16 Apr Club of the Month for April: St Serfs Lawn Tennis Club

Established in 1926, St Serfs LTC is currently celebrating 100 years of serving the community in the Trinity district of Edinburgh. 

Situated behind St Serfs Church, by the corner of Clark Road and Ferry Road, the club has always had a good relationship with the Church – in fact, the first club President was an elder at St Serfs. 

In the early 1980s the club bought its land from owners George Heriot’s Trust and were then able – following lots of fundraising – to plan a new court surface, new clubhouse and the installation of floodlights.

Now with three all-weather floodlit courts and six dedicated mini-tennis courts, the club competes in the VMH Solicitors East of Scotland Tennis Leagues, runs social tennis, stages annual championships and offers a comprehensive coaching programme for all ages. 

Coaching is delivered by the SmashIT Tennis Academy – led by Gavin Vickery and Joan Arroyo Perez – both highly experienced in working with players from beginners to national level. 

In 2003, St Serfs was proud to become the first tennis club in Scotland to have mini-tennis lines painted onto their playing surface, reflecting their commitment to encouraging young players to take up the game. The club coaches also provide a programme of fun events for junior members throughout the year.  

With around 58 adult members, the club runs four men’s and three ladies’ teams, who have competed with notable recent success. In 2024, four teams won titles in the VMH Solicitors East of Scotland Tennis Leagues – the men’s 1sts retained the Division One title, the men’s 2nds won Division 3A while the ladies’ side 1sts topped Division 5A and the ladies’ 2nds, Division 6A. Individually Jed Alexander (captain of the men’s 1sts) won 18 of his 20 matches to top the player stats for the entire league. 

For those looking for a less competitive level of participation, St Serfs offers social tennis every Sunday afternoon and also on Wednesday evenings, in July, when the league matches are over.

A highlight of the annual calendar is the Club Tournament in late August/early September with Finals Day followed by a celebration evening of dancing, food, drinks and trophy presentations. 

Headed up by co-Presidents Neil Harden and Vincent Hivert, a dedicated committee oversees operations including Jenny Pendreich (Treasurer), Jane MacLennan and Marisa Chong Kwan (Secretaries, with Marisa also Welfare Officer), Anna Cullen-de Leeuw (Membership Secretary), Alison Henderson,Jack Fisher and Fraser Gray.

Many members have represented their countries and counties over the decades including

Keith Kordula who played for Scotland v England in North Berwick in 1981; Colin McGill who represented Scotland several times during the 1980s; Dave Knowles who played for GB U12 in 1973 against a French side including Yannick Noah; Graeme Brown who played tennis, rugby and cricket for Scotland while at school; Cammy Fryer – currently in the men’s 1sts – who played for Scotland U18s in the 4 home nations tournament; Jed Alexander and Patrick Young who played for North county last year; co-Presidents, Neil and Vincent, whoplayed for East 35s last season; Adam Clunie who represented South of Scotland County; Zack Turtle, Holly Turtle and Anna Bailey who played for East of Scotland; and Kana Saito, just 14, who has already represented Scotland twice.

Looking ahead, the club hopes to upgrade its courts to artificial clay in 2027 and install an electronic gate system, ensuring greater accessibility for the local community.

The club has arranged a number of events to mark this 100thyear, kicking off with special membership rates and an open day on 18 April. An LTA-approved week-long event – The Centenary Open – will run at the end of June, catering from 8s to Veterans. A centenary reunion on Saturday 8 August (from 2pm) at the club will involve fun games, afternoon tea, birthday cake, music and an exhibition match featuring the 1st team men.The club hopes lots of past and present St Serfs members will come along to share memories, like these:

“The club is so special to me as my parents met at St Serfs in the early 50s and took me there as a young boy,” recalls Mike Notman. “I remember the willingness of 1st team players to join in with lower ranked players and juniors. “I’ve been a member for over 50 years and have fantastic memories of great league matches, social times and fundraising fun with a great group of people, past and present. Hopefully the sun will shine on our special day in August!”

Then–14-year-old Laura Thomson joined St Serfs in 1978, where she was, “warmly welcomed by the older ladies and learned so much from them about tennis, court etiquette and life in general!

“I played in the First Ladies 2nd team as the club grew. We all went to away matches in one car, as the captain was the only one old enough to drive!”

Andy Moffat recalls his years of membership, from 1978 to 1992, with, “St Serfs being a proper old-fashioned club. The success of the men’s 1st team on the courts – eleven Division 1 titles, many cup successes and making three Scottish Cup Finals– was shared by all club members because everyone got involved in all aspects of the club, on and off the courts.” 

Meanwhile a poster in his High School in 1980, promoting free tennis with the Prudential, changed Alex Harkins’ life when it directed him to St Serfs.

“Little did I know that the club was on the cusp of the men’s 1st team dominating East Tennis for years!” he says. “We sat and watched play on Monday nights and were inspired! The tennis was great, as was the socialising. Through Andy Moffat, many of us began to play in the annual East Lothian Tennis tournament in North Berwick – this remains a highlight of the year.

“I’ve been so lucky to have had the best of times through tennis and am so grateful to the person who put up that poster!” 

Very best wishes to everyone at St Serfs, and all their teams, in making more memories during this very special year.