Pegasus Post: October 13, 2022

6 Thursday October 13 2022
Tennis club prepares for centenary
One hundred years on,
the North Beach Tennis
Club is still serving it
up. On October 29 and
30, the club will be in
celebration mode for
its centenary weekend.
Committee member
John Henderson looks
back on the club’s
history
ESTABLISHED IN 1922, the
club was originally called the
Bowker Tennis Club through
the generous gifting of the land
in Palmers Rd, by local farmer,
Henry Bowker.
By 1930 the club opened the
original tennis pavilion for its
members which lasted for 74
years. It was replaced by the current
pavillion in 2004.
Said life member, Janet
Laverack: “Both pavilions are
a reflection of the dedicated
volunteers who worked tirelessly
to raise funds to build these
assets for the members to
enjoy.”
Janet has belonged to the club
for 37 years.
Although the club suffered set
backs after the 2010 and 2011
Canterbury earthquakes, it soon
bounced back.
By 2013, the four courts were
fully reconstructed with a modern
decoturf surface and the club
Left to right – North Beach Tennis Club members Janet Leverack, mid-week club captain; Derek Purver, president, and
Varinia Mitchell, secretary and treasurer. Right: A group of young players ready to learn tennis skills.
was back in action.
The North Beach Tennis Club
continues on strongly today,
attracting new and retaining
existing players.
The club is keen to attract
children to tennis as a sport that
can last a lifetime.
Not only does tennis develop
physical and mental skills, it also
provides a sense of community
when belonging to a club.
Life long friendships and
relationships have been fostered
through the North Beach club.
The junior tennis section is
led by coach, Di Hubrick and
assisted by Garrath Glass on
Saturday mornings, with
seniors playing in the afternoon.
Midweek tennis is always popular.
Said long-serving president
Derek Purver: “The club prides
itself on its friendly, fun approach
to tennis.”
“The fine facilities we enjoy is
only because of the voluntary
work of many over many years
to keep the pavilion in top condition.
“In particular, I want to give
special mention to the efforts
of two of our longest serving
members. Peter Thorpe, the
club’s patron and Ethna Rouse,
past president, are both life
members. Both have been
actively involved with the club
for many years.”
The 100 year celebration
weekend includes events for
junior and senior players. A
tournament on Saturday will
be followed by a luncheon on
Sunday.
It is expected there will be
many stories, photos and memories
shared, and as Purver said:
“Maybe over a beer or wine or
two.”
New members are always
welcome.
Anyone interested can email
the club at nbct@hotmail.com or
through Facebook.
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