After our call out in June 2023 to find out more about the history of the tennis club, some of our members came forward with some great facts and stories. 

The club opened its doors in 1929, and with such a long history, it’s no wonder the club has such a fantastic feel to it, with members spanning all generations.

Here’s a snapshot of how the club came about… thanks to Sally & Mike Kehoe for this.  

19th May 1869: The date of the original deeds to the land (now containing the tennis club and surrounding houses), owned then by Sir Daniel Cave and later bequeathed to his son Sir Charles Daniel Cave.

31st December 1920: Sir Charles Daniel Cave sold the land to a farmer named Fred Ford for £1120.

21st March 1929: Fred Ford sold the land to Herbert Bracey, Walter Bracey (builders) and William Ward (solicitor) for £2100. They then developed Cleeve Hill and sold two plots to Cleeve Hill Tennis Club

Ann Edwards, and her husband Ralph, shared some wonderful stories and photos including the above, apparently taken around 1960.  

When Ralph joined the club in 1957 aged just 17, he said there were two small wooden huts, one for the ladies and one for the Men. Only the ladies was connected to the mains plumbing.  I didn’t like to ask much more about the men's facilities!  Members regularly painted the white lines on the metal tapes of the red shale surface before the club invested in concrete hard courts, followed by artificial grass courts which the club has today (obviously they’ve been upgraded). 

The club was first formed in 1929 which makes Cleeve Hill LTC the 3rd oldest sports club in the Downend area, after Downend Cricket Club and Cleeve Rugby Club.

In 1963 – 64, the clubhouse was designed by Ralph and built by members, and Anne remembers digging the foundations.  The Club organised a social event every month which saw over 50 members and each time a different member provided the entertainment. 

In the early 1960s floodlighting was installed on the top court, only the second tennis club in the Bristol area to do so.

They also told about Mrs Alice Williams, who was Secretary of the club for 50 years until 1998. 

The volunteering and social spirit continue in the club today with a dedicated committee who have been instrumental in the development of our club.

If you’re passing, pop in and take a look. You’ll be amazed at how peaceful the setting is.