Tennis club keen to connect history

MEMBERS of Bannockburn Tennis Club are looking to bring their past and present players together.

Later this year, the group will host their Back to Bannockburn Tennis Club event with the aim of connecting their community and celebrating their history.

“Bannockburn Tennis Club has a long and proud history with so many amazing tennis players being involved over many years,” said club secretary Rachael Le Maitre.

“The first premiership photo in the clubroom dates back to 1953. So many years have passed, and a lot of people from the club haven’t been to the new clubrooms which has been here for 10 years.”

With morning tea provided, attendees can also bring their racquets to have a social hit out on the courts.

“We’re also thinking of maybe getting together some of the people in those photos of teams that’ve won premierships for another photo,” Ms Le Maitre said.

Lyle Stephens, who was one of the players in the club’s 1953/54 premiership team, will be among the past players in attendance.

Initially part of the Bannockburn and District Tennis Association between 1937 and 1997, the club briefly amalgamated with Geelong and District Churches Tennis Association before joining Tennis Geelong in 2008.

Ms Le Maitre said she’s keen for more people to get involved in the event.

“My grandma and grandpa are in that premiership photo as well so obviously the club holds a special place in my heart but there’s so many other people with similar connections,” she said.

“It’s at least three generations of families up on the board.

“We’d love to try and get as many past and present players and their families together to share some special memories and celebrate our great club.”

Members are also looking to build their junior teams for the summer season with an information event on Sunday 18 August from 2pm.

The Back to Bannockburn Tennis Club event will run from 10am to 12pm on Saturday 5 October.