First Tennis Courts
Tennis courts occupied the area beside the Shire Hall (where the Main Roads building now stands). The courts were surfaced with loam. By the end of the second world war, the old tennis courts beside the Shire Hall were pitted and worn but were top dressed in 1946 and continued in use until new courts were constructed and opened in Fir Street – 28 March 1952.
The new Town tennis courts in Fir Street were opened with a handicap mixed doubles tournament. A large number of nominations was received and the four courts were occupied for the full afternoon. The winners were Miss E. Scott and Mr A. Meacham. When the storm passed over the town on the Friday night and 130 points were registered it was feared that the opening would again have to be postponed, but with a drying wind the courts dried out. A feature of the new courts is the erection of a practice board, which provides facilities for coaching from visiting players who may visit the town during the year. The committee has plans for the planting of shrubs and creepers, which will add to the beauty of the place. (Morning Bulletin 25 March 1952)
Over 80 players took part in an American Tournament to mark the occasion and despite heavy rain of the night before, the courts were pronounced perfect. N. Gardner, contractor for the project, donated the trophies won by Esme Scott and Arthur Meacham. Shire Chairman, C. Lloyd-Jones, performed the opening ceremony. K. Moyse was appointed Club patron.
The first night tennis in Barcaldine was played on a Methodist court in Elm Street from February 1949.
Fir Street Courts
By 1966, the Tennis Club was almost defunct. It was given a new lease of life when Lionel Walsh persuaded the council to waive $260 back rent and renew the courts’ lease for a two year trial.
Shortly afterwards a permanent surface was laid and lights installed. Walsh was a four times central western champion and ten times a doubles champion with Col Thompson. Thompson became a professional coach in Brisbane and an Australian veteran champion. Walsh’s uncle, Ray (Flick) Walsh was twelve times a central western champion between 1945 and 1960 and his own sons carried on the family tradition by winning several age championships.
