A TENNIS club over 100 years old could close.
The Grove Lawn Tennis Club in Gledholt has no-one to take over the management of the club.
The present lease with Kirklees Council for the Heaton Road tennis courts will soon expire.
Current secretary Fred Dransfield and president Adrian Abel are worried they may have to close for good if new members are not found.
The club needs a new secretary, treasurer and trustees.
They also need an experienced groundsman to maintain the shale courts between February and October and at the start of the tennis season.
Mr Abel, of Fixby, said: “The courts are hidden away at the edge of Greenhead Park.
“It has some of the best courts in Huddersfield – beautiful shale courts due to the hard work of Fred Dransfield.”
The 62-year-old added: “The biggest job is maintaining the courts because they require a lot of work.
“This year Fred did the courts all on his own but he’s in his 70s and just can’t do it all himself anymore.
“He’s a retired policeman and doesn’t play as much tennis anymore.”
There are currently 40 members at the club.
Grove Lawn Tennis Club is not in financial difficulty and the annual turnover is between £3,700 and £4,500.
Current members want to begin negotiations on the lease in October this year before the lease runs out in March 2010.
They are hoping members of the community might come forward.
The club is also in contact with other tennis clubs in the district in the hope of a potential merger or takeover.
Membership at Grove Lawn is £55 a year and the courts can be use is unlimited.
Father-of-two Mr Abel said: “We’re only strict on footwear in order to protect the courts.
“But there’s none of the wearing all white anymore – that’s gone by the board.”
Anyone interested in a position at the club should contact Mr Dransfield on 01484 687931 for more information.
