Dear Member,
A slightly belated Happy New Year – and I hope you all enjoyed a good
Christmas.
CLUB MATTERS
Court utilisation for December was
46%, with court utilisation overall for 2019 at 45% - slightly better than the
year before but still well below our optimum target. Ben is doing his best to
get more members on court more often but it can be an uphill struggle with
illness and injuries – so please take note of his rallying calls and get your
name down to play.
TENNIS MATTERS
The Hangover Doubles on 1st January attracted a small entry of only four pairs, which became even smaller
on the day because of illness – but the seven players still standing had an
entertaining time changing partners throughout the day to a considerable amount
of barracking from the dedans! KK did a champion job in calculating
handicaps as well as doing all the marking. The overall winner, based on
the number of games won, was Miles Farren, who duly received a bottle of liquid
refreshment to take home.
Unfortunately the home match against Middlesex, scheduled
for Saturday 11th January, has been cancelled as they could not get
a team together. Likewise the trip to Bordeaux has been further
postponed – the court apparently is built
but the nets have yet to arrive!
On Saturday 18th January there is a Taster Session
in the morning – the first ‘official’ taster session of the year. This will be
followed in the afternoon by the Secretary’s Invitation Singles, which
is open to all handicaps. So anyone attending the Taster Session will be
able to stay on and watch some singles. And remember KK and Ben will be
more than happy to arrange additional Taster Sessions, as long as the
court is free – just get in touch with them.
I am hoping that we will have a sufficient number of new members, who
have been playing for less than 12 months, come along to take part in the Yearling
Cup on Sunday 19th January. Don’t be shy as this is
a very good way of meeting other new members and playing different people.
Then on Saturday 25th January, Chris Willows will be
leading a team to play against the Oratory, which is near Reading and onSunday 26th January there is the Chairman’s Sunday Doubles,
which is open to all handicaps. Unfortunately the Chairman and her spouse will
not be playing but they will still be providing a light lunch!
I would also like to get a plug in for Saturday 1st
February when we hope to be hosting a team from the Hyde.
SOCIAL EVENTS
There are no social events planned for January, but we are looking to
hold an event for new members to meet the Committee in March.
And Ben is looking to run a handicap singles tournament alongside the
Rugby 6 Nations in February/March, which will include a lot of social
activities!
MATCH RESULTS
The Beale Trophy and Exmoor Horn – Under 18 Club Championships
These were contested by two of our juniors. Henry Taubman won the Beale
Trophy 9-3, played off level, and Dominic Bruton won the Exmoor Horn 9-3,
played off handicap. So congratulations to both of you.
The boys also went on to play in the Peter Lucke-Hille Cup at
Oxford. I understand that they had great fun but limited success – so better
luck next time
With best wishes,
Claire