Hello from your new Chairman! I was planning on standing down as Hon Secretary next year, so this was somewhat unexpected – or maybe it was because I was the longest serving member of the Management Committee! Be that as it may – it’s was an honour and a privilege to be nominated and voted in at the AGM on 25 April.
The AGM was well attended and was followed by wine and canapés. We also had an excellent exhibition match between Ben and Reggie Williams and Hamish Dron and Tom Bomford, with the seniors triumphant! The AGM saw not only Denis Mullan stepping down as Chairman, having served his four year term, and but also Nick Ponsford, having served his five year term as President. Both received a big vote of thanks from the floor and Nick received a very large bottle of red wine as a token of our esteem. Denis also received a gift, which he didn’t open – but I can tell you that it was a Bristol Blue glass paper weight engraved with B.R.T.C in gold. I welcome Peter Probyn (PJ to most people) as the new – and very well deserved –President.
Important diary dates for May
For members wanting to play during the month, we have the spring league boxes up and running. So if you would like to play in these boxes or in future boxes, just get in touch with Kevin or Ben.
There are no inter-club matches this month but, as part of Chris Harland’s junior promotion, there is a Junior Session on the morning of Saturday 5th May.
The Val Probyn Long Ladies Club Handicap Singles Championship will now take place on Sunday 13th May. This is open to all lady members of the Club and is always a very good day with plenty of socialising. As the games are played off handicap, it is an ideal opportunity for people new to the game to meet other lady members and play different people.
There are three Medal Days in May, namely:
· 46-55 handicaps on the morning of Saturday 12th May
· 66 and above handicaps on Saturday 19th May
· 56-65 handicaps on Sunday 20th May
And there is a Taster session for new players interested in taking up the game on the morning of Wednesday 23rd May. So send your friends along!
Finally on the social side, there is a Quiz Night on Thursday 17th May.
A further date for your diaries is the new date for the Ponsford Plate – Club Mixed
Doubles Championship, which will now be played on Saturday 16th June. This will be another great day for members of every level to play doubles and socialise over lunch.
With best wishes and plenty of good tennis.
Claire