A Celebration of 50 Years of Mr Hunstanton Tennis

The Hunstanton Tennis Tournament returns - Sunday 17th August to Saturday 23rd August.

Over 1,000 competitors will travel from far and wide to participate in the tournament that has been taking place for over 100 years, marking its centenary in 2020 and aptly named Wimbledon-on-Sea.

This year’s event is particularly poignant as it will celebrate 50 years since organiser, Chris Holt, first became involved, without who’s commitment, enthusiasm and dedication the tournament would probably not be in existence today. It is without doubt one of the most famous and iconic parts of Hunstanton’s history and that is purely down to Mr Holt.

Of course Chris has many many memories, but for those old enough to remember, he did mention two time Wimbledon finalist, Ilie Nastase’s nephew, who once turned up in the 80’s and won his event despite at one point sitting on his racket and refusing to play. Another included the jinxed court that ultimately ended Chris’s tennis career (the court number remains a secret!).

One of the most notable entrants to the Recreation Ground tournament was Ann Haydon in 1955, who, as Ann Jones, went on to win the Ladies Singles title at Wimbledon in 1969.

The tournament has brought memories to so many players, families and spectators throughout its history and continues to do so. There are even Royal links as the paternal grandfather of Diana, Princess of Wales, Lord Fermoy once competed.

Chris’s work was recognised in 2013 when he received the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours and was named ‘Competition Organiser of the Year’ by the Lawn Tennis Association, also awarding him one of their highest accolades, the ‘Meritorious Service Award’, which recognises outstanding service.

Chris, who retired from teaching at Hunstanton’s Smithdon High School in 1999, has always believed the essence of the Tournament’s success has been its attraction as a family and social occasion as much as a sporting one. He said, “51 weeks after the previous year’s tournament, each year I stand outside the referee’s’ marquee on the first day’s play with the sun, hopefully, shining, tennis being played on all the courts, with lots of people watching the tennis, socialising and meeting friends and family, and I just think we’ve cracked it again”.

As well as the tennis, a number of boutique stalls, eateries and the Burnham Market Hoste Arms beer tent create a festival atmosphere, so, tennis fan or not, why not pop down to enjoy the ambience, it really is well worth a visit, if not only to give Chris a tip of your hat.

Chris’s final comment epitomises his values of the event and his legacy as he said, “to all the helpers, volunteers, groundkeepers, referees, players, locals, spectators and, most importantly, my family over all these years, it is you have made this tournament what it is, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart”.