10 September 2013 | Tennis Victoria

Before an enthusiastic and large crowd, the Tyabb Tennis Club celebrated its 100^th Birthday on Sunday 8 September 2013 – exactly 100 years to the day it began all those years ago. It was a magical day for the Club as it remembered its humble beginnings,  enjoyed  its successes of today,  and looks forward to the challenges and the excitement that the future will bring.

Newly appointed Club President Chris Beard, who recently took over the reigns from local tennis icon, Craig Watson, was joined by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Cr Lynn Bowden, and other notable and long-standing members, current and past players, former committee members and friends, who all flocked to celebrate the first 100 years of the Club.  

The Club displayed a wonderful collection of Club memorabilia – including the original inaugural Minutes of the first meeting of the Tyabb TC back on 8 September 1913.  Other items included a beautifully framed original wooden racquet (with original strings) dating back to early 1930’s, and heaps of historical old photos, booklets, records, newspaper cuttings and more. Importantly on a celebratory occasion, there was a magnificent birthday cake – almost a metre in length – a suitable, and memorable treat for all those attending.

The spirited crowd included long time member & renowned previous Australian Open Women’s player Cindy Watson, various members of the local Slocombe family (whose name goes back generations to very early days of the Club), and many local families and friends who have been part of this welcoming, friendly and family-focused club for many many years.

The Clubhouse and its current 3 courts are set amongst idyllic and picturesque green fields, and it is a wonderful example of a thriving and growing community tennis club. There are drawn-up plans on display setting out the future development and expansion of the Club which would see the Club continue to prosper and grow into the next century of its life.

Tennis Victoria’s Community Tennis Officer for Metropolitan South, James Madder, helped the day along with tennis activities including a portable Speed Camera Cage (one of the most popular sideshows on the day), and the very popular MLC Tennis Hot Shots including mini nets and compression balls. A little “Birthday Gift  Pack” to celebrate the occasion was also provided for the Club.

The future of the Club looks bright with strong coaching numbers; the up-and-coming Junior players continue to increase under the watchful eye of Club Head Coach, Travis Williams & ever-enthusiastic Junior Coordinator Jackie Frankel. The Juniors themselves enjoyed success the previous day at the Peninsula Tennis Association’s Grand Finals with a remarkable effort of five Junior Teams playing off for Grand Final glory, and taking out three Premierships.

The Club provides its Members with a complete range of tennis garments, including Hoodies (Ladies & Mens), Club Polos (with their individual names if desired), Warm-Up Jackets, and a variety of Caps – all proudly displaying the emblem and maroon and white colours of the Club – the Tyabb Yabbies.  

The Club also commemorated its 100^th with a large colourful Club sign adorning the front of the Clubhouse featuring a pair of cheeky Yabbies with racquets in claw.

In addition, a limited edition of 100 only Commemorative 100^th Anniversary Mugs were struck especially for the event – and were handed out to all who celebrated the day.

Congratulations and Happy 100^th Birthday Tyabb TC!