I am delighted to be able to report that the LTA has revised their guidance in light of recent government relaxation of the lockdown.

https://www.lta.org.uk/about-us/tennis-news/news-and-opinion/general-news/2020/march/coronavirus-covid-19---latest-advice/

Please take the time to read the guidance before you play tennis.

The main changes are highlighted in red and I have picked out a few of them below.

Main changes in LTA advice for players 31/5/2020

They advise that both singles play and doubles play is now permitted with people from outside of your household, as long as you remain 2 metres apart as far as possible – meaning that four people from different households can now play doubles.

They have emphasised that it is very important to maintain hygiene and social distancing.

They recommend use of hand sanitiser gel after touching any court equipment. We would recommend that you use the brick to hold the court gate open thus allowing you to exit the court with your foot and avoiding the need to touch the gate.

Hand sanitising gel and wipes are available on the court by the entrance, but it would be preferable to bring your own.

Use your own equipment wherever possible.

They suggest that it would be worthwhile trying to agree who will take balls down the centre of the court.

Coaching sessions are limited to groups of six people including the coach.

They have remarked on the small risk that sharing tennis balls might engender and recommend taking precautions to avoid touching your face.

We still recommend that you should have your balls clearly marked with your initials so that the risk of your balls getting mixed up with the balls on the next court are reduced.

Please take time to red the LTA guidelines. Do make sure that you play safely and please make sure that you travel to and from the courts safely.

The clubhouse remains closed at present, although the toilet is accessible for use in emergencies. Please take care to wash your hands carefully should you need to use it.

Membership Renewal for 2020/21

If you have not yet renewed your membership for the current year, now might be a good time to consider doing so. You will find the membership renewal form on the website and we have cut the fees by 50% compared to last year.

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/RothburyTennisClub

Enjoy your tennis and please play responsibly.

Gordon Cameron

Chair - Rothbury Tennis Club