As a post war teenager in Barlick, tennis had great appeal. It was a great super and it gave one the opportunity to meet girls. There was also the back row at the pictures, but that is an other story.
The only place where the game could be played was the Gisburn Road Tennis Club. The club was supervised by Ernest Oliver who was a wonderful youth leader. Balls were provided and new members had to provide their own racquet and pumps. White clothing was only worn on special occasions such as matches with other clubs in Ilkley or Newton le Willows.
The court was sited between the tin tabernacle and the Congo church. Now I see that all has been swept away for housing and I wonder where the young folk of Barlick play tennis today.
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