Welcome to MLTC’s autumn newsletter. Much has been happening in recent months and, in case you missed anything, here is a round up of some of the most notable activities.

Clay Court Lights in Action

We are delighted that the lighting works on the clay courts and Mini Zone have been completed and the new floodlights are in use. The work was carried out swiftly and efficiently following the tournament finals weekend and we are now a 10-court club all year round. 

Thanks and tremendous credit go to the Lighting sub-committee who scoped out, managed and delivered a complex project in an incredibly professional and smooth manner.

Tournament Finals Day

MLTC's annual tournament reached its climax on Sunday 8th September with the weather being kind and a substantial crowd watching a full day's worth of exciting matches. 

The action was witnessed by new Maidenhead MP Joshua Reynolds who also assisted club President Alan Frampton in awarding prizes to the finalists. 

Alan thanked everyone involved in delivering such a successful event, from the tournament committee who managed a field of almost 500 entries, through to all the volunteers who supplied and supported the catering for the day.

Victories at Wimbledon and Eastbourne

Several MLTC members competed at the 2024 British Masters Closed Grass Court Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, from 18-25 August 2024. The event was part of the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour.

Congratulations especially go to Kerry Griffiths who won the Ladies Singles title in the 40+ category having recorded some dominant victories.

Nigel Mann and Richard Downs also competed. Nigel won three rounds to get through to the Men's 65+ Singles final. Richard reached the Men's Doubles final and the Men's Singles semi-final in the 45+ categories. The following week Richard competed at the British Masters Grass Court Championships in Eastbourne where he and his partner won the 45+ Men’s Doubles title; Richard also reached the 45+ Men’s Singles final.

Power Sockets

As part of the installation of the new floodlights, a power socket has been added to court 4. This has been done to simplify use of the ball machine, removing the previous requirement to run an extension cable across the path by the clubhouse.

Social Events

The American Tournament in July proved so successful and popular that a second event was held at the end of September. Thanks to Emma Sweeting, Clive Hogan and Di Chandler for organising. 32 entrants battled it out to make the top two men and women who would compete in a play-off final where Jen Mashford and Liam Parker triumphed over Suzette Richards and Gerhard Bissell. Overall a great opportunity to mix-in and play tennis, and meet new people.

Another popular event, the Quiz Night, is also returning for a second outing in 2024. Details are currently being finalised and will be announced soon. In the meantime, remember that our (very modestly priced) bar is open from Monday to Thursday, 7.15pm to 9.45pm.

Housekeeping

Some reminders to make the experience of all members, and our neighbours, more enjoyable.

• Cancelling Courts. We all know plans can change, even at the last minute, so just a reminder to cancel any court bookings you hold as soon as you know you will not need them. As well as freeing up more courts to book, this also gives other players the opportunity to switch to these courts on the day if they prefer (while cancelling their own booking).
• Parking. Car parking is generally working well, both in terms of limiting the car park to smaller cars and using the kerbside by the cemetery as the next choice. If, at busy times, there is no room here and you need to park outside a neighbouring house, please take care not to obstruct their entrance or make it awkward for residents to enter.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

And finally, congratulations to Mary Stanley and everyone who organised or contributed to the Macmillan Coffee Morning on 25th September. The event raised an amazing £800 for the charity.