A WIRRAL tennis club will celebrate its centenary this year.

Bertram Tennis Club was founded in 1923 with its objective being to "Provide a safe and pleasant amenity for local residents to play tennis and join in social activities to promote participation of the amateur sport of tennis in Meols and it's surrounding area."

100 years later this remains the club's aim with tennis continuing to flourish on Bertram Drive. 

Highlights of the club's long history include the opening in 1964 of the club's all weather courts and new clubhouse which were opened by the legendary player and commentator Dan Maskell who became known as the BBC's 'voice of Wimbledon'. 

Several exhibition matches were played featuring a number of top British players including Stanley Matthews junior, who became Wimbledon Boys Champion in 1962 and beat Ilie Nastase in the first round of the 1969 French Open Championship.

The courts were again resurfaced in the late 1990s with acrylic which was the hard court surface recommended by the Lawn Tennis Association.

Bertram has five tennis courts and one short tennis court for younger children and an excellent clubhouse.

Mixed and men's teams play in the Wirral League and friendly teams in the Thursday night league as well as men's and ladies teams in the winter leagues on a Sunday and the Port Sunlight League.

Club member Mark Watson said: "At Bertram we pride ourselves on having a healthy social tennis group which play on a Wednesday evening during spring summer and autumn, and on Monday and Thursday mornings and Saturday afternoons throughout the year.

"We are extremely fortunate to have a very experienced coach, Leigh Owen, who provides group and individual coaching for all ages and abilities, as well as social players who are just looking to have fun and expand their knowledge of the game.

"Our focus is to generate a healthy training environment where each individual can enjoy themselves and excel to their highest level possible."

Bertram also had social activities throughout the year for both playing and non playing members.

These activities include table tennis teams that play in the Wirral League, art classes, quiz nights for all the family and Pilates.

Anyone interested in Pilates can contact Suzanne Harvey on either suzanne.harvey1@sky.com or 07791635414.

Anyone interested in playing tennis or any of the above activities can contact: admin@bertramltc.onmicrosoft.com or visit: clubspark.lta.org.uk/bertramtennisclub