Weald Lawn Tennis League
Founded in 1968
Welcome to the Weald Lawn Tennis League Website. Clubs & players can now all benefit with access to fixtures, League tables as well as being able to make changes & record results via the administration site.
History
The Weald League was founded in 1968.
Mr. Roger Larner was secretary of Forest Row at this time and after playing some friendly mixed doubles matches amongst a small number of local clubs, thought it would be a good idea to invite these teams to form a league. Initially, a mixed league was started, consisting of teams from Forest Row, East Grinstead, Godstone and Dormansland. Two more clubs joined shortly after, making a total of six clubs.
These clubs were located in three different counties…Surrey, Sussex and Kent between the North and South Downs so the name agreed upon was the Weald Lawn Tennis League. Roger's friend, Mr Richard Gilbert, made a shield trophy and they both arranged a presentation gathering at the Felbridge Hotel to the eventual winners, Godstone.
The Weald League was originally intended to be for keen competitors from smaller clubs or members of larger clubs unable to experience playing regular tennis in the county leagues and this proved so popular that soon after the first season, many more clubs were eager to join.
In 1970, a ladies league was formed with a mens league commencing in 1972.
By 1983 there was demand for competition tennis throughout the year and a winter league was run.
For many years, Reg Askew and Daphne Lamport (Godstone LTC) were the backbone in administering the league. Daphne deserves a special mention as she has produced the fixtures and recorded results year in year out for over 30 years, right up until 2010 when she decided it was time to step down.
Without the league administrators, past & present, giving up their free time, there would be no league.
Current
Since those early days, despite the unfortunate demise of some smaller clubs due to struggling membership or funds, there has been a steady increase in the number of teams & divisions.
As the league has grown, it is inevitable that competition is now greater but it has retained it's important original values of being a friendly league…providing refreshments after matches, encouraging a good social environment.
Hopefully all participating clubs (see map opposite) will continue to enjoy the benefits
of the Weald League and it can count on their support for its continued success.