1980s - All court surfaces changed
1981 saw the second attempt at lighting the courts. The cost of lights on court 1 was quoted at $8,280 and on courts 1 and 2 was $14,867. This expense led to the decision being deferred and then abandoned in 1982.
Discussion then moved to considering “Mod grass” as a playing surface on all 5 courts. Superturf was chosen and, assisted by grants, Courts 3 and 4 were completed by 1985. A synthetic rubber Regupol was used as the base for former grass court 4. In early 1986 court 1 was resurfaced with Regupol, courtesy of a grant, and later that year another grant enabled Court 5 to be concreted and Courts 2 and 5 covered with Superturf. To complete the improvements on all courts, the storage shed on Court 5 was converted to a cabana. There was “popular acceptance of the resurfaced courts” by all members. Court 1 retained the Regupol surface till 1999.
In 1988 a new kitchen was installed and the next year much needed storage cupboards were welcomed. Sky blue/white Club shirts with the LTC Crest were a popular innovation for Junior and Senior members. Midweek Ladies’ Clubs became Midweek Clubs as men joined the groups.
In 1988, as part of the Bicentenary Celebrations, Tennis NSW decided to issue “Certificates of Merit” to Life Members of all tennis clubs in NSW, “in recognition of the contribution made to tennis by so many people throughout the State.”. Another “Back to Longueville Day” was held in 1989, “gathering as many traceable former members and current members, their spouses and companions for a day of tennis and reminiscing, with the presentation of “Certificates of Merit” at 3pm.”
Two of our members, Margaret Leask (1988) and Joy Abicair (1989) were honoured with the Mary Hawton Sportswoman of the Year Award by Northern Suburbs Tennis Association Midweek Ladies’ Committee.
In 1989 Longueville Tennis Club was Incorporated.
The year 1989 also marked the retirement of our Treasurer Joan McGuigan after 24 faithful years. The expertise of Alan Leask and Ron Abicair was used to solve the problem of theft from our letter boxes when they created and installed our ‘Fort Knox’ letter boxes, still extremely secure today!
During this whole decade the club was fortunate to have Robyn Rickard (Murphy), Debbie Jepson (Wilbow) and Mark Jepson coaching during the week, supervising Saturday Juniors, running popular school holiday tennis camps and escorting promising juniors to long weekend country tournaments.
Back to Longueville Day, June 1989
Back: Madge Smith, Sylvia Ramsden, Judy King,Joan McGuigan Front: Pam Hodgson, Alan Leask , Margaret Leask
Tennis Camp - 1987