Bilston Tennis Club facing fight for survival

A 115-year-old tennis club in the Black Country is fighting for survival due to a major drop in membership.

Bilston Tennis Club could be forced to close after the number of members slumped from more than 150 to less than 20.

It is struggling to pay bills, and two of its four courts are out of use because it does not have enough money to maintain them.

Former club captain Grant Fellows, aged 28, who recently returned from coaching in Australia and lives opposite the club in Villiers Avenue where he has played since he was nine, said today: "It is running out of money because the funds drop as the membership falls. It is faced with closure unless its fortunes improve.

"That would be a terrible shame for an institution that has brought joy to so many people for more than 100 years. We must do everything possible to save it."

The men's first team was relegated from the Staffordshire Premier League Division 2 last season. Mr Fellows added: "There has been a general decline in the club over the past 10 years.

"We have already had to scrap the ladies and junior sides, and the relegation was another blow, but we are determined to rekindle local interest in the club.

"We were Premier League champions less than 15 years ago and have had county champions among our players."

Semi-retired tool maker John Cullis, from Tividale, has been a member of the club for more than 30 years. He said: "It is very disappointing to see it struggling like this. I love playing tennis there.

"I am 64 years old and am still turning out for the club's second team.

"I am delighted to do this because I love playing the game but it is an indictment of the lack of members that they still have to call on my services. What makes it so disappointing is that when we go away to play matches at other tennis clubs in the region, they all seem to be flourishing but our membership fees are among the cheapest.

"I have played lots of different sports over the years, and tennis is by far the most social. It is far better in that regard than cricket and football."

The club started in 1895 and moved to its current site in 1921. Its ash courts were regarded as the best in Staffordshire, and the club was regularly chosen to stage the annual county lawn tennis championships.

Its best known member, Ted Beards, won through qualifying stages on several occasions to play in the main draw at Wimbledon where he was knocked out by Australian Tony Roche, who was then world number three, in 1966, the year before the world famous tournament turned professional.

Nicky Knight, another member, was Staffordshire singles champion as the club ran four men's teams, as well as ladies, mixed doubles and junior teams.

Now the club has just two men's teams who play in Staffordshire Division One South and Division Three South.

Bob Everitt, 55, who has been a member since he was 17, is both a former county player and an ex-club champion and wrote a book to celebrate the centenary of Bilston Tennis Club. He said: "It would be a disaster for the town if it was forced to close.

"There were over 150 members at one time but now there are less than 20. Sadly the English public still seem to think that the tennis season lasts for the Wimbledon fortnight and no longer, and youngsters would rather sit behind a computer than play sport."

Graphic designer Mr Everitt said: "Bilston Tennis Club has played an important part in my life, and it would be a crying shame if others were denied that opportunity by its enforced closure."

Membership is £80 a year, with the fees reduced depending on the number of times players turn out for the club. The club is running open days from 10am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday to encourage new members. Everyone is welcome.

Dave Hill, Wolverhampton City Council's sports development officer, said: "The club are working extremely hard trying to find their feet again after going through a difficult period. They are one of our smaller clubs but they have got big hearts, and I wish them every success because they deserve it. They are the only tennis club in Bilston and have a proud history.

"They have an important role to play in the life of the city and it would be sad to lose them."