Progress of the Basford Club

The Basford Tennis Club, whose home is situated at the top of Basford Bank, on the hills parallel with Parker's-terrace, has been in existence for 20 years. Originally founded by Messrs. H. T. Heatley, Edward Forshaw and Fred Powell, it was one of the first clubs in the district, and ever since its formation has held almost constantly pride of place in the district, particularly so from a match-playing point of view. For its present proud position it is greatly indebted to its invaluable and energetic secretary and treasurer, Mr. H. T. Heatley. Ever since the club's inception Mr. Heatley has acted as hon. secretary, and for 10 years he has admirably filled the dual office of secretary and treasurer. Mr. Heatley is a well-known player, and has won many prizes both locally and in the tournament-playing centres.

The club originally had two grass courts, but only for the first two seasons, at the end of which time it was decided to transform them into ash courts. This was accomplished under the personal supervision of Mr. Heatley, the alterations entailing only the very small outlay of £30. A few years later enlargements and improvements were carried out, which cost the club £40, and about eight years ago another £50 was spent in erecting an extra pavilion. All these amounts were paid out of revenue, and the club stands to-day in that very enviable position of having a balance in hand. The courts are, and always have been, kept in first-class condition. Almost every season a new top layer of fine riddled ash is added, and that, coupled with the fact that they get plenty of rolling, and in dry weather occasional watering, makes the surface true and hard, and particularly delightful for match play. A good fixture list is always arranged, matches with local clubs as well as with such well-known clubs as Newbridge and Severnside (Shrewsbury) take place, also ladies' mid-week matches. These fixtures account, in no small measure, for the high standard of play that is always associated - rightly so - with the members. In its history the club has developed and turned out some fine players, none, however, better known than the popular wife of the secretary. Mrs. Heatley has won a large number of prizes and cups, and is still a member of the Cheshire County team.

One need not mention the prowess of such a well-known player as Mr. A. P. Ford, who has many trophies to remind him of many well-fought victories. Only last year he succeeded in winning outright whilst on a Continental holiday a forty-guinea challenge trophy. Mr. N. F. Gibbons holds the proud position of captain of the team and Miss Heatley is captain of the ladies' team with Miss Hilda Shirley as vice-captain. This season the club have played so far 18 matches, 16 of which have been wins, one lost and one drawn.

Staffordshire Sentinel, 20 September 1913
Courtesy of The Sentinel News & Media