NORTHAMPTON  COUNTY LAWN TENNIS CLUB – A HIDDEN GEM

Located in the heart of Weston Favell village, within a stone’s throw, or more appropriately perhaps a forehand smash, of the Parish Church can be found Northampton County Lawn Tennis Club.

Hidden away down a driveway adjacent to Hervey’s Cottage off Church Way the club occupies a sloping landscaped site amounting to nearly three acres in total. Tucked away behind houses on three sides (Church Way, Graspin Lane and now a new development of three) it is an oasis of calm and tranquillity in what has become a very busy neighbourhood.  With extensive views across to Abington Park the club’s facilities include 11 tennis courts and a clubhouse with bar.

Why the reference to County?

The club began its life towards the end of the 19th. century at the County Ground in Abington Avenue , now the home of Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, after which it moved to a site in Holmfield Way, Weston Favell before moving to its present location in 1932.  The people running the club at that time must have been far-sighted individuals as they purchased the freehold for, what must have seemed to them, a princely sum at £200. With the benefit of hindsight , not a bad investment.

Not surprisingly, there have been many changes since 1932, the number of courts has virtually doubled and the court surfaces have been converted from the original grey shale to the current mix of synthetic grass , tarmac and , most recently real grass.

In the early 1970s a house was built within the club’s grounds by Ernie Blincow , a tennis coach, who lived in the property for many years with his family. A major extension to the clubhouse was added in the mid-70s and floodlights have been installed on six of the courts to enable play to continue throughout the year.  A “ kidzone” consisting of a mini tennis court for the younger players together with a practice wall was opened in approximately 2007. Further improvements are already in the pipeline as the club cannot afford to stand still since competition for members is fierce with three other tennis clubs situated on its doorstep.  At almost 80 years the club must be one of the oldest residents of  Weston Favell but also one of the least well known.

So, if you happen to be passing, feel free to pop in, particularly on a Saturday afternoon which is a popular ‘social afternoon’ for all. You will receive a warm welcome. Even better , if you’re thinking about taking up tennis or have children who might be interested please contact Yvonne Swallow Tel: 07761923905   for further information.