Burton Joyce Tennis Club

The club was formed on 1st May 1938 under the name "Cragmoor Tennis Club". It's 21 members used two courts which were already in existence as an amenity for the residents of the house built nearby in the late twenties by a Mr Cragg and a Mr Moor (Hence the name of the road). 

 

At the time of the building project there were about twenty privately owned courts around the village, and as the number of houses in Burton Joyce in 1921 was 256, it can be imagined there was a great social interest in tennis. 

 

The small club paid only a modest rental for the use of the courts and pavilion, and the subscription was low. A "dame school" was held in the pavilion which was even smaller than now, so there were restrictions during term time, and of course the red shale courts were themselves a restriction in bad weather. 

 

Along came the war in September 1939, and by 1940 the slightly larger membership which had built up, was greatly reduced, as military call-up took so many away. Instead of opening up in the Spring of 1943 it was decided to suspend activities. The few remaining members formed a temporary "Cragmoor Wartime Tennis Club", paying a nominal rent and charged to store the gear until happier days came round again. They did, and in March 1946 the club started up again and changed its name to "Burton Joyce Tennis Club". 

 

All materials and commodities were rationed and very scarce, but somehow the resurfacing of the two courts, newly tarred nets and a minimum quantity of precious wire netting were "magicked" by enthusiasts, and this time membership had to be restricted. Play could only take place after school hours, week-ends and school holidays. 

 

In 1948 the club entered a Men's and Ladies team in the reformed Nottinghamshire League. In 1956, we were able to purchase our club grounds and pavilion for £600. 

 

In 1958 the little school closed down. Tennis was played morning, afternoon and evening, every day, weather permitting. Gradually we repaid loans to our members and worked for improvements, such as electricity, a new floor and a small kitchen. It became obviously desirable to have a third court, so by chopping down the otherwise delectable orchard which surrounded us, we extended the playing area to the boundary, and achieved the extra space needed for the court. Until finally, the whole playing area was moved to the northern boundary, and the present all weather courts were built in 1979.The courts have continued to be improved with the provision of floodlights on all 3 courts and periodic refurbishment, the last time being in 2014

 

We achieved international success when member Jocelyn Rae became a British tennis player with a career-high world singles ranking of 450 and a double ranking of 87. She has played in the Federation Cup and won 1 International Tennis Federation (ITF) title in singles and 17 doubles titles. Together with Colin Fleming she won a gold medal in the mixed doubles at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.  

 

So nearly 80 years on the spirit which founded and maintained the club through all those difficult war years is alive and well and going from strength to strength.