Club history

Some of our history

BACKGROUND

Starteded as an officers services tennis club it was not until after the return from evacuation away from Gibraltar and the removal of the tennis courts at Victoria Gardens to make space for the airport that the Civilian Lawn Tennis started and eventually took over the running of Sandpits. Until then it has been by appointment only and strictly no children. The courts used to be made of clay.

The first civilian president was Sir Edward Cottrell (Saccone & Speed). He was president from 1945-49. Vice-president was Ernest Andlaw. After Cottrell Ernest followed as president until his passing away in 1970. He was president for 20 years. He was followed by another long-term president. Charles Norton from 1970 to 83. Albert Ramagge, his wife and children were active players and he succeeded as president. as a builder he orchestrated a major change. He was also president (from 84 to 91). The pavilion was dilapidated and too small for purpose. He build the club house as we know it today and a paddle court (The Albert Ramagge Paddle Court) was build. Opening was 1st of September 2000. Frank Costa followed as president from 1992 to 98.  Lionel Chipolina presided in 1999 taking the Club to the millenium. Frank Costa took over again and was president this time for ten years to 2010. From 2011 the Club President has been Louis Poggio.

At age 15 Tita Stagnetto was already the secretary of the club. She is still active coaching.

The club formally became Gibraltar Sandpits Lawn Tennis Club in 1948 or 1949.

The club was covered in sand for a number of years ago reopened in the late 1960 or early 1970s. some of the early members were Joey and Brian Hill and their father, Tita Stagnetto, Mr. Chipolina (Lionel’s dad), Manolo Garcia, Louis Montegriffo, Hubert Corby, John and Peter Caetano, Frank Costa, Karl Grambow and Elisabeth Malin. There are many details missing. PLEASE PROVIDE US WITH MORE HISTORY, STORIES, PICTURES ETC. ETC.