about

The force that is ETKG began its life as the East Torrens Lawn Tennis Club when two blocks of land hosting four grass and four hardcourts located in Salop Street Beulah Park were purchased in 1918. The earliest surviving minutes tell the tale of A1 and B grade premierships against longstanding rivals Trinity Gardens in the 1936/37 season. In 1961 the name was changed to East Torrens Tennis Club and although the club enjoyed many successes, in 1967 the club amalgamated with Magill Tennis Club to boost membership. Numbers continued to fall and the Salop Street courts were in need of repair, so it was decided at the 1969 Annual General Meeting that it was time the club moved to a new area; the Kensington Gardens Reserve seemed ideal. The Salop Street courts were sold and the club moved to its present location in the south-eastern corner of the Kensington Gardens Reserve and in 1977 the present name East Torrens Kensington Gardens Tennis Club Inc., affectionately known as ETKG was assumed. The new home of ETKG boasted a modern clubhouse and six courts, and the change in location brought about an increase in membership. The clubhouse was renovated in 1981/82 which included the addition of a bar and lounge. This was the result of the hard work of David Fielden, Jim Ryan and the late Malcolm Winneke. The extension was officially opened by the then Mayor of Burnside, Mrs Coralie Soward. 1986 saw the installation of top grade lighting on courts 1 to 4 courts and then in 2005 the installation of lighting on courts 5 and 6.

Many notable South Australian tennis players have been members of ETKG including Paul Baccanello, who competed in the main draw at Wimbledon in 2003, Marcus Thompson, and Linton and Wilson cup representatives Gavin Pfitzner, Jim Ryan and Dianne Batchelor (now Ryan). Helen Smart, Margaret Rowlands (nee Kenley), Michelle Stewart and Tracey Fielden have been Pat Pearce Memorial Cup representatives. Long standing members who are still actively involved in the club include:

• Pauline Fielden (nee Clifford) - Life member, ex President and current player
• Carol Winneke (nee Slape) - Life member and current Patron
• Ian Kenley - Life member, ex Secretary, current Vice-President and current player
• Rodney Rowlands - Life member, current Vice-President and current player
• Margaret Rowlands (nee Kenley) - Life member, ex Secretary and current player.

The club has a long and distinguished tradition of premiership wins and photos of successful teams are on display in the club. The earliest of these is from the 1931/32 season where the club won premierships in both B and C grades.

East Torrens B Grade Premiers 1931 – 32

A. R. Munks C. Jarrett M. Winch H.L. Munks
R. Sharpe E. Freak H. C. Nesbit (Captain)
D. Mayger M. Miller H. G. Nesbit H. V. Prest

Today ETKG is one of the strongest tennis clubs in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide. In season 2005/06 ETKG boasted 161 junior members playing in 37 teams, and 95 senior members playing in 12 senior teams.