The history of the Club (with many thanks to Peter Colwill)

The Origins

The Club was formed in July 1946 by a group of friends and enthusiasts who had formerly played on a ‘pay and play’ basis on the Council owned courts in Golf Links Road, Westward Ho! Agreements with Northam Urban District Council were held leasing the courts for various lengths of time ranging from one to three years. Time limits on court, and always having to leave a court for the use of the public, meant that membership was restricted to 70 senior and 25 junior members. This situation was not satisfactory, and the general consensus of opinion of members was that, should ever the opportunity arise, the Club would make intensive efforts to prepare a development scheme for the future of the Club.

1959 article

27 January 1970 agreement with Urban District Council of Northam

Success!

An article dated 23 July 1954 details "By their victory at Saunton over Rock Park Club, Barnstaple, Westward Ho! Tennis Club retained the Houldsworth Tennis trophy which they won for the first time last year when they beat the same Barnstaple Club. The Westward Ho! Club have been in the final of the competition since was introduced in 1950. Taking part were D Johns, Mrs Morris, E Westoby, Miss Hellier,L Prust and Mrs Worwood."

There was keen rivalry between Club players and teams as the following article details:

22 June 1962

An article dated 26 March 1965 highlights that the Tennis Club appointed its first woman president. “An inscribed table lighter was presented to the retiring president, Mr Eric Westoby, at the annual meeting of Westward Ho! Tennis Club. He has been actively connected with the club since its formation 20 years ago. The new president, and the first woman to hold the office, is Mrs Hazel Stephens, of Park Avenue, Westward Ho! She has been a member for about 15 years and was a playing member until two seasons ago. Other officers elected were: chairman, Mr R H Clarke; hon. secretary, Mr P Colwill; hon. treasurer, Mr E Hubber; captain, Mr D Worwood; fixtures secretary, Mrs D Worwood (Cleave Lodge, Northam)."

In November 1967, prizewinners of Westward Ho! Tennis Club received their awards at the club's annual dinner. All former members who could be traced were invited to the occasion, which was the third annual function of its kind. Awards were: Men's singles championship, Wally Worwood; women's ditto, Mrs Rosemary Hughes; men's singles handicap, Wally Worwood; women's ditto, Miss Janine Trapnell; men's doubles, Donald Colwill and Fred Pittman; women's ditto, Mrs Margaret Petherbridge and Miss Margaret Mortimer; mixed ditto, Derek Johns and Miss Pam Plum; table tennis, Peter White, Mrs Margaret Petherbridge.

Moving on

By the overwhelming generosity of a local resident and owner, Dorothy Knowles, a plot of land in Avon Lane was made available on a freehold basis providing it was used for the specific purpose of tennis courts and pavilion. This offer was gratefully accepted in September 1972.

Masterminded by the Chairman, Tony Stephens, and estimated at a cost of £13,500, work on the scheme commenced, using a reserve of funds, and grants and loans, including one from Northam Urban District Council - the sum of £2,500 with interest at 3% - of which there were 40 guarantors including Peter Colwill, Martin Fishleigh, Jennifer Colenso, and Maisie Tutty. The contract for the four courts was place with En-Tout-Cas with work to be completed by September 1973.

As funds available were scarce the estimate for the proposed pavilion was far too high and careful consideration was given on how this addition could be achieved. By a stroke of luck, a member, Mr Herbert George Geen, a carpenter at Bideford Shipyard, came forward and volunteered to undertake this task and undertaken almost single-handed by him. The Club terminated its lease with Northam Urban District Council and officially moved to their new home on Sunday, May 19th, 1974, with the opening attended by the Town Mayor of Northam. By this time, the courts were in use, and the club was consistently the major club in the North Devon area with regards to membership, junior provision, performance, facilities and social activities. Mr Geen is thanked for his work on the building of a pavilion for the Tennis Club.  

An August 1977 photograph of Westward Ho! Tennis Club members

The contribution by Tony Stephens to the Tennis Club was acknowledged on his death in 2004 by the Chairman, Shawn Corin, "I think it is fair to say that if it hadn't been for Tony the present facilities as enjoyed by present club members would not have existed." As a token of the Club's esteem, it decided to have a new mens doubles trophy and event called the Tony Stephens Men's Doubles Tournament.  

It has always been the Club policy to encourage junior members and regular evenings were set aside for the young members to play. By natural progression juniors are then offered full playing membership. The Club hosted the Torridge School of Tennis which promoted the coaching side of the sport and the furtherance of tennis in the area. 

April 1966 article

In 2007, the Men's Captain's Report for the AGM states "Tom Vinall's E team were a beacon of light for the club highlighting what should see plenty of success in the near future. They consisted of a large group of primarily very young players but with a couple of more experienced players mixed in. Having started off learning to play and win matches in the league it did not take them long, as having lost their first 4 matches they then won 5 of the next 6! They also very nearly made it to the final of the Pete Stacey cup just missing out in a very close run semi final away against Lynton. I feel that several of this team will be playing and winning in the higher teams next year. Well done to Tom, Sam, Lewie, Ali, Milo, Peter, Grant, Chris, Mike and Hugh."

Winning ways continued. In an article dated 10 June 1977: "The Reign of Westward Ho! Tennis Club’s B team at the top of the North Devon Tennis League is over – their place has been taken by the Westward Ho! A team. Tony Butterfield and Derek Hendersen lost to Dave Priddle and Peter Clarke; lost to Colin Freemantle and John Beaumont. Ian Mitchell and Alan Briggs lost to Priddle and Clarke; lost to Freemantle and Beaumont. The clash between the Westward Ho! ladies teams ended in the same way with the A team winning 4-0 but Betty Stephens and Sue Ackland almost caused an upset before losing in three sets to Sue Doncaster and Margaret Petherbridge. Betty Stephens and Sue Ackland also lost to Julie Pincombe and Jane Wickett; Helen Heywood and Julie Bowden lost to Pincombe and Wickett and lost to Doncaster and Petherbridge."

During 1984 the solicitors on behalf of the executors of Mrs D Knowles stated that they were willing to release the Club of its obligation to offer the land back to the executors in accordance with the terms of the deeds. The offer of extinguishing the right of pre-exemption in the conveyance of November 1972 was accepted by the Club, and a payment of £1,000 was made to release the Club from the restricted covenant. Although the land to the south of the Club was to be developed by the executors, the Club was not willing to consider any offer, should there have been one, to relocate to a new site. It chose to uphold the original covenant as desired by the late Mrs Knowles.

During 1986 the courts were re-laid by Messrs Courstall supported by a LTA loan, Sports Council grant and local Bideford Bridge Trust grant, and work completed by November of that year. To enhance the Club facilities floodlights were installed on two courts and were in operation early 1991. They were opened by the County Chairman. This facility helped promoted all year round play, incorporating North Devon League (local clubs invited), Junior Squad coaching, as well as general club play. As far as possible any work in and around the pavilion was nearly always completed using Club members’ expertise:

July 1977 – garden shed extension built
May 1979 – one court repainted
May 1980 – additional court completed
August 1980 – two remaining courts completed
1985 – practice wall built (half cost contributed by Tennis School)
1992 – repainting of all courts

Over the years the Club enjoyed many successes entering men’s and ladies teams in the North Devon League, winning both Men’s and Ladies League and Cup competitions on many occasions as well as the Houldsworth Cup. An annual ratings tournament, recognised by the LTA, was started in May 1988 and has run successfully ever since. During 1992 the Club was successful in reaching the regional finals of the national Silk Cut competition. The Club hosted major county events and the courts used regularly by the North Devon Junior Squad for training.

Westward Ho’s 15/u girls are among the best eight teams in the country …. And they only just missed out on a place in the top four. Sarah Gifford, Sally Langford and Helen Trapnell are pictured with coach Jon Triggs, reached the regional finals of the National Junior Club League, where they went down 3-1 to Kent club Bexley, who were champions of the South East of England.

During June 1994, a 25-hour tennis marathon was played on the Club courts to celebrate 25 years of the North Devon League. Through various forms of sponsorship £1,000 was donated to Tennis for the Disabled. Charity tournaments were also played. Whilst tennis was the obvious priority, the social side was not neglected. A bridge section started in 1982, teams competed in the local skittles league and other regular events such as quiz evenings, sponsored walks and dances were organised.

Moving on - again

Atlantic Racquet Centre began as a dream when the members of the Westward Ho! Tennis Club in Avon Lane, Westward Ho! voted to expand and explore options for building a large-scale racquet & fitness centre for the Torridge community. Sites considered were Golf Links Road, Tadworthy Road, Lenwood, and Knapp House.

Using the funds from the sale of the old WHTC site and injections of funding from local and national bodies, a group of dedicated and committed volunteers led and delivered the project. After years of fighting planning applications and searching for funding, the first earth was dug in late 2014. You can see the journey so far here:

• December 2000 - The first ‘Development Committee’ meeting is held at WHTC
• November 2013 - After years of failed applications, planning permission is finally approved on a suitable site
• September 2014 - Groundworks begin at Caddsdown Industrial Estate in Bideford.
• April 2015 - ARC Opens with 6 outdoor Tennis courts, 4 of which floodlit.

The old WHTC site is now a housing development called ‘Queens Close’.

Atlantic Racquet Centre website

Historic information

Names from the past, some of which are still very much involved in Atlantic Racquet Centre:

Treasurers of the Club have included Miss S Ackland. Mr J M Triggs, Mr A B Redmore, Mr M Woolf, Mr D S Morris and Mr E A Hubber.

In late 1995, Westward Ho! Tennis Club Officials and Committee Members were:

President – Bob Clarke
Chairman – Alice Prust
Vice Chairman – David Vinall
Secretary – Peter Colwill
Treasurer – Sue Ackland
Membership Secretary – Marian Vinall
Ladies Captain – Sue Doncaster
Men’s Captain – Ian Cawsey
Associate Representative – Julia Barnett
Committee Member – Sara Copson
Committee Member – Shawn Corrin
Committee Member – Virginia Henderson
Committee Member – Elizabeth Scott
Committee Member – Jon Triggs
Committee Member – Dawn Weeks

The Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 9 June 1996

Apologies – Miss S Ackland, Mrs V Henderson, Mrs A Turner, J Tuggs, I Cawsey, S Corin and P Colwill.

Match Point Draw – Marian Vinall – ticket no 36
Heather Newcombe – ticket no 163
Trevor Wass – ticket no 171
Rene Le Roy – ticket no 170

Minutes – The minutes of the previous Committee Meeting were read, approved and signed.

Matters Arising – Club Kitchen – No news to date.
Club Heating – No decision was made but deferred.
Wedding Presents – It was agreed that the Anniversary coasters should be given.

Anniversary Dinner – It was reported that approximately 100 members would be attending but present Club members were to be encouraged to attend. The guest speakers would be Club President, R Clarke; past President, A Stephens; and Club Chairman, D Vinall.

Charity Event – To be played the following day, 30 June. Entry fee £1.00 with proceeds to the McMillan Nurses. This is not a tournament and was open to all members and ex-members.

100 Mile Walk – Commencing 4 July, Alice Prust and Ruth Redmore will be walking the Jubilee Trail. Sponsorship forms available in Club House with proceeds again to the McMillan Nurses Fund.

AOB

Membership Secretary’s Report – The following applications were acdepted – T Shevar, D & J Smalldon; G Barnett, M Poyner, D Lamey, R Screech, and welcome back to N Doncaster.
M Blake was accepted as an Introductory Member.
Resignations had been received from K Lawrie, J Broomhead, R Rolfe and C Smith.
The remaining applications for membership were deferred.

Open Evenings – Because of the success of the last Open Evening Mrs V Henderson suggested that further evenings be held. The following dates were agreed – 27 June, 28 July and 29 August. This would publicise the benefits of the Club and try to encourage new members.

Friday evenings – For the summer period to revert to the board system for set control.

Ratings Tournament – A very successful tournament with thanks to all who helped. A full report will be included in the next month’s newsletter. For next year’s tournament it was suggested that the advert publicising the event in the N. Devon Journal should contain an entry form.

Ball Machine – Confirmed that the ball machine can be used by members at any time.

Donation – A donation of £50 had been received from Torridge School of Tennis.

N. Devon Tournament – The Club courts would be used on Sunday 14 July and Wednesday evening 17 July.

Skittles Teams – All members of the new skittles teams were to be members of the Match Point Club paying £5 each. Discussion as to whether extra should be paid per game. The cost of membership to the Bridge Section to be ascertained to compare. Final decision to be made at the next meeting.

Newsletter distribution – To be collected from the Club July, August and September, then reverting to the delivery system.

Date of next meeting – Sunday 7 July at 7.30pm.

Signed: David Vinall Chairman

Westward Ho! Tennis Club Newsletter June 1993

Match Point - £20, Marie Bird; £10, Dan Keeler; £5, Michael Worthington; £5, Rod Pett.

VW Tournament – a great success. First assessment points to a profit of over £1,000, up on last year. Alice would like to thank all those who sold draw tickets, although disappointed that 70 books were not returned. Thanks are due to Wendy Bowden for all her organisation of the catering department, to all those who assisted in preparing the club, in donating food, and who in any way helped to make the week go so well.

Bar – this looks very fine, and should be a great asset to the club. The rota for committee members is on the rear wall by the bar. If you want serving at any other time, please contact a committee member.

Alarm System – a new one is currently being fitted. Details will follow later.

Ladies’ Handicap Singles – the final of this, between Hilary Wilkes and Denise Williams, will be held on the evening of Monday 5 July, at the same time as the final of the Parent/Pupil tournament. We hope there will be good support for both.

Bob Clarke’s 70th Birthday Tournament – also to celebrate 25 years of his coaching. Sunday 4 July, starting at 11am, with some suitably celebratory food/drink at the end of proceedings. We are planning to invite past pupils who have left, (and of course those still members0, plus some of Bob’s old pals from around the area. There will be a list on the board, to get your name down pdq, as places will be limited. There will be an entry fee of £2.

Wimbledon Sweepstake – same as last year. £1 per number, see Leigh, Sue A, Marian or Sue D. Last 8 in the prize money.

Work Party(ies) – There was much consternation at the AGM when subs were raised, but if not help is forthcoming for volunteers to carry out minor maintenance work around the clubhouse and surrounds, the only solution will be for a large sub increase. If each club member were to just put in a couple of hours each month, it would make a major contribution. See Alice if you feel willing to help in any way.

Subs – there are several members who have not yet paid their subs, and who will now be subject to the £5 penalty. Their names have also been removed from the board, and they are considered not eligible to play until the account is settled. This seems the only fair way, when many have been enjoying several hours of free play at the expense of other members who have paid promptly.

Resignations – we are sorry to have received resignations from Derek Slee and Paula Riddell.

New members – welcome to new full members Stewart Hillman (from associates), Ian Spear, Sarah Powell, Laurence O’Shea, David and Sara Milburn, and as associates, Elaine Poyner, Denise Lamey, Jean Fishleigh and Virginia Henderson.

Charity Tournament – 8 August in aid of Children’s Hospice. Details will be posted on board.

In 1999, subscriptions cost – full member, £79; associate member, £64; students, £47; under 18, £30; introductory member, £25; junior member, £12; country member, £30. In 2000 the costs reduced - full member £74; associate member, £59; student, £47; under 18, £30; introductory member, £25; junior member, £12; country member, £30.

In early 2002, the following were elected:

President – Peter Colwill
Chairman – Shawn Corrin
Vice Chairman – Matthew Harris
Secretary – Rosalyn Harris
Treasurer – David Vinall
Membership Secretary – Marian Vinall
Ladies Captain – Denise Koval
Men’s Captain – James Corin
Associate Representative – Sally Ferguson
Associate Representative – Sally Ferguson
Torridge School of Tennis Representative – Paul Ley
Club’s TSOT Representative – Andres Lobato
Child Protection Officer – Marian Vinall
Committee Member – Sue Doncaster
Committee Member – Virginia Henderson
Committee Member – Ben Lee

Westward Ho! Tennis Club Newsletter June 2002

Match Point - £20, mark Symons; £10, Alan Briggs; £5, Jeremy Hurrell; £5, Nancy Smith

Welcome – as full members, to Alex Schute, Carl Lobato and Katy Morse

Ratings Tournament – final amounts are not yet finally calculated, but from figures so far, profit appears to have exceeded past years, and to be the most successful in all respects. Many thanks are due to Dave and Marian Vinall, and Wendy Bowden for all the administrative work they put in, and Elaine and Terry Williams for their running of the kitchen and bar (with the constant help of Jo!).

Congratulations – to Claire Sims and Alex Wilkes on their success in the club ‘Road to Wimbledon’ event, leading to the Devon finals, Claire only losing at this stage to Carla Leens (3-2). Alex to play next weekend. And to all our juniors who supported the North Devon Junior Tournament, those who were successful, but also to those who took part.

Table Tennis Table – once again, please do not use this to dump your things on. We are very grateful to Dennis Rowe for letting us have this and we should show this gratitude by treating the table with the care it deserves.

North Devon Tournament – our courts will be used on Sunday 14 July for the mixed doubles (all day), Wednesday 16 July, evening, for semi-finals, and Saturday 20 July, afternoon, for the finals. There are several events for all abilities/ages, so why not have a go and enter one. Entry forms in clubhouse. Any queries, contact David V.

Alice – after many years of keeping the clubhouse clean and tidy, Alice has decided that she is no longer able to carry on. We are really grateful for all the time and care that she has put into this, and just hope that we are able to find someone as good to take her place. If anyone has any suggestions, please contact Shawn, or speak to Alice to find out more.

Club Maintenance – following on from this, there are several, mostly small, jobs that need attending to around the building – a touch of pain, or replacement/renewal of fixtures for example. Again, if you have any ideas, or are willing to take responsibility for even just one task, please do contact Shawn.

Wimbledon Squares – these have now been drawn, so follow your man to keep track of your winnings! Thanks to Matt, James and Ben for setting this up, and to Marian for doing the draw.

Charity Tournament with BBQ - Saturday 6 July starting at 5pm. See the notice board for all details, and to enter. Entry will be £3 which will cover food. All monies raised (by whatever means, fair or foul) to go to the North Devon Hospice.

Bench Cushions – one of these, new, cushions has gone missing. Is you wish to borrow any club equipment, please do ask a committee member. If it has been taken by mistake, please return it.

Next committee meeting – 28 July at 7pm

Lawn Tennis Association – Wimbledon Tickets 2004

In this year, the following Westward Ho! Tennis Club members received Wimbledon tickets:

Centre Court – James Wickett; Hilary Wilkes; Doreen Turner; Terry Williams
No 1 Court – Shawn Corin; Debby Hellier
No 2 Court – Sue Doncaster

2009 - Jobs That Need To Be Done!

As they are today, volunteers were the mainstay of the Club.