Hundreds more games of tennis look set to continue at Springwood Tennis Club under a Blue Mountains Council plan to continue the club's lease for another 21 years.
"It will be good to have the lease or the licences in place. It gives us the confidence to spend more of our own money in keeping the place looking as good as it does," said Ted Withers who has played with the club for 51 years.
By the 1970s the club had outgrown their Buttenshaw Park grounds, and after extensive lobbying and fundraising, the tennis complex was built in 1982 at the current location in Spring St.
Withers recalls visiting the Emu Heights home of Nepean MP Peter Anderson on the eve of the 1978 election with past club presidents Vic Barton and John Corbin. Mr Andersen promised $50,000 to go towards building the complex in Spring St if they won the election, and he delivered on that promise just a few weeks after winning office. The rest of the complex was funded through a grant from council, fundraising by the club and volunteer labour.
The official opening by state member Michael Cleary was well attended. "There was a big crowd, it was windy and wet, and a lot of people were there to celebrate," Withers said.
The club now boasts 235 members, with the courts used for competition six days a week.
While big tournaments have been cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions, Withers and his cronies are happy to have a hit in the local social competition. They say part of the game's appeal is that it can be played at any age.
"We have youngsters of six or seven. You can play into your 80s if your body allows. I will play as long as I can," the spritely 73 year old from Faulconbridge, said. "It helps keep you fit and there's the social aspect. Most of my friends in the Mountains have come out of playing tennis."
Trevor Bowen from Blaxland, who has been part of the club for 17 years, agrees. "Tennis keeps you moving and it keeps you young," he said.