In 1939 Wanderers Club committee member Matt Anderson, acquired from the Council at a rate of one shilling per year, an area in the Recreation Grounds for two tennis courts to be built. This area is where the courts now stand.
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Under the leadership of Ron Anderson two courts were built.
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Firstly, members cleared the scrub with a scoop drawn by a draught horse, granite was then carted from the creek at the end of Ryrie Street and levelled by a steel tyre dragged by a horse. The fencing materials were donated and labour was voluntary to erect the fence.
Members cleared the scrub with a scoop drawn by a draught horse, granite was then carted from the creek... and levelled by a steel tyre dragged by a horse.
- Nick Fry
After a few years a third court was built at Coghill Street, then moved in one piece to the Rec. It was later sold and moved away.
Tennis was again proving to be very popular in the district with two courts at Majors Creek, Charleyong, Charleys Forest, Lake Bathurst, Nerriga and Monga. There was also one court at Reidsdale and Orronook (Harolds Cross).
There were also two courts at St Bedes, who had their own team that regularly playing The Wanderers.
One player was George McGrath, who played one set against Australian 4th seed, Henry Lindo. George lost 8/10. Lindo reached the Final 16 in the 1940 Australian Open to be beaten by Max Newcombe.
During the 1950’s and 1960’s the enthusiasm to play tennis was losing its appeal. The courts were neglected and were run down.
In 1972, The Wanderers Club reformed and through street stalls, raffles, grants and voluntary labour, the courts were once again up and running.
The committee had thoughts of rebuilding the courts near the Servicemen’s Club, but decided to keep them in the rec ground precinct.
The Tennis Club also received a grant from the State Government of $200 and along with a donation of $500 from the Servicemens Club enabled cyclone fencing around the courts. The courts were sealed and coated with flexipave and lighting was installed.
The name of the club was then changed to the Braidwood Tennis Club.
With the installation of lights, night competitions began and proved most popular. At the same time, junior tennis commenced and the Club was still regularly playing competitions against Tarago, Bungendore, coastal teams and occasionally Canberra.