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EDGBASTON – THE HOME OF TENNIS
Edgbaston is the place
Where they serve up many an Ace
Invented by Major Harry Gem:
A game for lithe athletic men
At 8 Ampton Road: ‘Fairlight’
You’d see rubber balls in flight
Men and women both
They’d hit balls with all their might
In clothing… Oh so bright!
A game played in Lilywhites
As played on a manicured lawn
In the summer of 1859
Young men and women courting
Eating, drinking, laughing
Eligible bachelors and young maidens
Playing on a mown green grass court
‘Good shot sir!’… they’d shout
With many a lascivious thought
The young women they did ‘Glow’
As they knocked balls to and fro
Over a rudimentary net
With strawberries and cream…..you bet!
Lawn tennis started to grow
Into the game that we now all know
Fred Perry, Bunny Austin,
Ann Jones, Virginia Wade
Andy Murray and Sue Barker
Grand Slam Champions were made
So next time you’re in Birmingham
Recall Edgbaston’s Major Gem
And the Great Game that he gave us:
‘Game, Set and Match: Amen!’
Keith Bracey Birmingham Tennis Fan
