whilst playing tennis.
In 1911 Colston moved to its present site in Broadwell, courtesy of Squire Fox of Bradwell Grove and in 1921 his Executors sold the land to the Club for £100. Apart from breaks for two world wars, the Club has enjoyed an unbroken 125-year history, quite an achievement for a small private club in a rural location.
The Club has about 150 members of all ages, currently ranging from 14 to 71. Most of the other local clubs require their members to book a court but that is not necessary at Colston where, once lockdown has ended, members are almost guaranteed to find a court free whenever they wish to play. In fact, we would welcome new members as, with six hard courts, there is capacity for all.
Three of the courts have recently been resurfaced and are looking terrific. The floodlighting is currently being improved and the work is scheduled to have been completed by the time we go to press, so it will be possible to play in the evening all year round.
The Club plays an important part in the life of many of its members and has regular club nights and other opportunities to play with other members. Tennis coaching is available and there is also an opportunity to play competitive team tennis against other clubs in local leagues.
If you are interested in joining the Club, membership details and forms can be found on the club website which is linked from 'Who, what, where' / 'Our Friends in The Land' in the menu above.
Some of the great facilities at Colston Tennis Club