Our History: Windsor Lawn Tennis Club, Penarth

When Windsor Bowling Club—the parent of today’s Windsor Penarth LTC—was founded, tennis wasn’t even on the agenda. Croquet, badminton, archery, and even rubber quoits were discussed, but tennis was not.

1912: Windsor Bowling Club was established with Lord Windsor as the inaugural president.

1914: The club expanded and requested additional land from the estate, laying the foundations for tennis.

1917: The first proper tennis court was in use, and the secretary of the Tennis Committee was granted attendance at full Bowls Committee meetings. Soon after, a second court was added.

1922: Tennis popularity soared, leading to the construction of a third court, and membership was capped at 160.

1931: High demand led members to request Sunday access to the courts.

1949–1950: Tennis formally separated from the bowls club, “removing its stabilisers” and marking the start of an independent identity.

1955–1957: Juniors under 14 were admitted, a new pavilion was planned, and a structured junior section launched in 1956 with age groups 12–15, 16–17, and 18–20. Junior membership was initially capped at 30. In January 1957, the LTA introduced a new foot-fault rule—a rule largely ignored at the club for over 50 years! Additional juniors were admitted, and a practice wall was planned.

1960s: A subcommittee formed, more focus was given to juniors, tournaments were introduced, and coaching programs began.

1969: The Ladies’ team reached the 1st division for the first time. That year, the club also abolished seedings in open tournaments—a tradition that continues today.

1970s: Junior membership limits were lifted, and discussions about a practice wall continued. In January 1971, a 25-year lease provided long-term stability, enabling better planning for the future.

1980s: The club toured Germany in 1981, and in 1985 four new courts were officially opened, inaugurated by Wales U16 vs Ireland U16. The club still lacked floodlights at that time.

1990s: An LTA loan allowed the middle courts to become all-weather, and a 24-year lease was secured. In 1993, floodlights were installed, and grants were obtained in 1994 for a clubhouse. In 1999, the Community Tennis Partnership was formed with Rectory Road Tennis Club to promote tennis in Penarth schools.

2000s: Discussions about amalgamating Penarth clubs began, and in 2009, the clubhouse was renovated and a new show court built.

2014: The club celebrated its centenary with new floodlights on the middle and bottom courts.

2015: Windsor Penarth LTC gained an independent lease and was awarded ‘Welsh Tennis Club of the Year’ by Tennis Wales.

2016: The club installed four state-of-the-art Artificial Clay courts, becoming the first club in Wales to do so.

Over the past century, countless members have contributed to our growth: from committee meetings and maintenance work to thrilling tie-breaks, missed smashes, and countless forehand winners.

We invite you to join us for the next 100 years of tennis, community, and memories.