The History Of OLMLTC
The Story So Far .... Our Lady of Muswell Lawn Tennis Club has a proud and inspiring history that stretches back nearly a century.
It all began in 1937, when the Rev. Fr. Clayton, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Muswell, suggested forming a tennis club where young people in the parish could meet, socialise, and enjoy sport together. The idea was met with great enthusiasm, led by Frank Poile and around twenty founding members — and so Our Lady of Muswell Lawn Tennis Club was born.
The Club’s first home was in Priory Avenue, with Fr. Clayton as President, Frank Poile as Secretary, Arthur Sudbury as Treasurer, and Will Rodgers as Captain. Just two years later, in 1939, the Club moved to The Avenue in Alexandra Park. However, the outbreak of World War II and the Blitz meant this stay was sadly short-lived. After the War, the Club found a new home on land leased in Rhodes Avenue, and play soon resumed. Once again, Frank Poile was instrumental in rebuilding the Club, supported by many founding members — particularly the Rodgers family. The early pavilion was modest, with few amenities and notably no bar. That changed in 1948 when a drinks licence was obtained. With no dedicated bar area, the kitchen stepped in — much to the amusement (and occasional protest!) of the tea ladies. Then, on 29 July 1949, tragedy struck when a fire virtually destroyed the clubhouse. But true to the Club’s spirit, members rallied together, rolled up their sleeves, and quickly restored it to a welcoming home once again. By 1957, it was clear that the makeshift bar facilities were no longer enough to quench members’ thirst! Under the guidance of Frank Brunsdon and Andy Lee, members once again took up their tools and built a proper bar lounge — a feature that still stands proudly today.
That same year marked another milestone: the Club made the momentous decision to purchase the freehold of its grounds. This paved the way for further development, and in 1963 a splendid new pavilion was built, officially opened by the Mayor of Wood Green. Innovation continued into the 1980s. In 1980, the Club proposed installing floodlights on two courts to allow year-round play. Although neighbours initially objected and planning permission was refused, the Club’s own barrister, Chris Gardner, delivered a persuasive case to the Council. The floodlights were finally switched on by the Mayor on 19 November 1981 — and they have since been widely praised by members and neighbours alike. The Club’s ambition to relay Court 5, first discussed at the 25th Anniversary, finally became a reality in 1986 under the Chairmanship of Brenda Stewart. Alongside this, the pavilion was redecorated, earning many compliments from visiting clubs and enhancing the Club’s welcoming atmosphere.
From humble beginnings to a thriving, community-focused club, Our Lady of Muswell Lawn Tennis Club has always been powered by the energy, dedication, and spirit of its members — and that tradition continues today. Our Lady of Muswell Lawn Tennis Club — nearly a century of tennis, friendship, and community.
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