The
origins of the Kiama Tennis Club go back to 1840, when
Kiama's early planning was being resolved.
A creek,
which started at the western end of Terralong Street, near
Pikes Hill, passed through what was later to become Central
Park.
It was
resolved to set land aside on either side of the creek,
on the north side of Terralong Street between Collins and
Shoalhaven Street, as a Water Reserve for the purposes
of water supply to the town and for boats.
In 1899
the Water Reserve had outlived its usefulness, with pollution
causing it to be described in 1896 as an offensive ditch.
It was
then decided to dedicate it as Central Park, to reflect its
likely future use.
From
time to time the park was filled with rubbishand quarry spoil
and in 1906 two courts were built "in the hollow" of Central
Park.
At one
time waste material from the Terralong Street quarry was
used to fill the park, and a rail siding was constructed,
commencing from the corner of Terralong and Shoalhaven
Streets to dump it in the park.
In 1921
it was said of the reserve that for years the area
dubbed as a park and occupying the central position of
the town has been an eyesore and dsigrace to its title.
In William
Bailey's Blue Haven (the history of Kiama Municipality)
it is recorded that "Lawn Tennis" (as it was called) reached
Kiama in 1892 when two courts were made in the excavation
left from the harbour works at Blowhole Point.
Other
courts were located at the rear of the Christ Church (Anglican)
- built of concrete - and at the front of the Catholic
Church adjacent to Manning Street.
The Catholic
courts were of ant-bed and were superbly maintained by
Jim Flynn. They were removed in 1963 with the building
of the new church.
Another
court was located at the rear of the Hospital, for use
by hospital staff most of whom lived at the nurses and
sisters quarters. These courts were often made available
to other clubs whose courts were undergoing repair.
The Blowhole
courts had become neglected during the seconf world war,
but were rebuilt and reopened in 1963.
The Kiama
Tennis Club was formed in September 1953, with Noel Cantrill
as Club President. Norma Stead and Graham Mackie and several
others were original members. A reunion in 1978 brought
together a great number of former players.
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In
her book My Kind of Town Revisited Molly Mackie
recalls:
Many
teams and individual players derived much relaxation
and pleasure on the tennis courts situated in the centre
of the town.
In
earlier years there were only two courts, which were
on different levels. They were surfaced with clay and
became unplayable under rainy conditions, and were often out
of use until club stalwarts re-made the surfaces and spent
hours with the heavy rollers and sand getting them back
to good condition.
The
clay courts were later changed to a cement stabilised
clay surface, and in recent years were converted to concrete
with an artificial turf surface being added.
Molly
continued:
Mention
the word tennis in Kiama and one thinks of Mrs Norma
Stead, honoured with Life Membership for her devotion to and
work work for the Club.
The
fate of this popular sporting centre was a topic for debate
when plans were announced to ove it out of Central Park.
Local
citizens were divided in their views as to the relocation
of the courts, as they had been a focal point in the town for
many years.
However,
when the Club moved Norma went with it!
Molly
also recalls that the district had many fine players and
attracted crowds of onlookers who sat on the grassy slopes
when matches were played.
Names
that spring to mind from the 40s, 50s and 60s that provided
many exciting matches include Nellie O'Dwyer, Winnie McDonald,
Alma Warren, Una Flynn, Shim Tull, Ron Ison, Ken McDonald,
Cec Smylie, Peter Crisp, Ted Goodwin, Rowley Hardy, Joe Caldwell
and Neville Wilson.
The courts
were also used as a dance floor for a number of "Mardi
Gras".
Many
Club members participated in the Pageant of Comics.
These included Cec Smylie, Ray Stead, John Stead and Dave
Taylor.
The floodlight
courts created an ideal setting for these incredible events
in Kiama's social life and thousands of dollars were raised
by tennis club supporters and the public to pay for new Tennis
Clubrooms and Youth and Arts Centre, which was later removed
(in 1994) to enhance views to Black Beach. |
