Ryde Mead Tennis Club/club history

History of the Club

The club was founded in 1907 and originally called the 'Mead Lawn Tennis Club'. Initially consisting of two grass courts (facing East/West) and a croquet Lawn below the courts later to become a nine-hole pitch and putt, situated in the gardens of the nine houses of Brigstocke Terrace. Records of matches against Southampton, Southsea and Ventnor date back to 1907.

The grounds had other uses apart from Tennis and Croquet and in 1908 the Mayor of Ryde's Garden party was held. The Mead Lawn Tennis Club was kept going through the 1st World War by 6 families. After the end of the war, successful junior tournaments were held each year in August from 1919 until the outbreak of the 2nd World War in 1939.

Following the death of Mr Brigstocke in 1956, his estate was divided up and sold (his two sons had pre-deceased him during the war) and there were no direct heirs. 1959 saw the granting of a 15-year lease, and a 10-year loan, by members wishing to invest money into the club, which enabled the Mead to apply to the Lawn Tennis association, to convert 3 of the then 5 grass courts into hard courts. Winners of the Mead junior tournament, who became Wimbledon and International players included Mr Geoffrey Paish, and Miss Peggy Scriven.

Following the repayment of the loan, it was suggested that the remaining 2 grass courts be converted into hard courts and the landlord granted a further 10-year lease. The cost at that time of converting each court from grass to hard courts was £450. In the early 1960's the committee decided to change the name from the Mead Lawn Tennis Club to Ryde Mead Lawn Tennis Club.