David McKay – My MPTA Story
1. Where did you grow up and what are some of your earliest memories playing tennis?
I grew up on the family farm at Dean and therefore became associated with the Dean tennis club. I can remember playing tennis as a 14 year old. Tennis was definitely a social event for the kids of the district back then. The competition wasn’t held at the great venue we have now in Creswick today, back then we had to travel around the district playing on the country courts, which were hard courts. We travelled to the towns of Mt Prospect, Kingston, Newlyn, Dean, Lawrence, Allendale, Smeaton, Ullina, St Andrew’s Church, St Augustine’s Church, Creswick (which was situated between the Creswick Motel and the John Curtain hostel), I think Mollongghip also… we also played at our own home occasionally, as our family had it’s own tennis court in the backyard.

2. When did you first play tennis at the Association? And who got you involved?
I’m not sure exactly when I started playing, but my older sisters and brothers played, so it was just natural that I followed the family involvement. It was a district sport and as there were an enormous amount of kids born just after the War, the competition was strong and we kids enjoyed the district connections, fun and freedom that tennis created.

3. Describe yourself as a tennis player?
As a tennis player I was never the best of the competition. I enjoyed playing in the A1 competition, which was a very strong comp. Some have described my approach to tennis as determined or stubborn and others cagey! My strength was my backhand and I enjoyed playing at the net, with a serve and volley. Although a right hander, in later years, I enjoyed the occasional swap of the racquet to my left hand to cover the net and keep the opposition (mostly my girls) guessing!

4. What are some of your highlights from your playing days?
Playing with my family, Carol and my 3 girls; Daina, Courtney and Samara on different occasions was certainly a highlight. I remember we won the Grand Final when I was 14, I think Neil Labbett, Heather Tippett and Gail Redman were part of that team. I think I won 2 x A1 Premierships for Dean in my senior years, including one playing with Courtney. I think it was also a highlight for the association when the decision was made to allow Jan Hives to play in men’s side of the competition.

5. Who are some of the best players you’ve shared a court with over the years?
Peter Sewell – he’d give me a 7 game head start and beat me in a tie-break! Also the Gilchrist boys, Trevor Nase and Kelly Swift to name a few.

6. What did you enjoy most about playing on the grass courts?
The beauty of playing on the grass… the ball would never come to you, you couldn’t predict where the bounce would go, so you had to have quick feet and reflexes! The courts today are immaculate and a credit to the Greens Keeper, Gary. I was lucky enough to play on them a few years ago and they were beautiful.

7. Who have been some of the most enjoyable players to play with/against? And can you recall any funny stories from one of your matches?
Funny memories… I think it was on court 2, one Saturday afternoon, when we witnessed Ian Richardson jump the net out of annoyance, I think his intention was to punch Paddy Rose. That has certainly stuck with me over the years. I also enjoyed the competition against Bill Inverarity. It was always a good match up and one we wanted to win! It still makes me smile today also when I think of Bill carrying his coins in a hanky to spend at the canteen.

8. What are you most proud of during your time as President and committee member?
I was President of the association for about 10 years, taking over from Bill Cosgrave’s long serving Presidency and, longer as a serving committee member. There were many things I am proud of, but the things that stand out today are the purchase of a specialised turf mower, the resurfacing of the 9 x granite sand courts up at the top to hard courts and later upgrading them further to the plexipave surface. The clubrooms extension and improvements. I am also very proud of how strong the association was… we had a very strong Junior Saturday morning competition, coaching and Squad, which was led by Pat Gilchrist and Carol Pearce and at the Senior level at one stage we had teams in 6 grades; A Grade, A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5. All of our courts were full and players were being made to cease play at 6:45pm as that was our official finish time.

9. Who were some of the committee people you worked with the most closely whilst President?

Jan Miles as sectary – she was a strength to the expansion and improvement of the courts. Nothing was ever too hard for her.

10. How did you find the social aspect of the Association over the years?
It was very social. It was a brilliant family environment and brought the community together. Teams gathered together afterwards in the clubrooms to enjoy a beer from the bar and food from the canteen. They were good times. I made many lifelong friends, opened many cans and enjoyed many late nights.

11. Your family has also played at Mt Prospect, what are some of your favourite family memories with tennis?
I enjoyed playing with Carol and my girls over the years. It was a great place to bring our girls up in. The girls would play morning tennis with Carol as a team manager/umpire and then it was home for a quick lunch and we would all go back together to play in the afternoon competition. It was a family environment and it’s exciting to now have our Grandchildren playing there.

12. When did you become a Life Member of the Association? And can you talk through how you were notified of this honour?
I can’t actually remember the year I was awarded Life Member. But I do remember that it was a surprise and it was presented by Jan Miles. I was honoured.

13. What do you think draws people to playing tennis at the Association?
The grass courts are definitely a draw card. We have such a unique surface for this area and they are in immaculate condition.

14. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get involved with the Association in a voluntary capacity?
Do it, get involved. I have never regretted the time I gave to the association and the benefit being involved gave to the community.