Our History
Since 1905
Tennis has been played on this site in Church Road, Crowborough since the turn of the century circa 1905. Crowborough Tennis and Squash Club was officially founded in April 1921. A group of private members bought the present site and a small open sided pavillion measuring 40ft x 15ft, with a small kitchen included for the princely sum of £1064. The club was then registered as the Crowborough Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club.
Tennis first played at the current site.
During the early part of the 20th century the courts were owned privately. They were only for the use of private members.
Club Founded
Crowborough Tennis and Squash Club was offically founded in April 1921. A group of private members bought the present site and a small open sided pavillion measuring 40ft x 15ft, with a small kitchen included for the princely sum of £1064. The club was then registered as the Crowborough Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club.
The Club Grows
During the 1920s the club was thriving and members had to be ballotted by the General Committee. In the early years the club's rules were very strict. No person trading in the village was deemed eligible and if members did not pay their subscription on the appointed day, they were deemed to be no longer members!
Work continued on improving the club facilities and the ground was levellled to prepare for Courts 7 and 8.
During 1925 challenges were issued to a host of clubs within the counties of Kent and Sussex. The club also entered the Sussex Ladies Inter Club Championships.
In 1926 court 9 was turfed and more importantly the club applied a License to sell alcoholic liquor.
The club fast became one of the best small clubs in Sussex, with a reputation for four excellent grass courts and regular closed tournaments.
The War Years
Over the years revenues increased and in 1938 the clubhouse was improved by the addition of changing rooms and toilets.
During the war years there was very little play at the club, except for the occasional private party.
The Post War Years
In 1946 tournaments at the club resumed and courts were repaired.
In 1950 the club hosted an exhibition match featuring members of our Davis Cup Team , including H Baxter, HGN Cooper, G Paish, and C Spychala (Polish Davis Cup). Over 400 tickets were sold.
Club tournaments flourished and an Open Invitational Annual Tournament was an immediate success attracting more than 200 people from London and the South East. Crowborough's own players held their own in spite of the strength of the opposition.
The Swinging 60s
In 1960 the clubhouse was improved with a new floor and enclosed by windows overlooking the courts. A new kitchen, changing rooms and upstairs bar were built at a cost of £3000, paid for by donations from members.
In 1966 after much planning the club built it's first Squash Court with changing rooms. This was opened by the then President of the Squash Rackets Association, Sir Denis Truscott who was made an Honorary Member of the Club.
Development and Change
In 1970 with a growing demand for Squash an additional Squash court was built including a bar.
In 1982 saw the changeover from four grass courts to 'Doe Viscount' hard courts.
in 1987 the club received a facelift when extensive renovations saw the addition of new changing facilities, an extended bar and kitchen and the creation of the glassback squash court and sports lounge.
We Need Your Help
Old Photos and Reference Material
We would love to get hold of more old photos and reference material about the club. If you think you might have something that could be of use please do get in touch by email to info@crowboroughrackets.org.uk
Recent History
In due course we will be adding to our timeline with the history of the club over the last 30 years. Again if you have anything more recent that you think would be useful, we would lvoe to hear from you.