Tennis opens a whole new book

ANOTHER page was written in the history of the Healesville Tennis Club in August when the club launched “Advantage Healesville – The 120 year story of Healesville Tennis Club”.
Written by member and local historian Bryn Jones, the 128-page book traces the history of the club from the first rumblings for the formation of a club in 1889 and the opening of the courts in River Street the next year, to the present day where members play on club courts at Queen’s Park and at Don Road Sporting Complex.
The book was launched on Sunday, 28 August, 2011, by Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Terry Avery. Casey MP Tony Smith, representatives of Tennis Victoria, Eastern Region Tennis and Mid-Week Ladies Tennis Association and past and present members (many featuring in the book) were among the more than 160 people who attended.
Club president Kathy Cameron described the book as a “Who’s Who of Healesville and the Yarra Valley over the decades and the extensive collection of photographs along with familiar names in the anecdotes and lists of players, club champions and officials, supports the claim.
A highlight of the day was the exhibition match with Chiro Mukerjea, a former Davis Cup player for India and former Collingwood Football Club premiership player Brian Beers teaming up against current club coach Wayne Broom and his father, a former Australian Open and A-Grade pennant player.
“Our club is one of only three in Victoria to reach the 120 milestone and it was wonderful to see past members and their families, including many club champions and eight of our nine life members, coming from all around Victoria for the day,” said book sub-committee member Beth Honeycombe, herself a life member.
She said the response to the book, which was funded through a community grant from Yarra Ranges Council, was overwhelming.