Unfortunately, the former Coal & Allied land that the CHB Tennis Court and Clubhouse are on, was sold to a developer. The new landowner has not given the community permission to use them.
The CHB Progress Association has investigated having them Heritage listed, without success to date.
The building and court are sadly in a state of disrepair.
History
The tennis court and clubhouse clubhouse are located behind the houses on the eastern side of Flowers Drive. They are adjacent to the proposed walkway/bicycle track that was formerly the railway track from the mine to the beach.
Development History
This court was built in the 1930s by the residents of Catherine Hill Bay and is visible in the attached photo of Middle Camp taken in the 1950s.
A number of District “A” grade players learnt their skills on this court which was maintained by the residents with the help of the mining company on whose land it was sited. Coal & Allied lands were purchased by Wallalong Lands Pty Ltd in 2016
Construction
FABRIC of CLUBHOUSE
- External walls are weatherboard
- 6 Wooden windows
- Wooden Floorboards
- Verandah runs the length of the clubhouse supported by wooden posts. A set of wooden steps lead to the verandah. The clubhouse is accessed by a wooden door on the verandah
- Iron roof
- Water tank supplied by residents and plumbed into the building.
TENNIS COURT
- Made of clay sourced from the dam on the western side of Flowers Drive, north of Colliery Road.
- It is very rare now to have courts made from clay.
- There are steel net supports and net.
- Fenced with wire and palings
HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE
The court and clubhouse were in regular use from the 1930s. This is the last remaining tennis court in Catherine Hill Bay. When Catherine Hill Bay was a company town there were 3 courts. All court surfaces were made from clay which, because of the need to prepare and groom the surface, are now very rare. Tennis clubs existed during these 80 years. The ladies club played on a Tuesday with mixed social groups on the weekend.
The tennis clubhouse has always been a focal point for picnic days and social gatherings. The building should be heritage listed as it was a key facility that supported the community social life and recreational life. The building and court were constructed by residents with the assistance of the mining company tradesmen. It is a demonstration of the integration of the social life of workers within the company’s organization and landholdings. The tennis court is important as a local symbol and a key part of the community identity.
Historical images
1925
1933
1967
1990’s
2000’s
Prior information when the club was open to the public
Welcome to the historic
CATHERINE HILL BAY TENNIS CLUB
Access to the court and clubhouse is via the lane beside 1 Flowers Drive.
The court is available for casual bookings
-ALL SUMMER LONG-
for club members.
Annual membership is only $10 per person
About CHB Tennis Club
The volunteer-run and maintained clay court at Catherine Hill Bay was built in the 1910s. The surface is firm, fast and ready to play upon.
You must be a member of the CHB Tennis Club to play, but the good news is your annual membership fee is only $10! Court hire fees are $5 per half day booking, morning or afternoon sessions available daily A $5 key deposit is needed for the keys, but is fully refundable when returned
For membership and booking, call on the phone numbers above, or email
Email: [email protected]
Feel free to message us on Facebook, and share your photos playing on the court.
Enjoy your tennis!
This fully community funded facility survives only through the generosity of club members. Your support is vital to keep this community asset in public hands. Keep in touch – join in at club events and let’s keep this club going for another 90 years.
Social tennis days are held regularly. Send us an email for more details, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook.
Download your CHB Tennis Club Membership Form and flyer 2018
