The Morning Club was started by Tarring resident Minnie Marsh in 1951.
But it is only this month, after playing tennis twice a week for more than 50 years, that Minnie, now aged 90, has decided to retire.

"I will still go along to see my friends but I won't be playing tennis any more," said Minnie, of Church Road. "I'm 90 and I think it's time to put my racket down."

Training

Many pensioners watch in admiration at the annual Wimbledon tennis matches, but The Morning Club, made up mainly of 60 to 90-year-olds, look as if they are still in training to take part.

Minnie, a retired civil servant and mother of two, said: "In 1950, after I had my daughter, I started taking up tennis again. Me and my neighbour went to the nearby Tarring tennis courts – in those days you never locked a single door when you went out.

"The club started off for ladies only and it really took off, with 30 to 40 people playing. As our husbands retired, they started playing mixed doubles matches. So I started to block book the tennis courts."

Minnie was told the group needed a name, so they became The Morning Club.

All weathers

"I've been to the courts with buckets and shovels to get rid of rain, I've swept snow off the courts, too, as well as witnessing a few tumbles over the years, but it really has been great fun."

In 1972, the club featured in the Herald after some members celebrated 40 years since they left school.

Now, everyone is a grandparent, with Minnie being a great grandmother.

"The ladies are still not afraid to show their legs off in tennis skirts," said Minnie.

Members come from Ferring and High Salvington, with some having been playing for almost 50 years.

Sharon Miller will be taking over control of the club.

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Worthing news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk