The Club's History
Through the summer of 1997 a keen group of tennis enthusiasts who had been using the single grass court facility at the Studham Playing Field decided to try and establish a Tennis Section to the Studham Sports & Social Club.
Having raised the necessary funds through a number of life debentures, topped up with a grant from the Millennium Lottery Fund, work on the construction of 2 Tarmac courts was embarked upon.
The new courts were completed and officially opened by Sir David Madel, M.P. for South Bedfordshire on the 19th October 1997. Registration to the Lawn Tennis Association and the Bedfordshire Lawn Tennis Association. Studham Tennis Club came into being.
Amongst the various milestone achievements since have been:-
- Ongoing participation with Men’s, Ladies and Mixed teams in the South Bedfordshire League, including this year a Men’s team representing the Club in the Bedfordshire League and a full Mixed team entering the South Beds Knock Out Trophy, both for the first time.
- The introduction in 2006 of a Winter League, subsequently run again in 2007, in memory of Founder Member and Club President the late Ray Frith.
- The "Summer Knock Out Trophies" for all singles and doubles play with both chosen partners and “names out of the hat” competitions.
- Our Junior section, which looks after Boys and Girls up to the age of 16, has expanded and developed over the years under the watchful eye of our LTA Grade 3 Coach Sally Parry, giving youngsters a chance to work off their boundless energy whilst learning the discipline of a structured sport.
- Also, so that Mums and Dads don’t feel left out, Sally also takes an Improvers “Rusty Rackets” session for adults catering for all standards.
- The Club enjoys a vibrant Social Calendar every year including events and functions such as Barbeques after tournaments and fun days, Quiz and Race Nights and a Christmas Dance and get together. With the Club celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary in 2007 with a Gala Ball held at Harpers Barn.
Although small in the number of courts, Studham Tennis Club is happy and keen to promote Tennis at every level, including to those who just come along to watch, to people from the local community, and, coupled with the facilities of the Sports and Social Club, to ensure that participation, no matter how competitive, is of an enjoyable and convivial nature.