The opening of the grass courts is always a greatly anticipated event in the MDTC calendar. This year, however, it was even more so with the celebration of a century of tennis at Memorial Drive. The ‘All White’ event was enthusiastically embraced with many people dressing up to mark 100 years of tennis at the Memorial Drive site. There were plenty of long pants, wide hats and pleated skirts.

The committee was in attendance directing players, making up a four when required and jiving to the music which somehow shifted from 20’s ragtime to ABBA!

Luke Smith brought plenty of wooden racquets for novelty play. These antiques are a collection which Peter Smith has accumulated over the years. The Smith family, including Bronwyn, were later presented to the new Governor of SA, Her Excellency, Frances Adams.

The media were invited to cover an exhibition match played in traditional clothing, reflecting tennis in 1921. Tricia Rabbitt, Danielle Stringer, Akshay Chawla and John Freeman gave an excellent display. Later, our oldest member, the much loved and respected Henry Young, demonstrated his remarkable tennis skills at 98. He revealed to us all his positive thinking and determination and later provided the wise words, “ to lead a long active life, you need to play tennis!”

Congratulations to Geoffrey Reed, our Vice President, who conceived and planned the Centenary Wall. It has attracted a great deal of attention and many positive comments. It certainly brightens up the passageway and highlights a century of tennis history at the Memorial Drive precinct.

The Centenary Wall was opened by Her Excellency, Frances Adams, after a short welcome from the MDTC President Sue Biggs, and a speech from Geoffrey Reed.

It was a fabulous day and one many of us who attended will not forget. Please go to the Memorial Drive Tennis Club Facebook page to see more photos from the day. https://www.facebook.com/mdtennisclub