As I'm sure you will have heard, the new Lockdown and its restrictions start on 4th November and regrettably must include the closure of our Club. You will find some detail in an extract from the latest LTA guidance, published today, here:-

"The Government has announced new national restrictions for England between Thursday 5 November - Wednesday 2 December. Despite the LTA and tennis community making a strong case to Government, we can confirm that the new restrictions mean that tennis activity in England is not permitted for the duration of the national lockdown, as a result of the closure of all outdoor and indoor facilities. The only exceptions to this are for elite tennis players, and for tennis activity in schools, colleges and other educational establishments as part of education. Whilst we are disappointed with the outcome, we must urge all involved with tennis in England to adhere to the decision that the Government has taken"

Of course, we must comply and the gates will be locked in the morning until further notice. 

Personally, I'm feeling disappointed and angry about this. I fervently believe that playing singles outdoors, using our practice fence or the ball machine would pose no more, or less, risk than the permitted walk with a person from another household. The physical and mental health benefits of tennis have sadly been overlooked. I respect those of you who may disagree with my position and support the Lockdown, we are all entitled to our own views.

I have today written to my MP (Helen Whately) with complaints about many aspects of Lockdown (as an individual) and complaints about the treatment of tennis (as Chairman of BTTC). Would you be prepared to add to this ? I believe that the more that people push back on the Government, the better chance there is of leaving Lockdown early, having restrictions on tennis removed within this Lockdown, or at least relaxing restrictions on tennis if this Lockdown is extended beyond 2nd December.

I urge every member who feels that tennis should have been spared, or re-instated in the near future, to write to their own MP. Please write (email is ok) in your own words how you feel about this and what you want. 

Please make your voice heard...
Hope to see you back on court soon.

David Burton
Chairman