2014 was a year of highs and lows for Knebworth Tennis Club. At the start of the season in March Stephen McPartland MP opened our new Clubhouse in front of invited guests’ and Club members’ in a fantastic celebration of tennis; but later in the year, just a few days before Christmas, the Club mourned the unexpected passing of Club Secretary and friend Serge Dronov. Serge was an integral, enthusiastic and much loved member of the Club as a player, team captain and latterly Club Secretary. We all send our condolences to Serge’s widow Irina and step-son Evgeny. The Club is planning to hold an annual summer tournament named in his honour.
On court the Club took part in a number of local competitions with some success. In the Datchworth Summer League special mentions for Knebworth’s top two teams’ who were promoted from divisions’ 4B and 6A; there were promotions too for Team 2 in the Herts Autumn League Division 10, and for the ladies of Hot Rackets Team 1. Win, lose or draw, well done to all the players’ who represented the Club during 2014/15!
On the social scene in June the Club played its part at the Summer Fete opening the courts to all-comers’ and in July the new clubhouse successfully hosted our annual Finals’ Day BBQ. This year the club is planning a couple of events including a now confirmed Barn Dance at Knebworth Village Hall on Saturday 7th of November. Live music will be provided by Harry’s Band.
Looking ahead 2015 promises to be another exciting year of tennis at Knebworth. Not only is the Club ready for another summer season providing members’ with the opportunity of playing in a number of fun Home and Inter-Club competitions’ and providing adult and junior coaching, but we are also looking forward to installing floodlights. Back in September 2013 Sport England awarded the Club with a grant of £40,000 to install lighting. Since the award we have been granted planning permission from NHDC and received the support of Knebworth Parish Council to carry out the works. If all goes to plan we intend to the start the electrical works next month with a view to erecting the lighting pylons in the summer, ready for use by the autumn.
It has never been a better time to become a member at Knebworth. Membership for 2015/16 remains £90 for Adults and £45 for Juniors (under 18). This year two new rates have been introduced to encourage all the family to join up, especially the little ones : Juniors aged 5-8 years now pay only £25, families a flat-rate £190. The usual early payment discount of £5 for Adults and Juniors still applies if membership is paid before the end of April.