News for 2019 - An update from the Committee
 
At the Festive Fun weekend, our club president gave an update to members on some exciting club plans for 2019.

Key highlights include:

Facilities

• There will be a new artificial clay surface on courts 1-3.  Installation has been confirmed with the contractors starting the first week in March 19 and lasting up to 4 weeks.  We are also replacing the tarmac surfacing underneath the matting to improve drainage.  This is great news and will provide members with an exciting new surface. 
• We are progressing investigations to submit planning for further flood lighting to Court 3, 4 and 8. Our aim is to submit for planning in late Spring 19 and to achieve the necessary consents within 6 months. Our priority will be to floodlight Court 3. Subject to the costs involved we may come to members for approval of the spend.

Membership

• We are implementing a new online membership system call ClubSpark. (It's a LTA supported tool used by many clubs nationally).  This will help modernise our current database systems and significantly improve our communications and membership interaction. Existing members will be able to renew online and new members will be able to join by simply using the online registration process - no more paper, hurrah!!  Watch out for an email from ClubSpark very early in the new year. 
• All members will need to register with ClubSpark which is free and easy to do.  The system is very intuitive and is accessed through any internet connection and works on pretty much all devices which connect to the internet such as PC's, Laptops, iPads, Tablets and mobile phones.
• NOTE !!!   Membership renewal prices are being held at last years rates. Please look out for the email from ClubSpark in early January 2019 and please make sure you re-new by the end of January 2019.

Social

• There will be an enhanced programme of organised social events including a new Presidents Roll Up the first Saturday in every month (from 2nd February 2019) at 10.30 - 12.00 followed by a Supa 16 from 16.00 - 17.45. 
• We are also starting a new quarterly 'Coaches Cup' similar in format to the Davis Cup with mixed ability teams appealing to the both advanced, intermediate and social players.
• For tennis families we are introducing a new quarterly event where parents and children can come together for a fun afternoon of tennis.  Further details will be posted on our new website when it launches in January 2019.

Teams and Tournaments

• Team tennis will benefit from a new subcommittee led by Andy Tattersall and made up of all mens and ladies team captains and the coaches. The subcommittee will assist with organising pre season training, selection and squad sizing. We enjoyed great success again in 2018 and Hale LTC remains the only club in the local area which can provide a full range of competitive tennis from entry level through to Premiership for both men and ladies. 
• Our modern clubhouse is fantastic but it could do with a refresh so we plan to carry out some refurbishment works in late Spring  - look out for further information early in the New Year.
• Annual Tournament - our closed tournament open to members only will be held in late June 2019 as normal but we are also considering an Open Event in early September 2019.  

Floodlight court bookings

• The Clubspark system  will include a new simpler system for booking the floodlit courts with members being able to book online.   We will be adapting the current coin meter in the clubhouse and as soon as that can be done you can put your coins away – YES! Floodlights will be free as part of your membership package.

 
Finally, thank you for all your support during 2018, have a great Christmas and New Year.

We have a great club, lets make it even better in 2019
 
HLTC Committee