History
History
The Littlehampton Tennis Club was founded in 1927 following a meeting of the Littlehampton Hall Committee to consider the viability of forming a tennis club in connection with the Hall.
The members of the first Littlehampton Tennis Club committee were: Mr F Crago (Secretary) Mr C Miels, AM Coppin (Chairman), P Duncan (Treasurer), H Coppin, F Mitchell, Mrs Mitchell, Miss Beard. Members fees were Ladies 2/- Gents 4/- and 1/- for boys and girls.
The early courts were dirt and situated opposite Anembo Park behind what is now The Flower Shed. Cricket was also played there. In the 1930’s, the bitumen courts behind the hall were built and tennis moved to its new location, what is now known as Miels Park.
In 1952, the “Electric Light Sporting Bodies” met for the first time to discuss the floodlighting of the tennis courts. Matches were arranged prior to the evening and suppers were provided. This was the beginning of Night tennis in Littlehampton.
Miels Park was the home of the club for many years. During its long history, the club has seen many players come and go and has also had success with many premierships. In 1990, the complex at Miels Park was extended with the construction of courts 3 and 4. With player numbers increasing through the 1990’s, the club worked toward the development of an additional complex at Anembo Park. In 2001, a further 6 courts and clubhouse were established.
In 2011 the District Council of Mount Barker, Anembo Park Sports and Recreation Association, Littlehampton Tennis Club with the assistance of Tennis SA and Hills Softball Association completed the Anembo Park Lighting Project. This enabled the club to play all of it’s night tennis matches at Anembo Park and has seen our night tennis competition evolve into a year round competition enjoyed by many.
In December 2013 an additional 6 courts with lights were completed at Anembo Park. With 12 courts in the one location Tennis SA now recognizes Anembo Park as a Regional Centre. In the 2014/15 season, the club, affiliated with the Hills Tennis Association fields 8 senior traditional teams, 1 senior doubles team, 10 night tennis teams and 18 junior teams. We also offer the very popular Hot Shots program, currently we have over 40 children participating in our program. Hot Shots is a great introduction to the wonderful game of tennis.
In December 2014 we will host the first ever Junior ranking points tournament in the Hills. This promises to be a great event with over 160 players registering to play.
From the Archives of Rob Wyld (Life member)
Prepared by Tania Jackson (President 2007)
Updated December 2014 by Sue Hutson