History
The Horsham Lawn Tennis courts have significant cultural and social importance for Victoria. Following the first ever Wimbledon championship played in 1877 tennis became very popular in the colony. In it’s formative years the Melbourne Cricket Club organised lawn tennis which began at Kooyong.
Established in 1883 the Horsham Lawn Tennis Courts were one of the first regional court establishments in Victoria, the Geelong Lawn Tennis Courts having been established in 1882. An article from the Horsham Times dated 27 April 1883 references a request from Mr H.J.T Tymms asking the Council’s permission to play tennis on the spare ground of the botanical gardens. The application was made on behalf to the proposed Lawn Tennis Club which was in the course of formation. This location is where the courts still exist today next to the botanic gardens and Wimmera River.
Women were also quickly welcomed by the Club. The first ever Women’s championship was not played at Wimbledon until 1884. An article from The Horsham Times dated 7 August 1883 references that a ‘special meeting of the Lawn Tennis Club is called for this evening at the Royal
Hotel when a good attendance of members is requested. The game has now become firmly established as one of the popular recreations of Horsham, members- gaining. good exercise and onlookers amusement from the interesting matches played each afternoon. Ladies' day is also now a marked feature in connection with the club, and yesterday a good number of the fair sex were on he ground, some showing great proficiency consequent upon recent practice’.
Tennis has continuously been played at this location since 1883, including throughout WWI and WWII. An article from the Horsham Times dated 20 March 1942 references the support offered by the club to the war effort:
Horsham Lawn Tennis Club
‘In connection with the drive being conducted during March by the Lawn Tennis Association of Victoria for funds for the Australian Red Cross Society and the Comforts Fund, the Horsham club will hold an open American mixed doubles tournament on its grass courts tomorrow…The support of all tennis players in town and district is sought as this is an opportunity for tennis players in general to assist in raising funds for the war effort’.
The Horsham Lawn Tennis courts have historical significance as a place where multiple generations of people have been able to enjoy recreation throughout history. The Tennis Club is also reflective of an organisation that has been able to adapt to and reflect societal change over time. Sport in regional Victoria and especially in the Wimmera has always been an opportunity for social engagement and is highly valued as an important part of our local culture and identity.
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