In my Christmas message I advised that the committees who run and organise the club had plans:

• The lease needs updating and renewal – boring but important
• The bar area needs a refurb (new fridge and a washing up machine for glasses) which is in the hands of a very capable bar committee
• The club room needs an update – the big can lights will be replaced by down lighters on a newly plastered ceiling (sorry the aertex has had to go) 
• The wall heaters will be replaced by ceiling heaters – hopefully before the spring
• Disabled access – this is the big one. We need a ramp which complies with the various regulations. The store room will be converted into a disabled toiled with child changing facilities. Ultimately, we envisage wheelchair tennis. There are many funding streams and charities that may help with this, not least the Parish council who are very supportive. The works are out to tender. 
• Walking tennis – The LTA will fund coaches to assist with this. (YouTube it)

Charity

It is a long-standing tradition at the club that the chairman chooses a charity. For the last 10 years or so I have supported Hungry Hearts. They meet every Monday and Wednesday outside All Saints church to look after the homeless of Maidstone. (They are in Medway on other nights).  

That was then – this is an update following the committee meeting of 16/2/25 and a meeting with the Parish Council solicitor re the lease.

The Bar

We have installed two new drinks fridges. The one under the till was not working and had sliding doors which were often left open. The new fridges have conventional opening doors. 

We have replaced the domestic fridge with a bar fridge. Thanks to Kim and Geoff for their help. 

The glass washer is in the shed and is due to be installed shortly. It washes glasses in 2 minutes! Yes, that is right two minutes. Detergent is added automatically (unlike a domestic dishwasher). Trevor Norris has kindly re-designed the sink area to accommodate the glass washer. 

The Club Room

We have installed overhead heaters. This was a matter of urgency as the wall heaters were unsafe and it was winter.

Mark Pateman has finished working in the club room re-plastering the white ceiling and replacing the lights with more contemporary LED down lighters. The ceiling heater in the bar area is being moved into the bar.

Disabled Access

As above this is complicated. The design we have gone for involves extending the patio to the retaining wall of court 4. There will be a ramp to the front door which complies with the relevant regulations re gradient and guard rail etc.

The old store cupboard with be converted into a disabled toilet.

The estimated cost for all this is £22,600 inc VAT. 

Yes, it is a lot of money. I am negotiating with the Parish Council for some assistance with funding. It will assist disabled parishioners who may wish to join the various activities that meet at the club. Ultimately, we hope to be able to host wheelchair tennis.

As we are going to press, Kim informs me that a grant from the sports fund is not likely – apparently the club is too well run!

Walking Tennis

This is now happening in April. 

The rules are that you are not allowed to run or jump (clue is in the name). Serve is underarm and has to land in the service box and bounce for a second time in play. If not, the receiver can leave it and claim the point. In play the ball can be volleyed or played after one or two bounces. Shots have to bounce twice in play, if not the point is lost. You can play 2 v 2 or 3 v 3. We anticipate this will appeal mainly to retired folk although some members of the TC committee have shown interest! We have court space in off peak times. 

Charity

Hungry Hearts much appreciate out support and have included the BTTC logo on their van. Special thanks to Terry McGinty who through his contacts in the supermarket trade has been able to organise food donations especially meat which needs special care to conserve a frozen chain. Furthermore, the Bearsted Footy Group have come onside. 

Social

As ever, Mario and his team have played a blinder. In addition to a bingo night and quiz night we are now looking forward to a “Eurovision extravaganza” Details to follow.

Fixtures

The postponement of matches had caused congestion and a headache for the fixture secretaries. Thanks to Sheila Burton for her work on this.

The Lease

We are there!

I have been negotiating with the PC for about 18 months. 

The starting position was that the previous lease required that court 1 was to be reserved for social play on Tuesday and Thursday evenings meaning that any Bearsted resident could rock up and play and if not the courts were fallow. There was discussion about residents booking courts through clubspark. Eventually the PC agreed that this was not workable.

The old lease also put a cap on the number of outside members which again was difficult to police and a headache for the membership secretary. I was able to persuade the PC that outside members contribute to a thriving club. This has been relaxed and we have agreed as per our constitution, to inform the PC if the playing membership reaches 600. (It is currently around 540 but we won’t know for sure until all memberships have been renewed).

I reiterated the contribution that the club makes to local groups – bridge, craft and church etc). The PC are very keen (? insistent) that Bearsted residents can book 6 taster sessions before joining which I am fine with, although it does seem excessive. For the record a potential member should contact the membership secretary (Mike Sturla) who will arrange the formalities and also, if they wish a hit with a member to assess standard.

The big one was the PC wishing to charge a “commercial rent”. (We currently pay a peppercorn rent). This would, mean subs would have to rise and we may well lose members as a result”. It could quickly become an existential threat to the club. We have with the help of the parish solicitor agreed that the rent “shall be in the sum of £1 per annum unless at the date of renewal there has been a change in circumstances affecting the tenant….. which justifies a higher rent”.

We are there!

I would like to thank councillors David Hall and Val Springett for working with me this last 18 months. 

Courts 6 and 7 (artificial clay)

Thanks to Ian Payne who has cleared the woods at the back of the clay courts and planted 200 bulbs. Take a look! Can’t wait for spring. 

Ball Machine

Because the store room is being converted into a disabled toilet we have had to find a new home for the ball machine. It is proposed that it be in a small shed behind the big shed.  Thanks to David Paine who in addition to supporting the bar profits with Kim and Geoff has constructed a shed for the ball machine. Thanks Dave.

Social Play - A Reminder

This is a valuable part of the club particularly helping new members to get started and to meet other members and perhaps organise a private game or even a drink. The members who organise this have mentioned that players sometimes do not show up for play and do not text to say so. This of course can leave an odd number and prevent another player from stepping in. Forgive me but I have been asked to remind players that this is not 'turn up and play' it is organised play. This, of course, only applies to Wednesday social. 

Enjoy your tennis
Richard Laurent
Club Chair