Back in the early seventies, the Ringwood East Baptist Church Tennis Club was approached by the Ringwood Council to ascertain if the Club was interested in establishing, with Council support, a public club at the Peter Vergers Reserve.

After preliminary negotiations with officer-bearers and the then President, Jim Clements, the offer was accepted in principle in 1975, and a meeting was called at the church hall. This foundation meeting introduced the first constitution, elected a committee, and agreed to an enterprising proposal that advance subscriptions and interest-free loans, by way of pledges, would be accepted to assist with the financial establishment.

The first meeting of the Executive was held on 23 March 1976. Office-bearers elected were:

Others who played a large part in the early period were Bev Wooding, Pat Thomas, and Sue and Terry Thompson.

One of the many matters considered on the first agenda was that of fees for the new club. It is interesting to note that the approved fee structure included:

• Senior - Joining Fee $25.00
• Annual Subscription $20.00
• Family - $50.00 $45.00

Not much less than we pay today!
Four teams were fielded in the winter season using the new courts and entered the Baptist Church of Christ competition.