Shirley Tennis Club

The Shirley Tennis Club was formed in 1925 through the enthusiasm of the late Mr. Norman A Baggs who was a local resident. The first court was put down in concrete with asphalt dressing at the cost of sixty-seven pounds ten shillings less 2.5 percent discount. Mr. JA Flesher, a former Mayor of Christchurch, was elected the first President with other prominent residents of the district accepting the office of Vice Presidents. The membership at this stage was about 40 and the first opening day was held on 24 October 1925. From the commencement of the Club in 1925 it had affiliated with the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association and has always been loyal to the Association. By 1928 there were three courts and a volley board was erected.

1930 saw a new pavilion opened to replace the original storage shed and a disk system was introduced for Saturday afternoon play. A fourth court was laid in 1933. In 1942 endeavors were made to foster junior tennis in the Club. In 1946 the Club and the Christchurch City Council approved Sunday play before 10am and after 1pm. The Canterbury Junior Lawn Tennis Association was formed in 1949 and Shirley Club became affiliated.

Over the years several members of the Club have been elected to positions within Canterbury and New Zealand Tennis. Some of the early ones were: Mr. A Hatch-President CLTA in 1959, Mr. C Palmer-Management Committee 1960, Mr. A Hatch-President NZLTA 1961 and Mr. A Hatch-Life Member CLTA 1964.