Our Projects
A group of children in a churchyard – taking part in the South Humber Bank Wildlife and People project

Case Study - Our Heritage: History of British Deaf Tennis 

Programme: Your Heritage 
Applicant: Tennis Foundation on behalf of the British Deaf Tennis Association 
Grant awarded: £47,500 
Project length: 20 Months  

History of British Deaf Tennis - printable (MS Word, 178KB) 

Summary

The British Deaf Tennis Association is a voluntary organisation that works in partnership with UK Deaf Sport and the Tennis Federation to support the development of Deaf Tennis in the UK.

This project explored the history of British Deaf Tennis since 1915 looking specifically at deaf tennis clubs, championship records since 1924, and a number of prominent deaf tennis players. Volunteers were recruited to research the archives, tournament records and collections of memorabilia, and to do oral history interviews. They produced a DVD, an education pack for schools and a mini-exhibition on the history of Deaf Tennis in the UK. The project was well supported by sporting and heritage organisations.

At the end, the material was handed over to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum to be incorporated into its collection.

The aims of the project

  • To research and make available the history and development of Deaf Tennis in the UK.
  • To collect personal histories and memorabilia to support the research and future public activities.

 


Benefits for heritage

  • The history of Deaf Tennis in the UK, including oral history interviews, was recorded and made available for the first time.
  • Important histories and memorabilia acquired during the project were deposited with the Lawn Tennis Association for future generations.
  • Articles on the history of British deaf tennis were published in magazines to inform the public about the project.

Benefits for people

  • The project involved 8 volunteers in research and recording activities.
  • Over 100 people were interviewed, and their experiences recorded.
  • The mini-exhibition was hosted by more than ten venues, and viewed by about 10,000 people.
  • Schools for the deaf, hearing impaired units and other organisations around the UK have access to new, free, learning resources.

Lessons learnt

  • The project involved 8 volunteers in research and recording activities.
  • Over 100 people were interviewed, and their experiences recorded.
  • The mini-exhibition was hosted by more than ten venues, and viewed by about 10,000 people.
  • Schools for the deaf, hearing impaired units and other organisations around the UK have access to new, free, learning resources.

Long term benefits

  • New history and related archive and material covering the history of Deaf Tennis in the UK has been collected and made permanently available at an established museum.

The budget

Main Project Costs
£
Funding
£
Equipment
3,600
 Non-cash contribution / From own organisation 16,000
Design & production of educational and promotional materials
33,450
 From other sources 1,000
Training / travel for staff & volunteers
2,900
 HLF grant (74%) 47,500
Stationary and other activity costs 5,923    
Total costs
66,500





Achive photo of William Smith, GB Deaf tennis player 

William Smith, GB Deaf tennis player, 1935-1957 

Sector

Cultures and Memories 

Activity

Participation