Dickinsons Sports - Tennis Club

Croxley tennis club can date their origins of sport in Croxley Green as far back as the 1860’s, with accounts of how the male workers from The John Dickinson Mill spent their free time, creating their own sports club in 1877, called The Croxley Stars Cricket and Athletic Sports. Located opposite The Red House, with a club house that was such a success, it led to a variety of sporting activities being taken up. We believe that the land that our Tennis Club is now located on was acquired sometime between 1918 and 1925. The land able to accommodate these sports was just off The Green and known as ‘Ollings’. It was purchased and became Dickinson’s Sports Ground and subsequently Croxley Tennis Club

Early Sporting Origins - The roots of organised sports in Croxley Green date back to the 1860s, with the John Dickinson Mill playing a significant role. In 1877, the Croxley Stars Cricket and Athletic Sports club was formed by mill workers. The land where the Tennis Club is now located is believed to have been acquired between 1918 and 1925.
Connection to John Dickinson Mill - The sports activities in the area, including those that would later lead to the tennis club, were heavily influenced by the John Dickinson Mill. The sports grounds were originally associated with the mill's sports club. The sports group was known as the House of Dickinson Guild of Sport.
Evolution and Development - Following the closure of the John Dickinson mill in 1980, the sports ground was transferred to Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) in 1983, with the aim of preserving it for community recreational use. The grounds came under the management of the Guild of Sports. Croxley Tennis Club exists within the grounds of the Guild of sports. The club has undergone developments, including improvements to its facilities, such as the construction of all-weather courts and floodlighting.

Article from the Croxley Resident

Spring 1997 - LOTTERY & TENNIS Croxley Tennis Club, which is situated at The Guild of Sport opposite the Artichoke has received a massive cash boost from the National Lottery. The Members-owned club was awarded a Provisional Grant of £35,577 towards the costs of carrying out improvements. The overall cost of the project will be £57,742 and the club has already received grants from the Parish Council and TROC towards improving existing flood-lighting The management costs of the project are £1,035 and will be undertaken, free-of-charge, by Mr 0 Trimmer of Matrix Project Management. This leaves a balance of £13,300 needed and the Lottery Grant is dependant on the members raising this amount. It is hoped that, by the time you read this, cash will have been pledged by either the Foundation for Sport & the Arts or TROC, maybe a iocal firm would be interested in sponsorship. When the project is complete the club will have 5 all-weather courts, three with good floodlighting. Over the past two years, membership has risen consistently, there are now 90 members of all ages and ability. The club has recently started a training programme with Paul Dent, LTA coach, to co-ordinate junior tennis development in the district. It has three teams in local leagues and organises frequent tournaments as well as plenty of social play throughout the week. Anyone interested in playing is welcome to come along on Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon and have a game. Pat Alien - Secretary - 01923 772617. 

Community Focus - The club has a strong community focus, with a diverse membership of all ages and abilities.
It actively promotes junior tennis development through training programs. The club participates in local leagues and organises various tournaments.

​In essence, Croxley Green Tennis Club has evolved from the sporting traditions established by the John Dickinson Mill, and it continues to serve as a valuable recreational asset for the local community.