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Modernisation of the club in the 60s and 70s

In 1960 a new 21 year lease was agreed and plans for the new clubhouse were further developed. Building started during 1960 and the clubhouse was officially opened on Finals Day in 1961 by Miss D Mitchell. Costs had increased from initial plans to around £1200 (about £27,000 at today's prices).

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/Library/CullercoatsLawnTennisClub?command=Proxy&lang=en&type=Website&currentFolder=%2F&hash=77c92e82ff1c9ef8cd93d93dfd848c266c3cc278&fileName=Shirley%20and%20Grant%20Purvis%2C%20Joy%20Lawson.jpg

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/Library/CullercoatsLawnTennisClub?command=Proxy&lang=en&type=Website&currentFolder=%2F&hash=77c92e82ff1c9ef8cd93d93dfd848c266c3cc278&fileName=Mary%20Pugh.jpgIn 1964 Ladies 1st team (some of whom are pictured) reached A division for the first time and the whole club celebrated with a party at the Bay Hotel, Cullercoats.

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/Library/CullercoatsLawnTennisClub?command=Proxy&lang=en&type=Website&currentFolder=%2F&hash=77c92e82ff1c9ef8cd93d93dfd848c266c3cc278&fileName=Bay%20hotel.jpg

The juniors at this time were still only allowed on the courts until 5pm on weekdays and 1pm on the weekend, but in 1962 the minimum age was lowered from 12 to 10 years old.

During this period the club enjoyed unprecedented success in inter-club leagues winning 14 promotions across 5 teams.

 

The late 1960s was a time when the juniors started to play a more important role at CLTC. Numbers built to up to 70 junior members, coaching took place on a Saturday morning and juniors were allowed to play on all 3 courts at any time, although they had to leave the courts if a senior member requested it. It was stated that the extra playing time was subject to the satisfaction of senior members and considerable care was taken to ensure that the juniors "did not get out of hand".

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/Library/CullercoatsLawnTennisClub?command=Proxy&lang=en&type=Website&currentFolder=%2F&hash=77c92e82ff1c9ef8cd93d93dfd848c266c3cc278&fileName=David%20Taylor.jpgJunior numbers rose to the point where there was a waiting list and junior membership cost £14 in today's money. In 1970 a category of membership called cadets was created under new Club President, David Taylor (pictured). They were allowed to play with the seniors, although when playing alone were not allowed to use senior tennis balls and it was always on the principle that annoyance of seniors by youngsters should be avoided as far as possible.

The end of the 1970s saw another huge step forward by the club in the laying of all-weather courts to replace the En Tout Cas courts. This required a huge fund-raising effort by club members and the committee, but in April 1979 the courts opened for play. They were officially opened by the Mayor of North Tyneside and the Chairman of the Tyne and Wear County Council in May.