We are fast approaching the end of the real tennis season and I am combining my June and July Newsletters partly because there is little to report, but also because I will be away at the end of June!
The Club’s 32nd Annual General Meeting on 1st May was well attended by AGM standards. Various reports had been circulated prior to the meeting and these, along with the draft minutes, will sent out shortly to all member. Chris Willlows provided a brief update on the Padel Tennis Proposal and also took the opportunity to circulate a short questionnaire to assess the level of support from members for the Initiative. The meeting was followed by wine and canapés – and a rip roaring Exhibition Match, played to a full dedans.
Inter Club Match and Tournament Results
The Irish weekend at the end of April was a great success and is likely to become a regular feature on the Fixtures List. There was lots of very good tennis over the two days and the end result was a draw – five matches all.
The Club Ladies Handicap Singles for the Val Probyn Long Trophy was played on Saturday 18th May. Unfortunately it was a very small entry but it was still keenly contested, with Trish Morris emerging triumphant.
The Club Ladies Open Singles for the Ron Brown Trophy was contested the next day, with an even smaller entry (just two). The players had already met in the third round play-off the day before, and Hannah Lucey once again managed to overcome Eleanor Beale in a closely fought match.
Forthcoming Matches and Tournaments
We are playing RTC at Hampton Court on Sunday 2nd June and I understand that we have a full team for the match.
There is also the rearranged match against Petworth at Petworth on 22nd June, which I understand is also fully booked.
The main event in June is the Michael Jones Club Handicap Singles which traditionally marks the end of the season. This will be played from Thursday 6th through to Saturday 8th June, with a tournament dinner on the Friday evening.
So get your name down and take the opportunity to play against people that you might not normally play. Friends, spouses and partners are also invited to come along to the Indian themed dinner and also encourage and support the finalists on the Saturday.
Other tennis events
Taster sessions continue throughout the summer and there are also plenty of opportunities for individual or group taster sessions linked to the membership initiative. These can be arranged with KK and Ben as required, providing the court is free.
There is a Mixed Doubles Fun Day on Sunday 16th June and singles medal days on Saturday 1st June, Saturday 22nd June, Saturday 13th July and Sunday 4th August. However this last one may well turn into a Chairman’s Doubles with lunch!
The Box Leagues are ongoing as are the regular Monday and Wednesday Club nights – please book in with KK or Ben if you want to play. And the boys are working on the Summer Programme, which will run from early June until early September.
So there is plenty of tennis to look forward to!
With best wishes,
Claire