Sheffield tennis club celebrates 80th birthday

Chair Sarah Everest with children from Beauchief Tennis Club which started in 1938

Beauchief Tennis Club on Cockshutt Avenue near Greenhill celebrates its 80th birthday this year, and it's members have been commemorating the milestone with various events to raise funds for the club, and encourage new memberships.

Club members marked the occasion by unveiling a ceremonial clock, which now takes pride of place on the outer wall of the clubhouse and have plenty of other events planned throughout the year.

Stan Gilkes at a tennis tournament at Beauchief Tennis Club which is celebrating 80 years

They have already taken part in a family fun tournament, which saw around 40 adults and children play tennis with the theme of 'fun and inclusion'.

The club, made up of around 400 active members, has gone from strength to strength since it opened in 1938 with just three courts, and now hosts regular training sessions including a family night every Friday which invites families all ages and ability to play the sport.

In 1969 the clubhouse was granted a bar licence, and since then the clubs social activities have increased, with many people solely enjoying the social aspect as non-playing members, with regular themed club nights plus open days for the surrounding community.

Volunteers help to keep the club running, taking part in regular fund raising efforts for both the club and the British Heart Foundation, in memory of a member who passed away suddenly aged 60.

The commemorative clock at Beauchief Tennis Club for it's 80th birthday

Currently the club does not have a commercial owner, paying for their own coaches and grounds maintenance.

Despite this, they boast seven courts, and have five equipped with floodlights allowing for extended playing hours during the winter months.

Simon Lewis, is part of the club committee and works within new member liaison.

He said: "We are a community club where every penny of profit is put back into the club for the benefit of our members, and where we invest time and effort into offering something for everyone.

A tennis tournament at Beauchief Tennis Club which is celebrating 80 years

"The kids get coached in an encouraging way, they are the future of our club. We have many families involved in the club, and have a terrific coaching facility."

He says that the club has an inclusive feel, which welcomes families to spend quality time with each other, as he does with his two children who are also part of the club.

To find out more, or to become a member email: [email protected]