Tennis club serves up big catch-up

PAST and current members of the Bannockburn Tennis Club community came together on Sunday to celebrate the group’s history.

With morning tea provided, attendees were invited to catch-up and reminisce about the club and have a social game out on the courts.

Bannockburn Tennis Club secretary Rachael Le Maitre said the event was a great meeting between their past and present.

“It was such an exciting morning,” she said. “We had so many past and present players gather and share some memories and celebrate our club.

“We had Lyle Stephens, who’s 91 and featured in our first premiership photo from 1953 to 54 in attendance.

“It was lovely to chat to so many past and present players and listen to their stories and their fond memories from their playing days.

“We were also able to recognise and thank our life members and previous committee members for their contributions in paving the way for our club.”

About 120 people attended the event while a handmade frame replete with photos of past premiership wins was created in honour of the day.

Memorabilia dating back to 1909, including newspaper clippings, premiership photos, and a blazer, was on display.

“I don’t think the club has ever done something like this before,” Ms Le Maitre estimated.

“There were a lot of people asking when we’ll do it again so that’s definitely something we’ll have to look into doing a bit more often.

“A lot of people wouldn’t have been to the clubrooms since we moved here about 12 years ago so it was nice for everyone to visit and just catch up.”

Kate Stewart, a committee member and treasurer with the club since 2014, was also presented with a life membership during the event.