A CLUB FOR ALL
VILLAGE CRICKET AND TENNIS SINCE 1936
HISTORY
1975–1986: CLUB MILESTONES
By 1975, the club had grown to four courts, added a fifth hardcourt for £3,000, and extended the clubhouse for £7,000. Membership included 94 playing members, 142 juniors, 37 family members, as well as 16 cricket and 18 hockey members. By July 1979, plans for a sixth court were under discussion.
In 1986, HSC marked its Golden Jubilee with a black-tie ball at St George’s Hill, a week of events, and the return of tennis vs cricket matches – a tradition dating back to 1954. As the chair wrote at the time, “Founded as a family club, its greatest strength is still the family atmosphere enjoyed by all our members, both on and off the field.”
OUR RANGE OF VILLAGE SPORTS
Our land spans just over 6.5 acres and is leased from Pennymead Sports Grounds Ltd (PSGL), whose directors are local residents. As part of our lease, we’re committed to maintaining the grounds in a “good and husband-like manner” for the enjoyment of sports including cricket, bowls, lawn tennis, badminton, croquet, hockey, lacrosse, table tennis, and other approved games and activities – plus the social life that goes with them. And we take that seriously!
In 2013, we extended our lease to 125 years, securing the future of the club for generations to come.
A LEGACY SINCE 1936
Established in 1936, the club’s roots are tied to two key figures: housebuilder Frank Chown and the 1st Earl of Lovelace. During the 1930s housebuilding boom, land was ringfenced to create a recreational space for the village.
With the arrival of the railway, Horsley became a gateway to the North Downs (now an AONB), known for its Italianate towers and flint-brick buildings championed by the 1st Earl (who married Ada Byron, daughter of the poet) that are such a symbol of the village.
HSC began with two hard and two grass tennis courts, a badminton section, a cricket pitch and a small pavilion. The club stayed active through the war years, even introducing weekday memberships for temporary residents – though by 1941, badminton gear was sold due to lack of use.
2012–2025: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
Fast forward to 2012 – on 2nd August, ‘Super Saturday’ of the London Olympics – HSC Ltd became a Company Limited by Guarantee, ensuring all surpluses are reinvested into the club and community, not shareholders.
Between 2013 and 2018, we resurfaced four courts with support from an LTA loan, added floodlights, and upgraded to energy-efficient LED lighting. Most recently, in 2025, we introduced a new mini tennis court as part of our evolving 10-year plan, keeping pace with the needs of our members and the next generation of players.
LOOKING AHEAD...
As we approach our 100th year, we’re proud of how HSC has grown – from a small local club into a thriving hub for sport and community. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and committee members over the decades, we continue to offer something for every generation.
We hope you’ll come and enjoy all that HSC has to offer.
