About us

SOUTHGATE WELD

LAWN TENNIS CLUB

The club was founded in 1924 as Christ Church Lawn Tennis Club, located adjacent to the old vicarage, on what were known as Chapel Fields.  In the summer 2003, The Guardian described the site as possibly the most beautiful sports ground in the whole of southern England.

Tennis has been played on the grounds for over 90 years. The Tennis Club was originally located to the east of its current position on land where Walker School is now. The Club had 5 courts pre-1950, but the compulsory purchase of land from the Walker Ground for Walker School meant that the club was reduced to 4 courts and moved to its current position, situated behind the rear of the car park. The footpath which used to run across the grounds was altered to traverse the new boundary with the school, and courts enabling a further rear pitch to be created. The Club takes it names ‘The Weld’ from Sir John Weld, who owned the land in 1615 and built the Weld Chapel which was demolished when Christ Church was built in 1862.

The courts were converted from shale to tarmac courts sometime in the 1980s. The courts were completely refurbished recently in 2009 and floodlighting to all courts was added in 2010. Currently the courts are used by the Tennis Club, Palmers Green High School and Walker School.  In addition, other secondary schools and colleges have used the courts for matches and training. The Club competes in the Middlesex County league and has Club Mark accreditation.

The Club has a small pavilion which has changing facilities/shower facilities and disabled toilet. This was refurbished in 2010 and 2011. There is no bar in the clubhouse, but a small kitchenette is used for serving light refreshments.  Club members are welcome to use the main pavilion on the Walker Ground which has a bar open evenings until late.