The following article was originally researched, written and published by Peter Knight, former Horley Lawn Tennis Club president, to celebrate Club's Centenary in 1994. A limited number were published and distributed to members at the time, though it is not known how many copies survive today, nor who has them. The original article has been re-produced for online use.
 

Acknowledgements

• Mr. O. Brown and Mr. B. Davis of the Horley History Society
• Miss Ann Middlecote of Ross & Sons, Solicitors, Horley
• Miss M. Corscaden, surviving daughter of one of the Founder members
• Lady Longley for photographic evidence
• Mrs. Gwenda Perfect, former secretary for useful data
• Mr. Philip Ewen, Captain, for up to date information
• Mr. S. A. Osborn and Miss D. Betton and the wife of Mr. P. Knight

Horley Lawn Tennis Club was founded in 1894 to provide lawn tennis, croquet and bowls for its members on Glebe land, Vicarage Lane, Horley.

The first President was Revd. H. T. Lewis, then vicar of Horley.

The life of the Club started on three grass courts, with tennis played in the genteel mode of the day. A Bowling Green was also part of the land under separate management, the pavilion being shared between the three sports.

In a Parish register dated August 1897, the death was reported of Mr. Fritz Knight (aged 25 years) who with a Mr. A. Baker, local Auctioneer, were joint Secretaries of the Club.

It does appear, that from this date, the Club did not prosper, but in 1901 a new Secretary was appointed, Mr. W G Coscaden and a Newspaper article dated August 1901 states “the present prosperous condition of the Club is due almost entirely to the business like methods of the Hon. Sec. who has not spared himself in forwarding the best interests of the Club.”

February 1902 AGM – “ For a Club who two years ago was on the verge of insolvency and now, after an expensive season shows £20 in hand is proof of the untiring efforts of the Hon. Sec.” and subscriptions would be raised to 12/6d per annum!

May 1902 – The ground was enlarged, planted with trees, the turf was in splendid condition and the pavilion was brought up-to-date, followed in August 1903 by the addition of a dressing-room and water was laid to the courts and grouns but, unfortunately not to the pavilion and right up to the 1960’s, water had to be carried from a standpipe in the hedge near the road. In 1903 membership was 100 members.

January 1904 - The Club now had four grass courts but one was set aside for playing of croquet.

February 1905 AGM – “The Club in the red owing to the purchase of a new roller.” The roller is still in our proud possession, as seen at the back of court 5!

At this meeting, Mr. Coscaden resigned and on doing so presented the Club with a cheque covering the cost of the Roller. Between the Wars little is known except that the club continued with matches and tournaments.

Over the years, Horley LTC has been fortunate in its presidents; to name but or or two who gave not only generously to the Club but also their support and playing abilities.
 

• Mr Toby Ross – Solicitor, Ross & Sons, Horley – First Team Member
• Mr. H. Sampson – local butcher. We now hold the Sampson bank holiday tournament once a year.
• Mr G. Whale – Senior Partner, Ross & Sons, for years dealing with all legal matters and a Member of the First Team.
• Mrs. P. King (nee Mudford). Winner of the Ladies Doubles at Wimbledon in 1931, Captain of the Wightman Cup and Winner of many titles too numerous to record.

Whilst mentioning Mrs. King (left, below), at the beginning of the War in 1940, she organised a tennis exhibition for the British Red Cross and the Bowling Club kindly allowed their rinks to be used; four Wimbledon players attended. Mr. G. Whale and Mr. P. Knight organised seating for around 500 spectators and the War effort was helped by £500 raised that day.

The Club closed from 1942 to the end of hostilities.

1947 – A tremendous amount of hard work to relay the grass courts. To help overcome our inclement summers, a concrete court (bright pink Mr. P Knight recalls) was laid where Courts 1 and 2 now stand.

Mr P. Knight recalls: “I have memories of the old pavilion with its rotting floors, dilapidated gas ring, bar in a wooden chest, outside toilet and many hours spent waiting for the rain to cease to continue our games on grass! On fine days, tea was enjoyed under the old oak tree!”

Ever since 1894, a “Peppercorn” rent was paid to the local Parish Church but, in April 1956, the Club was able to purchase the Freehold of the land and, at that time, gave the Bowling Club ten years notice to find alternative grounds, happily these were forthcoming at the Horley Recreation Ground.

1970, Courts 4 & 5 were laid; 1980 saw floodlighting on Courts 1 & 2 and in 1987 Courts 6 & 7 were laid and a large modern pavilion erected.

Up to the 1970s, matches and tournaments were played against neighbouring clubs and teams in the Surrey leagues. The Club has always been known for its friendliness and thank you to all members for the excellent teas and refreshments always provided. Whilst we have had individual members with good playing ability, names are often repeated on the Honours Board. Not many clubs can boast an achievement such as our very own Nancy Crocker winning the Singles Title fourteen times.

Mr. P. Knight would like to express, on behalf of the Club, our grateful thanks to a few members who have contributed so much in the past and present.

• In the immediate difficult post war years, after much neglect, the club was fortunate in having the services of Messrs. L. Rivington, M. Crabb, R. Garnham and Peter Crocker to restore the club facilities and tennis enthusiasm.
• To Messrs. Alex Wilkinson & Don Ewen for their excellent Chairmanships.
• To Mrs. Gwenda Perfect for her many years as Secretary.
• To Mrs. Marjorie Bell for her enormous contribution in fund raising and working for the Club in every capacity.
• To Messrs. Philip Ewen & Graham Perfect for 13 years of organising the Open Tournament and what a success story this proved to be.
• To Members, parents and non-playing Members who have contributed to the successful organising, coaching and events for Junior Tennis.
• To Mr. Brian Willifer for willingly assisting with the Centenary.