Darwen Tennis Club to mark 100th anniversary this weekend

Darwen Tennis Club was founded in 1924 and was once one of 14 clubs in the town, according to club chair Pete Aspin.

The club competed for and won numerous trophies and cups in its early years, which are now proudly displayed in Darwen Heritage Centre.

Pete said: “Obviously it’s changed a lot over the years and we’ve improved the facilities.

“In the 1970s we got a new clubhouse. It was an old pre-fab house the council donated to the club and it still stands there today, although it was renovated extensively 10 years ago.

Darwen Tennis Club will celebrate its centenary this weekend (Image: Pete Aspin)

“The courts were originally clay, making them red and dusty, and the lines were actually thin strips of plastic that you had to nail down, so they were a bit of a trip hazard at times.

“In winter we had to pull them up because the frost damaged them, and we’d have to re-nail them again in Spring.

“In 2010 we replaced the courts with artificial grass and they’re still in use today.”

New MP for Rossendale and Darwen Andy McNae has been invited to join the celebrations, which will include a garden party and the unveiling of a plaque marking the club’s 100 years in existence.

There will be a buffet, a tennis tournament, games for children and indoor activities if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Pete continued: “We’re the last surviving tennis club in the whole of Darwen. It’s mixed feelings about being the last one.

“It would be great if there was more, then there would be more competition, but I’m proud to be part of the last one standing.”

The club currently has around 25 full adult members, and with memberships starting from as little as £1 a week, and it is hoping to attract more people to the club.

The club is on Sunnyhurst Lane (Image: Pete Aspin)

Pete said: “Tennis is often seen as a sport for posh people, a bit exclusive.

“But people who come to see us find we’re very down to earth and very friendly.

“It’s a sport anyone can take up and we’re always trying to encourage young members, especially juniors, to pick up a racquet and have a go.

“We’ve always got racquets and balls to lend people and the courts can be hired online.”

The event will take place this Saturday, July 20.