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Whickham Tennis Club
In the 19th century a group of enthusiasts hired some land on the Glebe and constructed 2 courts. They paid £2 a year rent to the Cricket Club and that is the only information extant today.
Watergate Colliery was in full production and the houses built for the miners were superior to the "Pit Streets." They were larger with more room for the big families. As was the custom, a Welfare Hall was constructed nearby. The council provided a bowling green and later three ash courts. For a nominal sum this mining community had access to bowls and tennis. .
In 1952 Mr. Alec Johnson decided to form a club, with rules and regulations. The emphasis would be on the social side and the encouragement of the young.
Members of the Watergate Welfare played for free.Outsiders paid 12 shillings and 6 pence. The club flourished for many years. Trophies were played for, Ladies and Men's Singles, Mixed Doubles and Juniors.
By 1958 the better players hankered for competition, they wished to play in the Local Leagues. This they did but the social element collapsed.
The Men's team did exceptionally well. They had Tuesday and Thursday nights for practice. Match day was Saturday. In time they reached the Top League in Northumberland and Durham.
Feeling that the club no longer belonged to them, vandalism grew and the difficulties, damage and expense, led to the rapid decline and finally the death of the club.
In Whickham Park, beside the excellent Bowling club, there are two hard courts, which are in a neglected condition, with holes in the wire netting and tennis nets hanging in a dismal state.
This does not mean tennis is unavailable for the people of Whickham. Near Blaydon Rugby Club, within the Derwent Park renovation area, a magnificent club has recently been opened. Lottery money has provided six all weather floodlit courts, a magnificent and spacious vandal proof club-house. There is coaching for juniors of all age groups, and everyone of whatever age or ability is welcomed. .