The Nassau Lawn Tennis Club proudly celebrated a momentous milestone in its history on 5 May 2025: 100 continuous years of playing tennis at its cherished Market Street location.
 
The Club was established in 1880, as recorded in the recollections of the late Hon. P.W.D. Armbrister. In its earliest days, as recounted by Lady Bancroft (formerly Ms. Sybil Burnside), tennis was played informally on undersized courts at the Manse of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on East Hill Street. The Club later moved to the Police Barracks, where two grass courts welcomed spirited competition—until the outbreak of World War I brought play there to a halt.
 
The Club’s resilience was evident when it began renting courts at the Colonial Hotel, until the hotel’s destruction by fire in 1922 prompted another relocation. Finally, in May 1925, the club secured its permanent home on Market Street when it purchased the property for £300. Mr. Charles E. Bethell, who lived next door, donated a piece of his orchard to make up the area required for a third court.
 
With this proud 100-year legacy at its current grounds, the Club is launching a beautification initiative. Led by newly appointed Club President Sh’ron Saunders, who has been a member for the past 15 years, along with the Management Committee consisting of Rudy Williams, Sue Farrington, David Hayton, Melanie Taylor-Moxey, Carol Munnings Misiewicz and Carolyn Wardle, the project represents a renewed commitment to enhancing the Club for generations to come.
 
“As a long-time member and now President, I have witnessed the evolution of our grounds over the years,” said Ms. Saunders, “It is both a privilege and a responsibility to steward this next chapter. This beautification project is not just about aesthetics—it’s about preserving our heritage and ensuring our surroundings continue to reflect the excellence and tradition we value as a community. More importantly it’s about the people, the families, and the passion for tennis that’s been passed down through generations.”
 
To mark the Centenary the Club hosted a day of celebration last Saturday, May 10.  A Mixed Doubles Tournament was held, where pairs had to have a combined age of at least 100. This was followed by a commemorative dinner which included members past and present, and the drawing of the Raffle.
 
The Centenary Committee which led the planning of the celebration included: Lesley and Kit Spencer, Christine Cassel and Bernadette Major.
 
Ms. Saunders said, “As always, we are grateful to our members for their continued commitment and contributions to our vibrant community. Please note that the Club remains a private institution, and access is limited exclusively to members and their invited guests. We look forward to many more years of shared success, camaraderie, and love for the game.”