As part of the countdown to Melville Palmyra Tennis Club’s milestone celebrations, the Wilsons this week took a trip down memory lane to share how the union kicked off 54 wonderful years of marriage.

Chris, 76, began playing the sport at the Palmyra Tennis Club when he was just 10.

Nola, 75, first played at Melville Tennis Club when she was 12.

“With the Melville council forcing the two clubs to amalgamate, we met, so the council has a lot to answer for,” Chris told PerthNow.

The pair were just friends until 16-year-old Chris went to extraordinary lengths to have 15-year-old Nola by his side at a wedding.

“My cousin was getting married and I needed a partner, we were friends through the tennis club but that was the first time I asked her on a date,” Chris said.

“I didn’t have a licence and Nola didn’t have a phone and I lived in Mosman Park, so Mum and Dad drove me to Nola’s place in Melville and I knocked on the door and asked if she wanted to come to the wedding with me.

“I was nervous thinking ‘what if she says no’.”

Luckily for Chris, she said yes.

At the wedding, Nola surprised Chris on the dance floor and in Nola’s words “that was that”.

“We were sitting there at the wedding and I thought, should I ask her to dance,” Chris said.

“So we got up on the dance floor and I thought wow.

“She completely swept me off my feet. I always said I wouldn’t marry someone who couldn’t dance because I loved dancing.”

Chris and Nola married seven years later in a hall opposite the tennis club and over the next 54 years, have proudly watched each other, their children and grandchildren hitting on the courts next to Melville Reserve.

“We call this our second home, it has always been our second home,” Nola said.

“Our kids grew up calling everyone in the club aunty and uncle, I don’t know what I would have done without this tennis club,” Chris said.

The couple have lived in Kardinya for years now but still choose to travel to Melville despite there being another club in their home suburb.

“The thing that has kept me at the club is the people,” Chris said.

“It is only a building and they are only tennis courts but the people keep me coming back.”

“We always say we are a family club, we have always been a family club, promoting people to get involved in the sport,

“With the anniversary coming up, we have families who haven’t been involved for 45 years coming because that is the connection and type of friendships which have been made through this club.”

Chris is the club’s longest-serving life member and the host of the anniversary party being organised for Sunday, February 23, where the newly renovated clubhouse will feature live music, finger food and drinks for past and present members to celebrate the 60-year milestone.

“Social functions have always been a huge part of the club, creating harmony and friendships amongst members and getting people involved,” Chris said.

“This event is another way people can feel part of the Melville Palmyra Tennis Club family.”

The inaugural Kevin Farrell Golf Cup (KFC) was held earlier this week and was enjoyed by all.

Weather was perfect, 28 starters, the scene was set and Kevin signalled the start of this new Annual Event on the MPTC calendar by teeing off with an exploding ball.

As the groups came in after their rounds – anticipation was high and the stories of great shots and not so great shots began to unfold.
A fine spread of food and drinks were consumed and a “Putting Competition for a nice bottle of Chivas Regal ” was won by Mike Kessell while the scoring was tallied.

In a fairy tale result – the cup was won by Kevin Farrell and Mark Rule in a very tight finish.

Kevin made a fine acceptance speech and thanked all competitors and in particular the group of Shelley, Peter and Sandra who arranged the event.

Longest drive was won by Shelley Wilson and closest to the pin by Doug Wilson.

With donated prizes presented we continued the stories of the day till dark and then all headed home safely.

At 93 years of age a remarkable man and result.

Thanks everyone for participating and plans for next year’s event promises to be bigger and better.