Our story begins in 1922 when half a dozen tennis enthusiasts decided to form a club. It started in Neasden with four hired grass courts under the leadership of the late John Hess. The young club progressed quickly and soon encompassed six hired courts. In 1931 the grounds on which the courts were situated were sold to a speculator and it became obvious that we needed to build our own. A school sports ground was found in Wellgarth Road and the Chandos Lawn Tennis Club Limited Memorandum and Articles of Association were incorporated on 16th February 1934 In April 1934 the Club opened with six hard courts, a pavilion, canteen and hot and cold showers. It was a lovely sight, and best of all, they were our own. We soon had a full membership and a waiting list, until the War compelled us to close down in 1941.
The Club was able to re-open in 1946 and the demand for membership was such that in 1952 it was necessary to lay down two additional courts, and to build an extension to the existing pavilion. The membership was limited to 250 seniors and 120 juniors. Seven of our junior members and nine senior members have qualified for Wimbledon! They include Angela Buxton who in 1956 was runner up in the Ladies Singles and won the Ladies Doubles Winner with Althea Gibson and Bobby Wilson, who, in addition to reaching four singles quarter finals between 1958 and 1963 is still the most capped Davis Cup player for Great Britain.
We have two outstanding veterans in Lennie Lawrence (currently an Over 90 World Champion) and Stanley Jacobson (who won 8 National titles). Bundy Reynolds, a member and coach throughout the 1970’s and ’80’s was the world over-75 Champion. In 1965 we had great pleasure in hosting the Davis Cup Tie between Great Britain and Israel. This prestigious international event was organised by the LTA in conjunction with a special committee under the chairmanship of Keith Gilbert, Board Director and member of Chandos. Bobby Wilson had a long association with Chandos where he coached for the past 40 years after retiring from the International game until he passed away in 2020. A lifelong friend to many at the club.
A two indoor facility was developed in 1992 as an addition to six other courts. Our club has gone from strength to strength, a haven for club and performance players alike. Amongst many regional and county honours achieved by the club, of special note our club won the National 18 and under team Champions in 2007. Chandos once again relocated in 2015 and lead by our current Chairman Benoit Belhomme a new purpose built 4 indoor court/ 4 outdoor facility was built and the club continues to be a premier London tennis club. Despite a number of moves we have always striven to hold true our club history and identity ,traditional yet innovative. We have a long history to cherish and communicate to our future and present members. Given our long and varied history we have always celebrated our inclusivity as a Club and have a rich and varied membership of differing cultures and backgrounds. To be a part of the global Tennis community is a true highlight in our history We would be extremely proud to be a member of the Association of Centenary Tennis Clubs.
