As the winter sun peeps over the horizon on Tuesdays and Fridays in Peregian Beach, there’s a band of blokes swinging their racquets ready to chase a little yellow ball.
Not that you are likely to see them there, tucked away in Rufous Street, next door to the Kindy.
The quiet little Peregian Tennis Club is away from it all. But it’s close enough for players to have their hit then wander over to the village for a yarn and coffee with their tennis mates.
Back in 1980 when Peregian Beach was really just a bit of speck on the map, a group of tennis-playing families established the not-for-profit tennis club, volunteering many hours and funds to get things rolling and build a clubhouse.
T.M Burke had built two of the now-three courts 1965 as part of the Peregian Beach recreation area.
A clubhouse and the extra court were added after the club was formed, and forty years on, the place is thriving.
Not bad for a little self-funded sporting club that has always been run by a small volunteer management committee along with a court manager, who today is coach Andrew Veale.
Infrastructure upgrades over the last two years include new LED court lighting and new court fences, along with upgrades to the generously-spaced seating areas.
The club enjoys a stable and loyal membership base of around 150 people of all ages, including seniors well into their 80s. But no-one needs to be a member to play here, although there are plenty of benefits on offer to members.
So, if you’re after a hit of tennis or want to join some regular comps, swing by Rufous Street sometime soon or Google the club website for what’s on.
