Game, set, match: 30 years of Billesley Tennis & Fitness Centre
We recently celebrated 30 years since opening with an anniversary event, which commemorated three decades of promoting health, fitness and most importantly, a love for tennis.
Current and former employees, and long-time and more recent members, ate a cake and shared happy memories from their time at Billesley.
Looking back at the last 30 years
Since opening our doors on November 16th 1994, we have become a place where players of all ages and abilities, from beginners to professional athletes, come together to enjoy a game of tennis.
Over the years, we have welcomed some of sport’s biggest names, including stars like Sir Andy Murray, OBE, Martina Navratilova, Dan Evans and Jordan Whiley, MBE, who have all trained or coached here at some point since opening.
It all began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with music icon Cliff Richard, OBE, and former Wimbledon Champion, Anne Jones, CBE, doing the honours, alongside various employees including Hansel Palmer, who is still the current tennis coach.
To Tennis and beyond
Reminiscing on his time at the centre, Hansel Palmer shared:
“One major change has been the function of the building, it first started out purely as a tennis centre, but now we use it for other sports such as badminton, pickleball, karate and gymnastics. We now also have a well-used gym area, with cardio and strength equipment. It’s a great all-round health and wellbeing facility and is such a key part of this community.
“I have many highlights from the past 30 years, but major ones include the friendships I’ve made through working here, being head coach for a while and seeing the local community use the centre to have a good time. I love being a part of such a well-loved team and working in such a vibrant environment.”
A place for friendships and memories
Former receptionist Sue Jones, who was there on the opening day in 1994, and worked at Billesley until 2012, has fond memories of the centre:
“I loved my time as a receptionist at Billesley, I even had the opportunity to coach tennis as well, which I loved doing, especially teaching the mini tots. I still visit the centre monthly and speak to my former colleagues and customers regularly.
“I have so many happy memories related to the centre and the people within it, from meeting my husband and lifelong friends to witnessing the centre thrive with people from the local community.”
Looking ahead to the next 30 years
As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to offering a welcoming environment where everyone can find their own place, whether through sports, fitness, or social connections. Our aim is to continue to play a vital role in the local community, helping people stay active, form lasting friendships, and enjoy the health benefits of sport and fitness.
Here’s to another 30 years of community, sport, and wellbeing at Billesley Tennis & Fitness Centre!