NEWS FROM DOWN UNDER…
“For those of you who were unable to attend the AGM last week and who haven’t heard our breaking news, I am delighted to tell you that we have found a site for a real tennis court in Sydney !
Following an approach to Centennial Parklands in April, we had a further meeting with them early last which confirmed that they propose to offer us a site on the corner of Anzac Parade and Cleveland St ! Adjacent to the Moore Park Golf Club and mostly unnoticed by passers by, is one of Sydney’s early toll houses, built in 1860 to charge those travelling south to Randwick Racecourse and La Perouse. It is a small two story sandstone house that has been unoccupied and somewhat derelict for years but is of great heritage significance. Around it are various more recent buildings that are likely to be demolished as part of a major renovation of the Toll House. This will make available an area large enough for at least one court and possibly two, creating a beguiling link between a heritage building and a heritage sport !
It is hard to imagine a better location for a real tennis court in Sydney. It is just minutes from the city on a major road that leads to Sydney airport. It is only metres away from the Moore Park Golf Club which has bar and restaurant facilities, and is within sight of the Sydney Cricket Ground and a short walk from the Showground shopping and cinema precinct. It is close to the long established eastern suburbs of Sydney with its many schools and the emerging residential area around Green Square and Waterloo, and is within easy reach of two of Sydney’s major universities.
Of course there is much to be done before a ball can be hit but finding a site is a huge leap in the right direction. Raising sufficient funds is now our priority and we are currently updating our estimates and budgets around this site. If you have any ideas with regards to fundraising – sponsorships, grants, events etc., please contact me.
With much excitement !”
David Pinsent
