I wasn’t planning on doing a ‘What’s on” for August but I thought that I would take the opportunity to encourage everyone to play a few games during August, in spite of the warm weather and going on holidays.
The Summer Programme
There has been a mixed response to the Summer Programme put together by KK and Ben. There was very limited interest in the two marking seminars in July and also in the Chairman’s Sunday Doubles and the Ladies’ Sunday Doubles. On the other hand, the doubles seminar was a great success and several people have signed up for the serving seminar on August 8th.
The new format for the Sunshine Cup has been a great success. The second semi final, between Laurence Brook and Matt Skidmore, will be played on Tuesday August 7th at 6pm, with the winner playing John Grice in the final - date to be confirmed. The final of the plate (aka the Moonshine Cup) was between Jeannie Pigott and John Redmond, with Jeannie winning a hard fought match.
Taster sessions are ongoing, with the next one being on Sunday 19th August from 10.00am to noon – so if you know of anyone who might be interested, please sign them up with KK and Ben. This will be followed some fun doubles in the afternoon, with tea and cake.
The Fixtures and Events List for 2018-19
This is currently being finalised and will be off to the new printers shortly. James Dron has done an excellent job in arranging the various inter-club matches and we look forward to welcoming the Irish Real Tennis Association for a weekend next April. There will also be a lot of Club tournaments to look forward to, as well as a great social programme.
We start with a home match against Hardwick House on Saturday 1st September. The Match Manager is Laurence Brook, so if you fancy playing get in touch with him or KK.
Another key date for your diary is the Ponsford Plate Handicap Mixed Doubles on Sunday 16th September. This will be limited to 8 couples, with lots of play for everyone. KK and Ben will be more than happy to find you a partner if needs be – and the Ponsfords will be providing an excellent lunch as usual.
The Royal Visit and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Fund
Denis Mullan and Chris Willows are still reconciling the final figure for the money raised by the Club in respect of the Earl of Wessex’s visit in February. I understand that this is partly due to some donations being sent directly to DofE, with no apparent mechanism for informing the Club of the amount!
Apart from this we managed to raise a total of £6,280, as follows:
Ticket Sales - £880
The Silent Auction - £3,880 (so a very big thank you to Lindsey for all his hard work and also to the members who donated the prizes)
Sponsorship - £1,000
Known donations, with gift aid forms - £440
Collection on the day - £80
And finally .... Congratulation to Ben on his nuptials on 2nd August .
Best wishes
Claire
Chairman