Firstly an apology for the length of this anoucment, but it is essential information. We want to get as many people as possible out playing.
From this Wednesday (13th) tennis club members can play at the club. To quote the LTA website, `tennis activity in England will be able to take place out of doors from Wednesday with singles play only, other than where players are all from the same household`. We interpret this as family groups can play doubles or singles, friends can play singles.
We have been discussing how to best manage this situation at our club and have come up with the following information in conjunction with LTA advice. Please read it carefully and act on it. We will be in the public eye and do not want to give the impression that we are breaking the rules.
At all times, waiting to go on court, as you leave, changing ends on court (this should be kept to a minimum) KEEP YOUR DISTANCE AT 2m
All courts will need to be booked in advance-you have had a separate email about this and there is a link on the website (new member tab) if you do not know how to do this. Any individual can book 2 sessions per week for a maximum of 2 hours each session, up to 1 week in advance. When you book, ask for a confirmation email, this will give you the access code for the gate. Please remember which court you have booked and stick to this court to avoid any problems. Junior members booking courts will need to do so through the adult who receives club emails.
Gate Access. The padlock opened by keys has been removed since we cannot organise more keys at present. Instead there is a combination lock padlock in place while we await a new gate being fitted. The code will come with your booking confirmation. It may well be the club is open when you arrive but please look after the padlock and put it back if you are last to leave.
The clubhouse is not yet complete so cannot be accessed. Be aware that some work is still going on so stay away from workmen. Over the next 2 weeks the surroundings are being landscaped . This may cause issues of access to the courts so please take care.
While we do not recommend its use, the disabled toilet is accessible in an emergency by using the radar key (red top) which hangs on a nail on the far side of the green shed. Please replace it afterwards.
Sanitiser has been ordered to be in place by the end of this week . Please bring your own for the next few days until we know it has arrived. In line with this, do not lower nets after play to avoid the use of the net measure stick.
Tennis Balls. The LTA recommendation is that players must provide (and take away) their own, clearly marked tennis balls. We advise bringing 2 tubes of new balls. You must only handle these balls- any that stray on to your court can be tapped back using your racket. You cannot use the basket of balls which has previously been available. Janice Glover and Bob Holland have new tennis balls for sale at £5 per tube. Contact them to arrange.
janiceglover45@hotmail.co.uk bobholland@me.com
We will be referring to LTA advice at all times. You can check yourself on this link
Membership. If you are an existing member who needs to renew, or a new member, you can join up on the club website and take advantage of the great deals we are offering to welcome players to our great game. There is a lot of information and contact details here which may answer any questions.
https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/MarketHarboroughLawnTennisClub
Hopefully these measures will get as many of you as possible back and playing safely. Please work with us while we see how this all works out.
Lesley (Chair MLTC)