We were delighted that 2024 proved to be a highly rewarding year for the Club. The Club has progressed in many respects and our membership has reached 141, a marked increase over and above the 2023 level (119) which is especially pleasing. On behalf of the Committee, I would like to express my thanks to all of you for your continuing support as we continue to drive the Club forward. Below is a summary of what we have achieved in 2024.

• Negotiations with the Parish Council resume in our attempt to reach a compromise on a court lighting solution for Courts 2, 3 and 4. We are encouraged by the results of a recent survey of residents on our proposals and by the warming of relationships between the Club and the Parish Council generally. Our aim is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement during this year.
• The Junior Coaching programme established in May 2023 with coach Eduardo Caffarena has developed well with pleasing attendance rates in most of the groups. The classes covering the age range of 5–14 are held on the indoor courts at Hampshire Court in Chineham and as a result our junior membership has increased markedly over the last twelve months. 
• In May, the Club ran two most enjoyable introductory tennis sessions for Brownies and Cubs from the local area. The feedback received from the leaders was excellent and this serves to raise favourably the profile of the Club as a valuable community asset.
• Once again, the Club ran three Mixed Doubles American Tournaments in 2024 which have proved most enjoyable. These will continue in 2025.
• Our traditional Summer Tournament took place culminating in a fabulous Finals Day on 7th September and a very enjoyable day was had by all. The standard of play was excellent, and the barbecue proved a highly fulfilling social occasion for players and spectators alike. A notable addition this year was a junior tournament involving three players all of whom cherished the occasion and played well.
• Our social tennis sessions on Tuesday and Friday evenings, Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons have been well attended throughout the year, and we hope to see increased attendance at our social evenings after play has finished for the day.
• We entered seven teams in the Basingstoke & District Leagues in 2024 and are grateful for the support of our players who have willingly given up their time to represent the Club. The results were especially pleasing with six teams finishing in a stronger position than in 2023.
• We would like to thank Matt Church for running adult drills sessions on Saturday mornings all year round and on Monday evenings from April to October for members and non-members. These have been well attended and are a valuable addition to our amenity.  Our thanks also go to Steph Catlin for running individual and small group coaching sessions as required, and to Lee Wolvey for running junior coaching on Friday afternoons during the summer.
• The governance of the Club has been enhanced with a new Constitution, Code of Conduct for Committee Members and a new lease has been signed giving the Club security of tenure until 2049.
• The traditional Christmas meal at the Bartons Mill was once again a highly enjoyable evening.

Finally, I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to all our volunteers who do an awful lot of work behind the scenes to support the Club. Without their dedicated support, we would not have the buoyant Club we currently enjoy.

We welcome new members regardless of ability so if you fancy taking up the sport for the first time, or even if you haven’t played for a while, we would be delighted to meet you. This invitation is of course extended to friends and relatives, and you will be assured of a friendly welcome.

Meanwhile, have a fabulous tennis season with us. 2025 is the 95th anniversary of the club and a celebration will be organised during the year.

Nigel Hatt

Chair