HENSMAN PARK TENNIS CLUB
Formation of the Club
A group of South Perth residents regularly gathered to play tennis on a private court in Victoria Avenue, Perth. Since their matches required a ferry trip to and from the Coode Street jetty, they decided to find a more convenient location closer to home.
This led to the formation of the Hensman Park Tennis Club, initially established at a meeting of around 20 people. The club was originally called the Swan Tennis Club, but within a few weeks, it was renamed to its current title. The first courts were leased from the South Perth Road Board, located at the corner of Coode and Hensman Streets, where they still stand today.
The club’s founding president was Mr. H. Pilgrim, who also happened to be the Chairman of the South Perth Road Board. The original committee members included Messrs. W. E. Stockdale, W. L. Lucas, C. H. James, H. Peck, G. Philp, and K. Dixon.
On June 25, 1925, the South Perth Road Board approved the formation of the tennis club and the construction of two grass courts. Later that year, on November 12, the board expanded its approval, deciding to increase the number of courts from two to eight.
By 1929, the club's lease was extended for an additional 21 years, with the condition that the outstanding debt of £167 15s 3d to the Board would be repaid within the first seven years of the lease.
In 1945, with membership having grown to 130, the club sought to expand its facilities. On April 27, 1946, the South Perth Road Board agreed to provide £640, interest-free over 15 years, for the construction of eight additional courts and necessary fencing. The new courts were completed and available for play at the start of the 1948/49 season. Thus, by 1948, the club boasted a total of 16 courts, doubling its facilities from two years earlier.
Building of the Pavillion
In 1926, the Hensman Park Tennis Club applied for an additional loan of £64, to be repaid by January 29, 1929. The Road Board approved the request, stating: "...the request of the Hensman Park Tennis Club for financial assistance be granted. ...the plan submitted for jarrah and asbestos pavilion...be approved subject to the constructional details of same being to the Building Supervisor's satisfaction." With the guidance of Jim Holland, a club member and skilled builder, the pavilion was successfully constructed through the voluntary efforts of other members. The club not only improved the district but also became a valuable public asset. The new pavilion was a significant addition, complete with showers and sanitary facilities. Since its early days, Hensman Park Tennis Club welcomed outside organisations to use its clubrooms for meetings and events. As far back as 1933, the pavilion served as a gathering place for groups such asThe Sons of Soldiers League of Australia (SSL), which was established as a junior branch of the Returned Soldiers League. During World War II and in the years that followed, the Red Cross frequently held meetings at the club. Notably, in May 1946, they convened to discuss the arrangements for the Victory March.
Interclub competitions/pennants
In 1928, the club became a member of the Western Australian Lawn Tennis Association (WALTA). Just a year later, in 1929, the club made its first appearance in a pennant semi-final, with the Men's "B" Grade team facing off against Subiaco. The club's first pennant victory came in 1931 when the Men's "C" Grade team, featuring Harold Turner, Wally Parry, C. Halse, and W. Phillips, clinched the title. After World War II, in November 1945, WALTA was optimistic about the return of interclub matches as many players rejoined their clubs following their discharge from the armed forces. This renewed enthusiasm for tennis was particularly evident at Hensman Park Tennis Club. During the postwar years from 1946 to 1952, the club's membership surged to 250, boasting one of the strongest line-ups in the state for both senior men and junior boys. The club's dedication and talent culminated in a victory in the Men's A Grade competition in 1952. Social competitions with other clubs As early as 1929, Hensman Park Tennis Club had the pleasure of both visiting and hosting other tennis clubs, creating opportunities for social and competitive play. Members enjoyed trips to places including Jarrahdale and Northam tennis clubs, while also welcoming guests from clubs such as Maylands Tennis Club, whose members arrived in their motor cars for a friendly match.
Donations to Community Appeals
The members of Hensman Park Tennis Club have long been recognized for their generosity, often contributing both time and money to various causes. One notable example was their donation to the Greta Bulline Appeal. This appeal was established to raise funds for a young girl who suffered severe injuries after being caught in the revolving blades of a launch propeller while swimming at Como Beach. The club donated £1 and 1 shilling to support her recovery. In 1935, when the South Perth Road Board (which later became the City of South Perth Council) was tasked with raising £200 for the Jubilee Appeal for Youth and Motherhood, Hensman Park Tennis Club stepped up to make the first contribution. This appeal was a state initiative to honor and celebrate the jubilee year of King George V and Queen Mary’s reign. Then, in 1954, the club continued its tradition of giving by donating £5 to the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Gift Fund.
Tips for Looking Good on the Court:
Tennis Fashion in 1935
In 1935, tennis fashion was all about combining style with practicality. Even though the peak of the knitting season had passed, fashionable women continued to craft their summer cardigans, which were both cheerful and on-trend. Molly McGrath and Peter Smith became known for their matching cardigans, featuring a sleek button-down front and a fitted waist—perfect for pairing with Dorothy Round shorts. The divided skirt remained a staple on the tennis courts that year. Many players favoured the Dorothy Round design with its graceful, full pleats, while others chose a popular version from a well-known pattern brand, featuring two front pleats, convenient pockets, and a smooth back. Miss McGrath also shared a valuable tip for perfecting your tennis outfit: “Don’t let your blouse ruin your look.” She recommended opting for white tobraco fabric with a subtle all-over pattern, which added a classic, elegant touch. This fabric was durable, laundered beautifully, and stayed crisp and opaque. Brightly coloured cardigans became a trend that season, adding a fresh pop of colour to the courts.
War Years
At the war's outset in 1939, the Hensman Park Tennis Club membership stood at 84. During World War II, 35 club members enlisted in the armed forces. Among them was Gunner J. W. (Ross) Gliddon, who joined at the age of 24. As one of the first diggers to train at Northam, he embarked on a journey with the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) to England. From there, he was transferred to Egypt via the Cape route. Gliddon saw action in Greece and Crete before being reported missing. He became a prisoner of war and was held in Stalag VIIA & Stalag 383.
Tournaments
Hensman Park Tennis Club hosted its first tournament in 1935. The 1935-36 lawn tennis season officially began with the commencement of the club's inaugural Spring Tournament, held on the Hensman Park courts. The tournament was played exclusively on weekends, marking a significant milestone for the club. One of the most memorable finals took place in 1949, when Clive Wilderspin faced Adrian Quist, a former Davis Cup star. In a thrilling match watched by 500 spectators, Wilderspin emerged victorious with a score of 6-4, 6-8, 6-1, 6-0. Wilderspin returned to the spotlight in another unforgettable final in 1951, this time against George Worthington, also a former Davis Cup player. The match took a dramatic turn when it had to be paused due to a spectator’s car catching fire. The cause was later found to be papers igniting in the glove box. Despite the interruption, Wilderspin maintained his focus and won the intense match in five sets. In 1949, a stir arose during the tournament when the qualifying details for the veterans' events were mysteriously left out. This oversight prompted one individual to pen a letter to the newspaper, stating: "Event five on the official entry form lists a veterans' championship, but there's no mention of any age qualification or limit. My grandpa, who won the Sebastopol singles while serving with the pre-First AIF in Crimea, wants to enter but is concerned they might disqualify him for being too young. You see, he's only 80."
State Representation
During the postwar period from 1946 to 1952, the club's membership grew to 250, establishing it as one of the strongest in the state. This strength was particularly evident in the number of junior members selected to represent Western Australia in the prestigious Linton and Wilson Cups. Of the 14 players chosen for the Linton Cup teams, seven were from the club: C. Wilderspin (four times), J. Blacklock (four times), J. Fletcher (twice), A. Marshall (twice), D. Hamilton, B. Ford, and B. Francis. Similarly, three of the 11 girls who represented the state in the Wilson Cup teams were also club members—Misses U. Prater (three times), P. Cunningham (three times), and M. Blacklock (three times). The club proudly hosted a barbecue for Linton and Wilson Cup competitors, an event attended by tennis greats Ken McGregor, who would go on to win the 1952 Men’s Singles at the Australian Championships, and Mervyn Rose, a future seven-time Grand Slam champion. Until 1951, teams traveled by train to compete in the eastern states, but that year marked the first time they flew to Adelaide for the competition. In 1953, young Doug Napier, a junior club member, was selected for the Linton Cup team, beginning his long-standing association with the club.
Life Membership
By 1952, the club had recognised ten life members: Mesdames Richardson and Parry, Mr. H. Pilgrim and Mr. E. A. Richardson, and Messrs. W.E. Parry, C. H. James, C. Halse, E. Russell, E.Wilderspin and D. Lavender.