As we approach autumn and then Winter, the Committee is very keen that we have in place a Maintenance Plan for our Courts as we did from early October 2024 to April this year.
It is obviously in the interests of all members that our courts remain safe for play even in less good weather.
Good maintenance is also crucial for the longevity of the courts.
Background Info :
Our artificial grass courts were laid as follows :
North Court – 2011
South Court – 2012
West Court – 2014
At the time, we were informed that if well maintained, we could expect them to last 15 years
The Club’s 25 Year Plan targets resurfacing all 3 courts in 2029
Like people, the older they are, the more important it is to maintain them well
It is not likely to be financially viable to resurface any earlier so we need them to last at least another 4 years
Clearing leaves and debris
A good way to damage the Court is to tread leaves other debris into it
Playing with leaves on the court is also a slip hazard
We would ask all members to please clear the court of leaves before playing. The leaf blower is kept fully charged in the club house. Please put on charge after use.
We hope – provided that we have continue to have enough volunteers – that the need for this will be reduced
Motorised Brush
The club acquired a new motorised brush at the beginning of 2024.
The advice we have had is that in Autumn and winter, each court should be brushed with this brush once a week.
The brush is stored in our storeroom
In order to maintain weekly brushing, we need to have volunteers from amongst our members and unless advised otherwise we assume that those who volunteered last year will be available for the winter of 2024/25.
We would ask anyone who has not volunteered last year consider offering to do one court every 4 weeks .
However, any level of volunteering is appreciated
For all new volunteers, we can provide a demo and supervise you the 1st time to ensure you know how to use the brush safely and effectively
if you are a couple or parent and child ( aged at least 16) , it could be sensible to volunteer as a pair – you could then of course potentially combine it with playing
The reason we acquired the motorised brush is that it penetrates the court much better than a normal brush hence why we wish it to be used
It is estimated that one court takes about 30 minutes to brush
How to volunteer
Please email robertkchapman@hotmail.com if you would like to be added to the volunteer list to confirm how frequently you could brush 1 court and/or with any queries
What happens next ?
The intention is that, based on responses, we will draw up a proposed Maintenance rota and email it to volunteers in September and the final Plan will then be emailed to volunteers and placed in the clubhouse so that volunteers can record their brushing
The intention is that it starts on October 1st and runs to March 31st 2026.
Thank you
Robert Chapman,
Facilities Sub Committee