The founders of the Orange Ex-Services’ Tennis Club Wilf and Edna Manchester, who started the club in 1960, were recognised along with fellow club stalwarts Roy and Thelma Roweth in the unveiling of two resurfaced tennis courts at Orange Ex-Services’ tennis complex at Wade Park on Sunday.

Courts five and six have recently upgraded with synthetic grass as part of an Orange Ex-Services’ Club renovation at the complex near Wade Park, with court five named in honour of the Manchester’s and court six titled after the Roweth’s.

Wilf and Edna’s daughter Pam Manchester, along with her cousins Ian and Ray were present at the unveiling, as well as Thelma and Roy Roweth and their extended family.

Ray Manchester said having a court or field named after the family is one of the highest honours for a sportsperson.

“It’s quite special. I didn’t realise how involved my Uncle Wilf and Aunty Edna were. They were very much at the fore of getting this venue established. It’s quite an exciting to see their names set in history,” he said.

“It’s a great honour to have someone in the family so distinguished and involved in setting up a club like this. And to have their name set in history is humbling and I greatly appreciate it.”

During the unveiling of special plaques at the courts, Orange Ex-Services’ Club director Terry Flood recognised the enthusiasm both Wilf and Edna Manchester had for fostering a community of tennis players.

He said the focus of the community was not only those who enjoyed the health aspects the sport provided, but also its recreational and social importance. 

He thanked the four tennis club life members, as well as the generations of their families for their commitment to the sport and the local community.

“I know Wilf and Edna would have been most honoured and very humbled to have Court Five named after them and I feel that without their foresight in forming the Orange Ex-Services’ Tennis Club, we would not be have the thriving Club we do today,” Mr Flood said.  

The NSW Government continued $15,000 to the renovation cost through the Community Building Partnership Program. 

Member for Orange Phil Donato was present at the ceremony, saying he was happy to directly witness the benefit of the State Government grant after assessing Orange Ex-Services’ Club’s initial application.

“Tennis is part of the fabric of regional NSW…It’s developed to be one of the best sports we have,” Mr Donato said.

“It’s great to see what tennis can do to bring together a community, like all sports, but bring together and active and healthy community.

“I’m only too happy to support groups such as this one.”