Wimbledon 2023: The Tale of Barnardo’s Ball Boys

In the early 1960s, Sam Hill (pictured right) often served as a ball boy on the premier courts at Wimbledon.

The collection of mementos from Winston Norton’s years as a Wimbledon ball boy is non-existent. Sweatbands and programmes were often exchanged for cigarettes back at the children’s home. The stolen lemon squash, consumed on the coach ride back, never made it to the home either.

Norton’s awkward homemade haircut, the result of a peer’s attempt at barbering, also didn’t last. He reluctantly hired a local barber to fix it so that he would be presentable for the All England Club.

Despite the loss of physical reminders, Norton’s memories remain intact. These recollections, along with those of Sam Hill, another ball boy from the 1960s, have been archived by the Museum of London.

As this year’s prestigious Wimbledon championship approaches, Norton and Hill are reflecting on their experiences. Every year, after an exhausting three-month training period, sixty names were posted on a wall at their Barnardo’s home. This list was met with both jubilation and despair. For those selected, the experience offered a perspective-expanding opportunity.

“Your life changed,” recalls Hill.

Goldings in Hertfordshire, officially known as the William Baker Technical School, housed 240 boys at a time. The boys were taught various trades to prepare them for future apprenticeships. The diverse group of boys, including Norton, created a mostly cheerful environment despite the occasional fights and crude language.

The boys, identified by numbers (Norton was 217), only ventured out of the school for bi-annual visits to their parents or for occasional shopping or movie trips to nearby Hertford. The school’s association with Wimbledon was well-known among the boys, many of whom eagerly participated in the training for selection as ball boys.

“Barnardo’s had a strict regime for maintaining health and fitness. Their facilities included a swimming pool, cricket pitch, and tennis courts,” says Hill, now 76.

“The Wimbledon training was intense. You had to be at your best, particularly if you were picky about your assigned court.”

Starting in April, the school’s vicar led the training sessions on both grass and hard courts. By June, a list was posted, revealing who was fit and polished enough to mix with elite tennis players, royalty, and the general public at Wimbledon for two weeks.

From 1946 to 1966, all Wimbledon ball boys hailed from Dr Barnardo’s children’s homes. Being selected also meant a small wage increase. Hill recalls earning up to £14 over the fortnight, a significant boost compared to his usual 50p weekly allowance as a prefect.

The boys could also supplement their earnings by bending the rules. Norton, now 79, reveals how some entrepreneurial ball boys would sell used tickets instead of returning them. Despite lucrative offers, the boys had to resist the temptation to break the rules for fear of expulsion from Wimbledon.

Hill and Norton’s experiences extend beyond monetary benefits. Their time as ball boys also allowed their families to see them on television, particularly if they served on the main courts, where cameras were usually focused.

There were less positive experiences too. Norton recalls dealing with a player who seemed prejudiced against black or mixed-race boys. But positive interactions outweighed the negatives. For Norton, being a ball boy for Rafael Osuna and Dennis Ralston during their 1960 men’s doubles win was a high point.

Both Norton and Hill agree that their time at Wimbledon significantly impacted their lives. The experiences taught them invaluable social skills and showed them a world beyond their school.

After leaving Goldings, Norton became a printer before transitioning to youth

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wimbledon ball boys

More about Wimbledon ball boys

• History of Wimbledon
• Barnardo’s Children’s Charity
• Life of a Wimbledon Ball Boy
• Ball Boys in Tennis: An Overview
• Profile of Rafael Osuna
• Profile of Dennis Ralston