On Sunday November 17, Wentworth Falls Tennis Club celebrated a significant milestone …its 120th anniversary. Established in 1904, the club has been a cornerstone of the local community, fostering a love of tennis and social engagement among its members. The anniversary celebrations, held in conjunction with their annual Open Day, highlighted the club's enduring legacy and its role in promoting sports and recreation in the region.

The celebrations attracted a large number of club members and their families, past members and tennis enthusiasts from nearby areas. To introduce people to the club’s relatively new sport of pickleball, regular players took part in a demonstration game and helped interested people learn to play. The most popular event of the day was a “1904 style” tennis match with participants dressed in old-fashioned clothing and using wooden racquets. One of the players in this match was 90-year-old Jim Chivas, a regular tennis player and the club’s most senior member. Jim, who has enjoyed playing tennis at Wentworth Falls for the last 30 years said, “It’s not only the tennis that I enjoy here, but also the opportunity to mix socially with people from a variety of age groups”. After the match, Club President Caroline Moses delivered a short speech reflecting on a newspaper article detailing the opening of the club in 1904, before asking Jim Chivas to cut the anniversary cake on behalf of the members.

In line with the club's commitment to nurturing young talent, the club’s expert coach and former Grand Slam doubles finalist Nicole Arendt provided free lessons to children, encouraging them to take up the sport and develop their skills. Celebrations also featured various social activities, including a morning tea and a barbecue lunch. The day’s activities fostered a sense of community and provided ample opportunities for attendees to chat to club members and find out what the club has to offer. This was a great success, with many visitors expressing interest in joining the club and taking advantage of its programs.

The success of the anniversary celebrations and Open Day would not have been possible without the support of the community and the tireless efforts of the club's volunteer committee. The club also acknowledges the contributions of its members, whose dedication and passion for tennis have been the driving force behind the club's success over the years.