Frank is a Life Member of the Bendigo Tennis Association (BTA) and currently the Vice President. The lawn courts in Barnard Street were opened in 1928 with many clubs around Bendigo contributing to the cost of the lease from the Council. The Clubs got together and formed the Association in 1948. One of the first tasks was to build the pavilion at a cost of $28,000. This was named in honour of Kel Pell in 1948. Frank noted that Kel, now in his nineties, can be most indignant if he is not in receipt of information about upcoming working bees etc.

 

Some interesting milestones of the Association include the introduction of Country Week in 1948 and the junior competitions in the 1950's. Frank recalled exhibition matches with the likes of Jack Kramer and Frank Sedgman on the QEO in the 1950's. Temporary tiered seating was set up on these occasions. Additional lawn courts were set up in Eaglehawk and Garden Gully. Lawn courts, although an important part of tennis tradition, are very expensive to maintain. The first developments at Nolan Street took place in the 1980's.

 

The BTA was the recipient of a $110K state government grant and a $50K grant from the council for the development of the Nolan Street complex. Additional funds were sourced through a loan form the National Bank. Fees had to be increased to cover the cost of toilets which weren't part of the original development. The complex comprises sixteen courts which are of tournament standard. The drop off in play on Saturdays has been somewhat compensated by mid week involvement under lights. The cafe is proving to be a popular meeting place for the wider community.

 

Members' questions including behaviour protocols and the better Bendigo players over the years prompted some lively discussion. Frank had some interesting comments about Nick Kyrgios and the game styles best suited to the different surfaces which tennis is played on.There are two more years to run on the sponsorship from the Fosterville mine. The engagement of volunteers has become even more challenging in the aftermath of Covid. People previously involved have pursued other interests during the break. It was wonderful to know more of the workings of our host venue. Congratulations to Frank on his very generous contribution to the Bendigo community.