EVERYONE WELCOME . . LUNCH with ROY EMERSON

The Boy from Blackbutt and former number one tennis player who won

12 amateur Grand Slam tournament singles titles and 16 Grand Slam

tournament men's doubles titles. (14 amateur 2 open) is returning to his place

of birth for a one day visit. This is a unique window of opportunity to meet the man himself.
BDTHA extend this invitation to attend a luncheon in his honour and an occasion to express our pride in his successes and stellar career.

Lunch, a two course meal with tea and coffee is to be held at the Blackbutt Golf Club, Langton Road, Blackbutt on Tuesday 20th January, from 11.30 til 2.00pm. Cost: $27 per person.

Bookings essential. Contact Noeleen, 0458 539 821

An outstanding day was had by all when Roy and Joy Emerson arrived in Blackbutt for a days visit. There were some special surprises planned by the BDTHA and this is how the day panned out. The countryside was green and the morning full of excitement and as we pulled up at the entrance to Nukku Nook, I could see the surprise on Roys face; he was truly amazed by the attendance of so many people awai...ting his “star appearance.” After lots of catching up with family, friends, members of the BDTHA and his favourite, “a cup of tea,” Roy took care of official duties. He spoke of his time at Nukku School and how it seemed so much smaller than he remembered. He told a few stories and created much laughter amongst the crowd before officially opening the Nukku Nook Museum Displays.
It was back in the car and off to visit the old family farm at Nukku. The present owners, Mr and Mrs Wilson extended a very warm welcome to Roy and Joy and invited them to “come and see your old room" (in the family home.)
A trip down memory lane was an understatement, Roy pointed out the many areas of personal interest around the paddock, dairy shed, railway track and the farm in general to his wife Joy and chauffeur for the day, Hazel Christie Small. A drive down the railway track brought back many memories of trying to get the cows in for milking but all they wanted to do was graze on the fine grass, track side. Roy was always concerned about the train coming down at the same time. They read the “Roy Emerson” sign erected by members of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail with interest.
After a bit of larrikinism and photographs on the original tennis court on the farm, especially mowed by Mr Wilson for Roys return, the entourage headed to the Blackbutt Golf Club for the Mayoral Luncheon in Roy's honour. The Mayor, Wayne Kratzmann gave a welcome speech and a detailed account of Roy’s stellar career before inviting Roy to say a few words. Roy held the attention of the audience as he related stories of his past, as a school boy, a teenager and some of his antics with brother in law Mal Anderson. He concluded extending sincere gratitude to the organisers and all who came along to join in the day.
Thank you to; Blackbutt Golf Club, a great venue, all the good mates and the excellent food provided by the Anglican Guild, all in all a day to remember.

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Mayor officially names

Roy Emerson Tennis Centre

14 March, 2013

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk will pay homage to the rich sporting history of the former Milton Tennis Centre, with a new tennis facility on the site to be named in honour of former world number one, Roy Emerson.

The Lord Mayor said during yesterday’s council session (March 12) the name ‘Roy Emerson Tennis Centre’ was officially voted in.

 

Brisbane City Council will rejuvenate the former Milton Tennis Centre &Milton Bowl site into an exciting new 3.5 hectare inner-city parkland by late 2014 with a planned investment of 12.67 million.

 

Roy Emerson

 

Roy Emerson, born on the 3rd of Novemeber 1936, an Australian tennis player, who dominated the men`s game in the mid-1960s.

 

A talented right-handed player, Emerson won 12 singles `grand slam` titles, that is, titles at Wimbledon and at the Australian, French, and United States championships.

 

In his notable career he added 16 grand slam doubles titles.

 

Born in Blackbutt, Queensland, Australia, Emerson grew up on a large dairy farm. He began playing tennis at home on a clay court that his family constructed with material from anthills and fenced in with chicken wire.

 

As a teenager he experienced success in the Queensland state junior championships. Emerson became a regular member of the Australian Davis Cup team in 1959, when he and Neale Fraser won the doubles match in the finals.

 

Playing with Fraser and other talented Australians such as Rod Laver and John Newcombe, Emerson led his country to eight Davis Cup titles between 1959 and 1967.

 

Emerson also teamed with Fraser to win the U.S. and Wimbledon doubles championships in 1959. He went on to win 14 more grand slam doubles titles, with five different partners.

 

In 1961 Emerson won his first major singles In 1961 Emerson won his first major singles title by upsetting Laver in the finals of the Australian championships. This victory was the first in a series of major singles titles for Emerson.

 

Between 1962 and 1967 he won two Wimbledon singles titles (1964, 1965), two French singles titles (1963, 1967), two U.S. singles titles (1961, 1964), and five consecutive Australian singles titles (1963-1967). Emerson became the only male player to win doubles and singles championships at all four grand slam events.

 

He was elected to the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1982.