Club History
Tennis in the Comox Valley 1993 - 2004
Prior to the club formation in 1995, the Comox and Courtenay Recreation Centres planned tennis programs for the public courts. The Black Fin co-ed Singles ladder and Doubles Leagues were in existence. Fees were paid to the Rec Centres. Tournaments were organized and directed by one of their staff. In 1993, The Comox Rec Program Director was George Shaw. Shelley Olfert did tournaments.
Wednesday morning was know as 'drop-in tennis' at the Anderton Courts and is a tradition that continues to this day.
Participation in the VITA league was in the hands of a small group of tennis players dedicated to the sport of tennis. This group chose which ladies from the North Vancouver Island would compete in the VITA league.
During the summer and into the fall of 1995, exploratory meetings, initiated by David Lorimer, were held with Courtenay and Comox Rec staff and tennis players to work on starting a Community Tennis Club again. There had been a club years back, but it had folded. Agreements with the municipal officials were reached, an Executive was elected, and the Comox Valley Tennis Club was formed as a non-profit society in 1995/1996.
The first executive consisted of:
President - David Lorimer (deceased 2002)
Secretary- Molly Lorimer (now a resident at Stephenson Place)
Treasurer - Audrey Greve
Tournament Committee - John McGowan (deceased) and Karen Barratt
Social Committee - Sharen Bingham and Christine Robertson
Program Committee - Blake Walton, Jamie Boutell, Johanna Hilhorst, Louise Elliott
Junior Program - Shelley Olfert, Craig Dieno
Clubhouse - Udo Greve
Co-Ordinator of Wed Drop-In - Carol Bissell.
The newly formed CVTC took over responsibility from the municipal staff for organizing and conducting the club tournaments with the exception of the Nautical Days tournament.
There is a photo alblum, donated by Maureen Fiddell in the clubhouse, that features tennis moments in the valley from 20 - 30 years ago. Maureen is a lifetime member of the club, but is no longer actively playing.
Glen Jordan, another lifetime member, was at one time was the oldest member of the club. Glen played actively until he broke a hip in an unfortunate fall during the Opening Day celebration in 2002? Glen made the famous 'drop-in' board which is still used today. Sadly, Glen passed away in 2008.
- author Johanna Hilhorst, March 2008
