I hope everyone had a good Christmas and best wishes for 2024. Following the AGM I thought it would be a good opportunity to update people on a few things.

1. First Aid

For those players who do not have a key to access the first aid kit in the cuboard next to the fridge there will also be a second first aid box located outside under the bench next to the main door if needed.

2.  Court Maintenance

The condition of the courts is an issue particularly as they have become in places slippery, and thank you for everyone who supported in the November clean up. We have engaged a company who are to come out 4 times in 2024 and will carry out a decompaction and groom process and use a chemical mix on those areas that need treatment. We hope that this will deal with some of the algae growth and the regular treatment will make a difference and extend their life. We will in late Autumn then have a better feel as to what we might need to do in the longer term. The committee is hopeful that we will in the spring begin to see an improvement. The first treatment will be in February. Paul and Chris have done a great job keeping the club clean and have recently cut back the hedge, our thinking is that this will get some more light and sun into that area and dry the courts out more quickly, it has already made a difference.
We are ordering some new nets as they have not been replaced for many years

3. Fund Raising

Looking forward we need to raise some funds and we aim to three times a year have an event, with the objective of raising some money for the club but also to have some fun. So far we have thought about a possible quiz night in late spring, Wimbledon timed tennis in the summer with a barbecue and pimms and a  possible autumn event.
To support fund raising for court improvement it has been proposed that we establish a '100 club'. For those who have not come across before it is basically a lottery with three winners each month. 100 tickets are available to purchase at £5.00/month paid by direct debit to the club and ideally you commit to paying for 12 months. You may purchase as many tickets as you wish. Each month a proportion of the income is allocated as prize money, the remaining sum going to club funds.
If you would be interested in this scheme please reply to this e mail ( or let a committee member know ) so that we can assess if this is a viable proposition. If there is interest we aim to set this up for the 1 April being the new tennis year.
Separately, we are planning on having a working group to work on fundraising and also try and secure grants from various bodies. If anyone is keen to support this or has any other ideas please let us know.

4. Web Site & Email

We have set up a dedicated email address and these are on the website, to talk to us. Andy has also worked on improving our website,
I would encourage anyone to take a look and we would be keen for people to email us any news or pictures which we can use to show that the club at its best and attract people to it. This can only promote the club and attract new members. https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/LittletonsTennisClub

5. Whatsapp Group for Social Play

As many will know, we have a Whatsapp group which is quite a good way of keeping in contact, if anyone is keen to be on that and is not please let us know and we can add you. It allows us to let people know if for any reason a club night is not happening. We have also sought to increase opportunities to play and on a Tuesday a whats app is sent out if anyone is around  and members can play depending on the feedback and appetite.

6. Coaching

For those keen to develop their playing skills our Coach Andy Reynolds will be running some new courses in the Spring

Adult beginners & Intermediate

If you are new to the game or been playing a while its always great to take part in some coaching to improve your tennis, whether it be working on that slightly dodgy backhand, inconsistent serve, miss firing smash or maybe just developing a killer drop shot this course could be for you. Course will cover forehand, backhand, volleys, serve, smash etc and how to use them tactically as well as improving your court positioning to help your doubles/singles match play. Don't miss out on the chance to have fun while improving your tennis and get an edge over your opponents, places are limited to 8 players so don't delay booking.
It runs from Fri, 08 Mar - Fri, 29 Mar 2024 at 18:00 - 19:00. Further details can be accessed at Adult Coaching Spring 20024

Adult Matchplay Coaching

This is for you if you want to take your game to the next level whether you play socially or competitively. Course will cover a range of tactics/strategies, positioning, movement, shot selection and better technique to help you improve your doubles match play. Don't miss out on the chance to have fun while improving your tennis and get an edge over your opponents, places are limited to 8 players so don't delay booking.   Adult Matchplay Coaching Spring 2024

Junior Coaching

For juniors please look at: Littletons Junior Coaching

I very much hope that members and any one members know who may be keen on playing tennis will take an look and sign up. It is a great way for members to recruit new members and of course they receive a discount on their first years membership if they do the course.

7. Safeguarding

The LTA takes safeguarding very seriously and we have been asked to circulate to members details of a survey to be complete, please look out for this and it will be sent in early February.

I hope members welcome some of these ideas and of course welcome your feedback and support so we can make 2024 a good year at Littleton's tennis.

Tim Ward (Chairman)