1970s - Rapid changes
After 50 years, it was moved and accepted that Men’s and Ladies’ Annual subscriptions would be the same.
Slazenger introduced yellow balls, which were tested by club members and favourably accepted. In 1972 the International Tennis Federation introduced yellow tennis balls into the rules of tennis, as research had shown these balls were more visible to television viewers. Meanwhile Wimbledon continued to use the traditional white ball, but eventually adopted yellow balls in 1986. The tiebreaker system was introduced to resolve the issue of lengthy matches.
By 1971 it was again necessary to replace the fencing. This was completed by Cyclone Fencing at a cost of $1198.
In 1974 The Metropolitan Grass Court Clubs Association approved synthetic courts for Badge Competition. This entitled all Tennis Clubs to join the popular Badge Competition formerly only accessible to grass court clubs. Balls were now being manufactured suited for play on different surfaces.
In 1976 white or pastel coloured clothes were approved, a major change after all-white only. A few tennis clubs today still maintain the “All-white rule”. By 1979 track suits were approved, but for pre-play warm-up only.
After more than 50 years, wire dividing fences were installed between all courts at a cost of $1690, making competition and social play more user-friendly. The new nylon nets can now be left up after play!
More than 20 years after the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Morning Clubs formed, the Monday Ladies’ Group started. This was the last weekday club to be formed as Monday had always been regarded as ‘housework day’.
There were suggestions of a squash court beyond Court 5 and a hitting wall on Court 3, but both ideas were abandoned.
On Saturday afternoon, 4 September 1971, a Back to Longueville Day was held to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Club. Invitations were extended to former members, there was social tennis and the Finals of the Men’s and Ladies’ Club Singles Championships were played. A special afternoon tea followed.
Junior tennis reached its peak during this decade with 46 juniors playing each Sunday afternoon such that by 1973 it was “Juniors only” on Sunday afternoons. This enthusiastic group of juniors lasted until March 1988 when the Sunday Afternoon Junior Club was disbanded.
To prevent usage of the grass courts during the summer grass growing months, the nets were taken away. Nevertheless, in 1972 there was no Thursday Badge team because of the wear and tear on the grass courts. After approval of synthetic courts for Badge, LTC voted to retain their 2 grass courts, both of which were re-grassed in 1978 at a cost of $870. In 1976 the ‘en-tout-cas’ courts 1, 2 and 3 were resurfaced with Techtone plexipave.
Following the introduction of Daylight Saving, Wednesday evening tennis was played from October to March.