Firstly, can I say how pleased I am to be reopening the tennis courts on Monday 29th. I’ll take a look at court bookings, and try to make sure that everything is ready for any early birds on that morning. The winter period often means that tennis is unplayable due to poor weather, but this lockdown means that we’ve missed out on those rare pleasant winter days when it’s lovely to get out and enjoy a couple of hours on the court.
COVID GUIDELINES As before lockdown, playing tennis means following guidelines to minimise the possibility of catching or passing on Coronavirus, so although I’m sure that by now everyone knows what is expected of them, for track and trace purposes, please book the court(s) before playing, or, at social tennis sessions, ensure that your attendance is logged. Please follow the guidelines on posters around the courts about social distancing and hygiene, and use hand sanitiser as necessary. Other than during coaching, when up to 12 adults (15 children) will be able to be together (socially distanced), please ensure that you wait outside the courts when not playing. (There should be a maximum of 12 players across the three courts at any one time.) Players might like to consider using marked tennis balls to help avoid cross handling, but this is purely advisory. There is comprehensive advice and information on Covid 19 guidelines on the LTA website.
CLUBHOUSE At present, the clubhouse is not available for use, but the outside toilet facility is. You will be advised when the clubhouse once more becomes available.
WARMING UP Just a word of caution about playing tennis after a three month lay off. Please ensure that you warm up properly and ease back into the game gently. There is lots of information on this topic on the LTA website and you can find numerous tutorials on YouTube. COACHING Dan Sizer will be very happy to ease anyone back into tennis who feels that a little coaching would help. Adult group coaching begins on Friday 2nd April at 10 a.m. on a pay as you play basis (Dan’s fee divided by number of attendees). There’s no need to book, but please let Julie Steed know so that numbers can be monitored, as they may be limited due to the continuing Covid restrictions. One to one coaching can also be arranged of course. Dan is contacting juniors directly, and again, numbers may be unavoidably restricted until we get further along the route on Boris’s roadmap. CLUBSPARK REGISTRATION If you intend to renew your membership, this is just a reminder to register on clubspark. This only takes a few moments. Unless you do register, you may find that after 31st March, you’re unable to use the court booking facility. Incidentally, you may find it odd that membership renewal is made easier by clicking on the ‘New Member’ link, but it works! (Visit clubspark.lta.org.uk/Hemyocktennisclub, and follow the links - New Members - Memberships - Join Now)
LEAGUE / COMPETITION League / team tennis. We had hoped to enter two teams into the WSL, but the committee has decided that this season, we should enter just one team into the West Somerset League. This may disappoint some, but the club plans to offset this by reintroducing the doubles format challenge (DFC) to provide a competitive edge. Malcolm Steer won the DFC last year, and we’ll be presenting Malcolm with a tube of tennis balls soon. Also thanks are due to Malcolm for agreeing to continue to be captain of the WSL mixed team. NEIL BUCKINGHAM The club is pleased to announce that Neil Buckingham has been made an honorary member of Hemyock Tennis Club. This is in recognition of Neil’s service and contribution towards the club, not only in committee matters, but also for his gentle words of encouragement on the court, to juniors and seniors alike. We look forward to seeing Neil on the courts as often as possible.
FUTURE EVENTS The committee feels that to arrange events at present would be unwise, so as the situation develops and plans can be made, you will be kept informed.
SOME USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS
Bob Hawkes 07540 435149 bob.hawkes18@btinternet.com
Julie Steed steedjulie52@gmail.com
Dan Sizer 07951 828760 dan@dsctenniscoaching.co.uk
Email us at hemyocktennisclub@outlook.com Find us at clubspark.lta.org.uk/Hemyocktennisclub www.lta.com
Thank You
Bob Hawkes
Chairman