As part of the celebration of its centenary, Rye Lawn Tennis Club’s publication, Rye Lawn Tennis Club 1922-2022, tells the story of the growth of the club and its annual invitation tournament using club records, letters, tournament programme notes, articles, photographs and personal recollections.
From its beginnings in 1922 on the site of a brewery and with 8 grass courts and a croquet lawn, the club now has 8 high quality grass courts, 3 hard courts, 2 padel courts, 2 squash courts, a croquet lawn, table tennis tables and an expanded and improved clubhouse. Having purchased adjacent land, there are plans for developing indoor courts to enable play in all weathers and seasons. Set on the outskirts of Rye next to the tidal River Rother, it has become one of the leading tennis clubs in south-east England and is a Community Amateur Sports Club run by its members.
As Chris Gorringe, President of the club states in the Forward: “A tennis club is not defined by its wins and losses on court but by the quality and character of its members.”
It is these people, that Jonathan Jempson celebrates in his chapter: the committee members, trustees, groundsmen, caterers and bar staff, coaching team, members and players and many others who have contributed to the growth and success of the club from its inception. By using the memories of members (and his own), he captures the vision, energy and enthusiasm that has been such a part of the continuing development of the club.
Robert Dolman, Board Member and Honorary Assistant Referee writes about the history of the Annual Invitation Tennis Tournament whose popularity has grown over the course of its 100 years, due to its “special atmosphere and ethos; there are no umpires, no prizes, the winner is still expected to buy his defeated opponent a drink after the match and all are welcome irrespective of standard”. As well as mentioning competitors and officials, Robert Dolman recognizes the help of the catering team, those organizing the draws and matches and others who volunteer to make the tournament a success. Few tennis clubs have grass courts and Rye’s grass courts are some of the country’s finest: the infamous “Rye bounce” has been eliminated due to the skill of the groundsmen.
For past, present and future members, this book, with its personal accounts will serve as an enjoyable reminder of happy times at the club and is a tribute to the many characters who have been involved in its history.
Copies are available to purchase at the bar at a cost of £10.
The Club’s programme of events to celebrate its centenary continue with a Centenary Open Day on August 23, with Tim Henman and Dan Bloxham – a family fun day with a chance to be coached by Tim and Dan. Open to members and non-members. Book at www.ryetennisandsquashclub.org.uk
On Saturday, December 3rd at 7pm is an Opera Concert featuring alumni of the Jette Parker Young Artists Section of the Royal Opera House at Rye Creative Centre, New Road, Rye. Tickets are £50 each to include wine, soft drinks, canapes and programmes. Contact Jonathan Jempson je@jempsons.co.uk
Image Credits: Rye Lawn Tennis Club .