Club History

Club history and recent developments:

The Club was founded by local tennis players in 1974. In 1977 a 25-year lease was granted to the trustees of WLTC by the Parish Council as Landlords. Throughout the 1980s membership numbers were variable, ranging between 250 and 300 members. The Club suffered a significant decline in fortunes in the early 1990s with membership falling to unsustainable levels (below 200 in 1991) and the court surfacing deteriorated to an unacceptable level.

In 1995 the club embarked upon a major turnaround program following extensive consultation with members, local residents and the LTA. Under new chairmanship, direction and highly active committee, the key actions achieved were:-

·         Securing a reduction in the rental payments to the Parish Council and achieving a major increase in membership numbers, albeit at reduced subscriptions, allowing the Club to regain financial viability and justify investment in necessary improvements.

·         Relaying all 3 courts and installation of a short junior tennis court. The rental arrangement with the Parish Council provides a sinking fund held by the Parish Council to cover the cost of future maintenance and refurbishment.

·         Organising the annual village Charity Ball.

A continued turnaround in membership numbers was achieved, at increased subscriptions following court refurbishment. Member numbers had grown to 400 during the 2004 season. The junior membership had grown particularly with 200 junior members..

In 2002 a new 25-year lease was negotiated with the Parish Council at an increased rent reflecting the stability of the Club. In 2006 state of the art floodlights were installed to all 3 courts, paid for by the Club and a grant from the LTA, extending the playing hours throughout the year to 8.30pm. In 2009 the courts were re-finished by the Parish Council.

In 2017, the tarmac court surface needed replacing again and this time it was significantly improved by laying a TigerTurf sand filled artificial grass surface over all 3 courts. The hard landscaping and access was relayed and the garden was re-designed in 2020.

Demand for coaching has grown throughout the years. For the 18 years up to 2020 the coaching was provided by Matt Foster of TTC Ltd, and now it is provided by Neil Maple who provides a full range of coaching for all abilities.

The Club continues to attract new members, including young families, junior players, new adults and seniors, and looks to enhance social tennis opportunities at the Club. The Club continues to be one of the largest sporting clubs in Wheathampstead, situated at the heart of the Village. Its relationship with the people of Wheathampstead and the Parish Council is key to its continued success. The membership is highly active - this is very much a playing club, open to people of all tennis abilities.

In 2023, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary. A celebratory tea party with past and current committee members and chairs took place on 2nd July were we revealed our new Honours Board in the club house. We also organised a50th anniversary party themed as "music through the decades" on November 11th. 

Ben Giddens also qualified as a Level 3 coach in Autumn 2023 and is now assistant coach to Neil Maple.