As part of the celebrations to mark their 100th birthday this year, St John’s held a special tea on 11th June. Long-term planning and a bit of luck meant that the new West bed looked gorgeous on the day, with its metre-high “100” sign nestled amongst yellow roses, white lychnis and purple salvias. The event was well attended by club members past and present, who had the opportunity to work up an appetite before tea with drills on the grass courts, led by head coach Steve Jarrett, or mixins on the hard courts.
The club was honoured by the attendance Malcom Smith, Chairman of the Kent LTA board. He recalled fondly visiting St John’s as a child before helping our Chairman Laura to cut the beautiful green-iced tennis court cake to announce that “tea is ready”. Other notable attendees were Susan Teubler (nee Waters) and her brother Bernarr, who had played at St John’s as children (they are now 89 and 93 respectively). Their father, Alfred Hardwick (“Hardy”) Waters was one of the first Chairmen of the club and played a major role in the club’s early days. We were also pleased to have Robert Hassell and his family at the event. Robert is an Honorary member of the club, having contributed much to the club in the past. Robert and his children – Phillip (a talented tennis player who used to play for St John’s), Deirdre and Zena –placed flowers on the bench they gave the club, dedicated to Robert’s wife Brenda, also a past member of the club, who sadly died last year.
The range of cakes was amazing and all served on beautiful china. For those wanting something stronger than tea, the bar stayed open all afternoon with the most popular tipple being fruit-packed Pimm’s. A timeline of the club’s history, original old documents from the early days of the club, and many photos showing different stages in the club’s development were pinned up around the clubhouse. Also on display, thanks to Sam Teubler, and drawing much attention, were two Teddy Tinling dresses, worn by Susan Teubler at Wimbledon. The displays will stay up at the club for several months and everyone is urged to have a closer look.
