---

From Leicester Mercury 24^th July, 2010

Larks aplenty at tennis club

Humber­stone Garden tennis club in about 1928

This photograph of Humberstone Garden tennis club in about 1928 was sent to me by Mrs Pamela Brooks, of Rothley.

She writes: "Long-time friends of my parents were Sidney and Edith Hickling, who lived at 15 Lilac Avenue.

"I understood from my mother that he was instrumental in the establishment of what I believe was known as Houston tennis club.

"The photograph is from my mother's album. The ladies, from left, are Florence Jelley (daughter of J Jelley, the builder), Nell Stubbings (my mother) and Edith Hickling.

"I believe Sid Hickling is seated on the right, but only two of the other men are identified – Lovett and Pretty.

"There must have been a certain amount of larking about at the tennis club – on one occasion a few of the men competed to throw ring doughnuts on to the hat pegs.

"The Hicklings appear also to have been involved in music. I believe the Edith Hickling Prize may still be awarded at Leicester Music Festival."