Melbourne will host the Australian Open this month but it seems the birthplace of lawn tennis in the fledgling colonies was most likely Sydney.
The Naval Historical Society of Australia suggests in the paper Australia’s First Tennis Match, released today, that the military base of Garden Island was the site of the first grass court, the game having been introduced by a British Royal Navy officer .
An 1880 plan of Garden Island shows a ‘‘ lawn tennis ground’ ’ on the levelled site of the original First Fleet ships’ garden. There is mention of the game in The Sydney Mail of September 26, 1874 on how to produce the perfect lawn tennis court, which, the research says, means ‘‘ it is likely that tennis was then being played in Sydney’’ .
The study states that both Melbourne and Sydney have credible claims to being first , but concludes: ‘‘ Although Melbourne was by far the largest city at that time [legacy of the gold rush], Sydney was significant for its British/military personnel’’ .
Historian Colin Randall, who carried out the research, said: ‘‘ There is a convincing case that it was Commodore James Graham Goodenough, Royal Navy (or somebody closely associated with him) who brought tennis to Australia, and that he played the game on Garden Island in late 1873 or early 1874.’’
His research proposes lawn tennis, originally known as sphairistike, really took off in Britain when a Major Walter Wingfield was granted a patent for a ‘‘ New and Improved Court for Playing the Ancient Game of Tennis’ ’ as well as copyright for rules for playing the game. He also started selling boxed sets of equipment needed to play the game. The Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) and his family are said to have been early adopters of sphairistike and to have been skilled players.
Wingfield and Goodenough were acquaintances. The thinking is that Wingfield used his military and navy contacts to spread the game, and his tennis sets, internationally.
The research explains: ‘‘ In May 1873, James Goodenough was appointed captain of HMS Pearl and commander-in-chief of the Australia Station, arriving in Sydney in September 1873. His duties there would have encompassed social connections with the city’s leading figures , among whom would have been the editor of The Sydney Mail. It is possible that they witnessed, if not played, the first game of tennis played in Australia.’’
The research says Victorians may have been first to hear about tennis, with an article in the Mount Alexander Mail of June 25, 1874 (three months before The Sydney Mail’s ), but it says, ‘‘ no public grounds, no barrack square should be without it’’ .
The Age of June 5, 1875, reporting on trends in Britain, states: ‘‘ Last summer lawn tennis was the rage, during the summer people ‘went in’ for skating on wheels and now everybody is mad about . . . poker.’’
The tennishistory.com.au website states: ‘‘ Thanks to tennis historian Clive Oliver, we have learned much about the arrival of tennis in Melbourne which has been published in the book Amazing Grace: The Story of the Grace Park Lawn Tennis Club. From this book . . . we know that a visiting UK player to Melbourne found a set of tennis equipment in the confines of the MCC storeroom which in 1877 had remained unused.’’
David Michael, president of the Naval Historical Society of Australia, said the intention of the research was to create debate to see if there was any conclusive evidence.
Source: SMH 1Jan24
MLTC Newsletter – Tuesday 30th Jan
/in Badge, Club News /by RobBadge 2024 – Entries open
We are looking forward to another great badge season! Entries are now open via our club website and it’s really helpful for the selectors if you can get your form in ASAP – please click here to enter.
Nominations close on Monday 5th Feb (less than a week!).
Key facts:
MLTC Merchandise
We have a range of items for sale at the bar including caps, 90th anniversary Seaside towels, polo shirts, a few t-shirts/vests – plus iron-on club logo’s & stubby coolers. Great to have teams in club merch for badge!
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
Badge 2024 Entries Now Open.
/in Badge, Club News /by RobEntries are now open on our website for 2024 Badge.
Nominations for Badge will close on February 5 2024.
NOTE: You must be a Financial Club Member to submit an entry to play Badge.
Click here to sign up on our web site.
Virginia Longfellow
MLTC Secretary
MLTC Newsletter – 14 Jan 2024
/in Club News /by RobHappy New Year Members!
In this newsletter information from our solicitor about proxy voting and how to book with Manly Tennis Centre outside of club times.
MLTC AGM – Question re Proxy voting
Following the 2023 AGM and questions raised at the meeting that proxy votes are allowed under the Corporations Act and as such should have been allowed at the AGM.
This opinion was not supported by the Clubs President. The meeting continued. The Club has paid for an official written legal opinion from Piper Alderman. A summary of that opinion is as follows.
Summary from Piper Alderman
Section 249X of the Corporation Act allows proxy votes. However, Section 249X is a replaceable rule that does not apply if the constitution contains an intention not to allow proxy votes. In this case the constitution contains an intention not to allow proxy votes (articles 60 and 61 of the constitution) by requiring members to be present to vote and by adopting the position under the Registered Clubs Act which does not allow proxy votes. The result is that proxy votes are not allowed.
The intention under the MLTC constitution has always been that if members want to vote at an AGM or EGM then they should attend in person to vote.
Article 61 of the Constitution makes it clear that the resolution will be determined by the votes of the members present at the AGM/EGM provided there is sufficient members present to constitute a quorum. If there are not sufficient members present to constitute a quorum then the meeting will be adjourned.
I hope this clarifies any issues in this regard.
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
Nadal Prematch Ritual | AskThePro
/in Ask the Pro, Tennis4Life /by RobThis week’s question comes from a player at the Seaside Championships. “Isn’t it great to see Nadal is back. He’s such a fierce competitor. My question is, why does Nadal employ a short burst routine as part of his initial match preparation?
It’s no surprise that Nadal, known for his fierce competitiveness, incorporates a scientific approach into his routine. He kicks off his pre-match preparation with a three-minute, dynamic warm-up, a vital component for combating fatigue, reducing stress, and boosting spirits. This routine can work wonders if you’re feeling drained before stepping onto the tennis court.
According to Margaret Rice, a neurosurgery professor at N.Y.U. Grossman School of Medicine, engaging in this brisk activity elevates your heart rate, improving oxygen delivery to both muscles and brain. This surge in energy can leave you feeling more alert, possibly attributed to the release of dopamine triggered by the movement.
Beyond the immediate energy boost, a recent 2022 study involving 25,000 British adults revealed that just three minutes of vigorous daily movement can lead to a decreased risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease.
This research recommends beginning your day with an invigorating warm-up to jumpstart your energy levels. However, it also underscores its versatility, making it suitable for a quick three-minute pick-me-up during any break. Activities like shadow tennis swings, golf swings, boxing, and basketball shots—all designed to engage your major muscle groups—are highly effective.
At the end of those three minutes, take a moment to assess your experience. Is your heart rate elevated? Are you breathing deeply? Do you feel more energized, and has your mood improved?
It’s fantastic to witness Nadal’s return, and we certainly hope he remains injury-free for a while yet.
Best of luck, Rob
Tennis Whisperer
SYDNEY TAKES SWING AT NETTING PRIME PLACE IN TENNIS HISTORY
/in Club News, Goss /by RobMelbourne will host the Australian Open this month but it seems the birthplace of lawn tennis in the fledgling colonies was most likely Sydney.
The Naval Historical Society of Australia suggests in the paper Australia’s First Tennis Match, released today, that the military base of Garden Island was the site of the first grass court, the game having been introduced by a British Royal Navy officer .
An 1880 plan of Garden Island shows a ‘‘ lawn tennis ground’ ’ on the levelled site of the original First Fleet ships’ garden. There is mention of the game in The Sydney Mail of September 26, 1874 on how to produce the perfect lawn tennis court, which, the research says, means ‘‘ it is likely that tennis was then being played in Sydney’’ .
The study states that both Melbourne and Sydney have credible claims to being first , but concludes: ‘‘ Although Melbourne was by far the largest city at that time [legacy of the gold rush], Sydney was significant for its British/military personnel’’ .
Historian Colin Randall, who carried out the research, said: ‘‘ There is a convincing case that it was Commodore James Graham Goodenough, Royal Navy (or somebody closely associated with him) who brought tennis to Australia, and that he played the game on Garden Island in late 1873 or early 1874.’’
His research proposes lawn tennis, originally known as sphairistike, really took off in Britain when a Major Walter Wingfield was granted a patent for a ‘‘ New and Improved Court for Playing the Ancient Game of Tennis’ ’ as well as copyright for rules for playing the game. He also started selling boxed sets of equipment needed to play the game. The Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) and his family are said to have been early adopters of sphairistike and to have been skilled players.
Wingfield and Goodenough were acquaintances. The thinking is that Wingfield used his military and navy contacts to spread the game, and his tennis sets, internationally.
The research explains: ‘‘ In May 1873, James Goodenough was appointed captain of HMS Pearl and commander-in-chief of the Australia Station, arriving in Sydney in September 1873. His duties there would have encompassed social connections with the city’s leading figures , among whom would have been the editor of The Sydney Mail. It is possible that they witnessed, if not played, the first game of tennis played in Australia.’’
The research says Victorians may have been first to hear about tennis, with an article in the Mount Alexander Mail of June 25, 1874 (three months before The Sydney Mail’s ), but it says, ‘‘ no public grounds, no barrack square should be without it’’ .
The Age of June 5, 1875, reporting on trends in Britain, states: ‘‘ Last summer lawn tennis was the rage, during the summer people ‘went in’ for skating on wheels and now everybody is mad about . . . poker.’’
The tennishistory.com.au website states: ‘‘ Thanks to tennis historian Clive Oliver, we have learned much about the arrival of tennis in Melbourne which has been published in the book Amazing Grace: The Story of the Grace Park Lawn Tennis Club. From this book . . . we know that a visiting UK player to Melbourne found a set of tennis equipment in the confines of the MCC storeroom which in 1877 had remained unused.’’
David Michael, president of the Naval Historical Society of Australia, said the intention of the research was to create debate to see if there was any conclusive evidence.
Source: SMH 1Jan24
Manly Seaside Results 2023
/in Club News, Goss /by RobWeb Site Changes
/in Club News, Goss, Whisperer /by RobOur profound gratitude goes to the professionals, coaches, playing partners, and cherished friends
who have generously shared their tennis knowledge and experiences over the course of five decades.
These invaluable insights form the foundation of the strategies outlined in this new website.
HOUSE GREEN STARS IN 2023 MLTC CLUB CHAMPS
/in Club News, Goss /by RobOPEN MEN’S DOUBLES WINNERS: Warren Green and Cameron Green
OPEN MEN’S SINGLES RUNNER UP: Cameron Green (2022 Winner)
OPEN WOMEN’S DOUBLES WINNERS: Lisa Green and Caroline Bhaguandas
When two young tennis players, one from England and the other from South Africa, met on the UK tennis circuit in the late ‘80s, it was the beginning of the remarkable, now local, sporting Green family.
Lisa grew up in England with parents who played tennis. Warren built on his tennis as a student at the University of Capetown, and was called on to represent the South African defence force in tennis instead of two years compulsory national service fighting in Angola. At ages 19 and 24 respectively, Lisa and Warren met on the UK circuit.
Warren played doubles and mixed doubles, and Lisa played singles at Wimbledon. Warren ranked in the top 150 in doubles and also played in the US Open, while Lisa ranked in the top 250 in singles.
At the age of 24, Lisa moved to South Africa to marry Warren.
Elder son Chris was born, followed three years later by younger son Cameron. Unsurprisingly both boys were keen sportsmen and both parents wanted them to be well-rounded in sport. Along with the tennis in their genes, other sports including cricket were a part of the boys’ lives growing up.
In 2001, when Chris was 7 and Cam 4, the family Green moved from Johannesburg to Australia and fell in love with the country and with Manly. Although settled on the North Shore, they always knew they’d come back to the Manly area, and have now been living in Fairlight for the past 9 years. In February, the Greens will have been living in Australia for 23 years.
With education a major focus of both parents, both boys completed business degrees, but sport has remained an abiding passion for the Green family. Today, Chris’ commitment to cricket sees him as current Acting Captain of BBL cricket team Sydney Thunder and he was recently called up to replace Adam Zampa in the national squad playing the T20 series against India. As a tennis player, Chris has also occasionally partnered with his father Warren in his MLTC Badge team.
Younger brother Cam always knew tennis was the sport for him. In Year 11 he decided he would study in the USA on a tennis scholarship. He subsequently gained entry to Furman College, a Division 1 South Carolina school, after which he played for 18 months on the tour. When COVID hit, 2020 saw him back in Australia coaching tennis and he currently works as a mergers and acquisition analyst. Cam was last year’s MLTC’s Open Men’s Singles champion and for both Green boys, tennis has provided a good introduction to life and in Cam’s case, an easy transition to a business career.
Photo: House Green: L to R Lisa, Chris, Cameron and Warren Green
‘Goss’ Editor: Pamela Muir
MLTC Newsletter – Tuesday 19th December
/in Club News /by RobSaturday Social Christmas Cheer
This Saturday 23rd December is our last social hit of the season, so get into the spirit and deck yourself out in your best Christmas gear. Prize for the best-dressed elf. Jungle jingle!
Seaside Update – 26-31 Dec
Registrations for the Seaside Champs have now officially closed with 320 entries – a huge increase on last year! It’s the 90th anniversary of the Seaside this year and it’s great to have such a strong field of players which includes lots of familiar faces. We look forward to seeing many members there and wish the best of luck to all those who are playing.
Sign-In Helpers still needed
We still need a few more volunteers to help with sign-in on the door at the Seaside, greeting people as they arrive at the club and checking non-members sign in using the QR code to meet Liquor Licensing requirements. No qualifications necessary – just a friendly face! If you’re available for a couple of hours between 26 and 31st December, please click here to sign up.
Follow MLTC on social
Our Facebook and Instagram pages are back on court! Follow us for the latest club news, events, results and member profiles.
Facebook (www.facebook.com/manlylawn)
Instagram (www.instagram.com/manlylawntennis)
Seniors Tournament – Ulladulla 16th – 18th Feb 2024
Entries are filling fast for the Ulladulla Seniors Tournament in February and a crew of Manly members are heading down to play. Registrations will close as soon as the draw is full so click here to enter ASAP if you’d like to play. Please let Christine know if you’ve registered and would like to be included in the Manly group.
Discount for Members at RECOVERIE
You may have seen the new blue branded ‘Recoverie’ centre across the road from the club at 29 Belgrave Street. They offer a range of wellness and recovery therapies including hot and cold pools, sauna, dynamic leg compression and more. The new owner Dave is very happy to offer MLTC members a $20 discount off their intro offer so instead of $89 for 2 weeks, it’s only $69 which gets you 6 x 30min sessions each week for 2 weeks (does not include use of the hyperbaric chamber or the private suite in the intro offer). He’s also happy to offer 20% discount on their other packages.
Head over to their website at https://www.recoverie.com.au/manly for more details, call into the shop or call Dave on 0406 613453 and let them know you are a member at Manly Lawn. Happy recovering…!!
We wish all members and their families a very Merry Christmas & look forward to seeing you at the club!
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
MLTC Newsletter – 4 Dec 2023
/in Club News /by RobMinutes from AGM, Survey, Racquet Demo, Carols and Tennis, Nelson’s Bay Senior’s Tournament
Minutes of AGM 25 Nov 2023
Dear Members click here to read the minutes of our AGM
Building Work’s Survey
The Committee identified five building works projects which were presented at the AGM. We ask all members use the link below to give us your top 2 priorities on which building works you would like to happen first.
Please click here to complete the survey – https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Wilson Racquet Demo
If you missed out on Saturday to try out the Wilson racquets they are at the pro shop till Friday so just ask and you will be welcome to try them.
Carols and Tennis ????????
This Thursday 07 December is the Annual Christmas Choral Concert at Manly Oval, come down for social tennis starting at 6pm, enjoy the carols and stay for a Chrissy drink.
Manly Seaside
Clarke and Humel Manly Seaside entries are open and close on 16 Dec. The tournament starts on 26th Dec and runs till 31st Dec.
Click here to enter the tournament
We need volunteers to help with signing in at the door you don’t need an RSA just a welcoming face to ask people to sign in. Milton has put together a google docs go in and put your name down if you can help.
Sign up link click here
Club Captain’s Report –Nelson’s Bay Senior’s Tournament
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
MLTC Newsletter 2 Dec 2023
/in Club News /by RobRacquet Demo, Tennis + Carols, Seaside
Racquet Demo Today
Wilson have given us their full range of demo racquets for customers and club members at Manly and Keirle Park Tennis to try out over the next couple of weeks (one week starting today at Manly Lawn and the following week at Keirle Park).
Wilson are also giving 20% off the full range for any racquets ordered before the 15th of December.
Luke will drop by today between 12.30 and 2.30pm he can help you if you have any questions.
https://mailchi.mp/
Tennis and Carols
This Thursday 07 December is the Annual Christmas Choral Concert at Manly Oval, come down for social tennis starting at 6pm, enjoy the carols and stay for a Chrissy drink. ????????
Manly Seaside
Clarke and Humel Manly Seaside entries are open and close on 16 Dec. The tournament starts on 26th Dec and runs till 31st Dec.
Click here to enter the tournament
We need volunteers to help with signing in at the door or working behind the bar if you have your RSA. Milton has put together a google docs go in and put your name down if you can help.
Sign up link click here
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
USPTA Quick Tip: Soft Hands on Volleys | AskThePro
/in Ask the Pro, Whisperer /by RobRob, USPTA Pro
Tennis Whisperer