The Story of Stepps
Sports & Recreations
Stepps Tennis Club
The decision to form a Stepps Lawn Tennis Club was taken at a public meeting in the Hall, Edward Place, on 18th September 1907. The Chairman was Mr A.H.Dunlop and there were 32 persons present. It was reported that Col. Alexander Sprot had offered half an acre of ground on the north-east side of Lenzie Road, at a nominal rent of one shilling per annum. The site offered was on ground offered earlier to the Parish Council as a public park, but declined at that time (though taken up later). Col. Sprot had also offered to advance an interest-free loan towards the cost of setting up the club, estimated at around £150 for laying down two courts and erection of a clubhouse. (It was later confirmed that a loan of £100 had been granted). A Constitution, Rules and Bye-laws were drawn up and approved, and subscriptions fixed at 17s 6d for gentlemen and 10s for ladies, with an entrance fee of 5s; provision was also made for summer visitor tickets, of varying duration.
Over the following months events were held to raise funds towards the club's formation. Two courts were laid down, at cost of about £120, and a clubhouse erected for an outlay of £16. A third court was laid some years later. The courts were officially opened on Saturday 16th May 1908, by Miss Sprot, daughter of the Colonel, at what was her first public ceremony. She was deputising for her mother, who was unable to be present. Councillor Robert T.Dunlop welcomed the large gathering and referred to the magnificent courts, which he was sure met the wishes of all who had been involved in the undertaking. He mentioned that the membership then stood at 42 ladies, 12 gentlemen and four honorary members. On his invitation, Miss Sprot played the first ball across the courts and declared them open. Councillor Dunlop then presented Miss Sprot with a silver ball, suitably inscribed to mark the occasion. Col. Sprot, in returning thanks, congratulated the Management Committee and Secretary William McEwan on their work towards the success of the venture. Councillor Dunlop announced that gifts to the club included a flag pole, and a flag in the club colours of blue and white, with "S.L.T.C." embroidered on it (made and gifted by Miss Isa Barclay). Col. Sprot then unfurled the flag. An exhibition match followed, after which tea was served in a large marquee.
Five years later the club ran into financial difficulties. At a meeting held on 17th April 1913 it was decided to form a new club, on fresh financial lines, with a new constitution. On the basis of a financial statement prepared by Mr Peter Anderson of "Hollydene" annual subscriptions were set at 15s for gentlemen, 10s 6d for ladies, and 5s for juniors (14-16 years of age), with varying rates for visitors, depending on their number of days on court. At a further meeting (a week later) office bearers were elected. The courts were re-opened for play on Saturday 17th May 1913, with the first ball played by Mrs Watson, wife of the President, Councillor Watson. A large gathering of people was present, including representatives from other village sports clubs - golf, cricket and bowls. Councillor Watson intimated that membership of the club was 50. Over the following years the club was able to maintain its affairs in good order. The courts and clubhouse were kept in good condition, thanks to the efforts of the members during the close seasons, in holding events such as whist drives, sales of work and concerts, to raise funds for maintenance and repairs. The membership varied in number. By the 1930s the club had joined the West of Scotland Lawn Tennis Association and was participating in its leagues. A Junior Section provided a steady flow of talent to the Seniors.
During the war years the club house was requisitioned for use by the Home Guard (in February 1943). At the same time difficulties in obtaining a supply of new balls led to a curtailment of play. This was partly met in 1944 by a door-to-door appeal for unwanted balls, which succeeded in accumulating a considerable number. Those too far gone for immediate use were sent away to be re-covered and re-inflated. Play resumed at this time - but with a shortened season. After the war membership picked up again. During the 1950s the number of seniors varied between 58 and 82, and the juniors between 49 and 60. In this period both the Men's and Ladies' teams fared well in the West of Scotland leagues, and in local tournaments and other matches. To celebrate the Jubilee of the original founding of the club a Dinner was held in Crow Wood Golf Clubhouse, on 1st June 1957, attended by 68 members and friends. On the same afternoon a Former-Members' Day had attracted 50 seniors, some of whom had enjoyed a game. Over the years the club had endeavoured to raise enough funds to erect a new club house, but had found this task difficult to fulfil. In 1964 the Ninth District Council (Lanarkshire) offered to build one for the club, and asked for a donation of £500 towards its cost. This was agreed upon, and the new building was formally opened on 3rd April 1965, by Councillor Gray, in the presence of other Council members. The following year the Council granted permission for Sunday Tennis to take place, but withdrew this shortly afterwards, following protests by local residents. In 1967 the Stepps Table Tennis Club was given permission to use the clubhouse on three evenings per week, over the winter months. This continued until 1971, when the club disbanded.
In 1969 club member Sheila Moodie won the Scottish Grass Courts Singles Championship, gained a Scottish International Cap, and enjoyed success in other tournaments. She continued her triumphs by representing Scotland on two further occasions, in 1971, and the following year by winning the East of Scotland and South of Scotland Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles Titles, and repeating this triple at Grantown-on-Spey. Her achievements brought a wider prominence to the club. In 1971, also, Miss Margaret Stevenson won the Girls' Singles and Doubles titles at Hamilton and the Singles title at Elgin. The following year she played at Junior Wimbledon, and at the Junior Inter-Counties Week at Inverclyde, and was successful in winning Singles titles at Nairn and Perth. In the same year James Nicol had wins in the East and South of Scotland Tournaments, and also at Grantown-on-Spey.
After this "purple patch" enthusiasm appeared to wane, and membership levels fell. Attendances at annual general meetings were very poor, and on occasions the continuing existance of the club was questioned. However, a nucleus of members successfully determined to keep it in being. At present there is a Senior membership (men and women) of 40 and a Junior membership of 25. A Veteran's Section has recently been formed; it competes during July and August in a West of Scotland League. The club supports 1 Men's Team, 2 Women's Teams and 1 Junior Team, who compete also in the leagues. Members represent the club in the annual Kirkintilloch Tournament and at other events, acquitting themselves well. Coaching is carried out at all levels, including the Junior Section, where there are some talented players who may in due course emulate the "greats" of the 1969-70 era, and may even be around when the club celebrates its centenary in 2007. That is certainly something to look forward to!
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