Newsletters

May 2024

General 

Following the resignation of Susan Parsell as Treasurer we would like to extend our thanks for the large amount of work she has done on behalf of the club post Covid to assist in getting us to the strong position we are in now. Time to move on and focus on tennis !. 

Subsequently we are currently looking for members who may be interested in contributing to the club with their financial acumen and expertise. Please contact any of the management committee for details . 

We will also be looking for additional volunteers to assist with the running of the club. Anyone who has a desire to help out in any capacity please get in touch with any of the committee. Over the coming months specific areas will be advertised. 

Safeguarding Jen McAdie is the Welfare Officer. 

We have a Code of Conduct for all members to adhere to, please take a few minutes to read through. 

All safeguarding policies are listed alongside code of conduct here:

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/swanseatennisandsquashclub/Policies

Any safeguarding concerns can be reported in confidence 

Mobile: 07811 254756 

Email: jenmcadie@gmail.com

Tennis 

The May bank holiday weekend 4 – 6th May saw the inaugural Swansea Seniors Open hosted and organised by the club. Thanks to Seniors Tennis GB for their support helping to make this happen.

With over 50 entrants we saw some tremendous tennis. Players enjoyed the balance of social and competitive tennis – experience showing with expert court craft on display. 

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Thanks; to Gareth Lewis, for his expertise as the tournament referee.  

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A big thanks to Justin not only keeping the bar running smoothly but helping with the food payments adding to the club’s income. Michaela and her team of Netti, Michelle and Helen, providing a constant supply of toasties, filled rolls and the best flapjacks.              

The Jim Lightbody Memorial trophy was a 10 point tie break mixed doubles contested by 12 pairs. The balance of fun filled competition was what he loved – thanks to all for taking part.

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On court everyone enjoyed the games – please join us next year if you couldn’t do so this year and below are a few memories both on and off court.

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Congratulations to all finalists and a big thank you to HEAD UK for providing us with excellent prizes as well as supporting with tennis balls. All match balls have been recycled into the club for use by members and social tennis (available from the bar). Full list of finalists are available on the website. 

Congratulations to all members who competed.  Some of our winners as follows:

Singles: Tesni Metcalf, Lewis Clement, Paul Davies, Kylie Walker, Paul Cana, Hugh Griffiths, Jenny Burrows

Doubles: Tesni Metcalk & Bec Cobley, Max Tew & Mike Woosley, Michelle Walker & Kylie Walker, Paul Cana & Peter North, Max Tew & Ellinore Lightbody.

The ladies 65 Doubles winners Julie Collins and Val Alder, were presented with the Joyce Langham Memorial Shield.

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Thank you to Wendy Norris our Club Chair and Nigel Jones Tennis Wales South, for making the presentations to the finalists.

 A Student Charity event held on a Wednesday afternoon raised over £200. Great atmosphere around the club and well attended. 

Summer League fixtures are in full swing with our teams starting well with juniors, adults and seniors all playing some excellent tennis. 

We are actively seeking 3 quotes to refurbish courts 7,8,9 and hoping to share those with all members in the near future. 

The Ladies Internal League will play the finals on Sunday June 2nd 1.00 – 5.00pm should anyone want to watch. The internal league has provided competition for players looking for more competitive play outside the formal South Wales Winter and Summer Leagues. Anyone interested please give a shout!

Men’s Internal league is also in full flow with 4 rounds to play over the Summer Months. 

Thanks to Angela Gisby (Ladies) and Dave Allnatt (Men’s) for organising. 


 

Recyclable - another 75 raised through club ball donations - thanks to Bernie Devonald for keeping this going by sorting and sending off sacks of old balls. 



Squash 

The A Team, and many supporters, headed for Cardiff. Having won the winter half, the A team already secured a place in the end of season  play offs.  The second half was plagued by injury and thanks go to all those who stepped in to boost the team and ensure a well fought match in the finals night.  Rhiwina lifted the trophy so here is to next year. Congratulations to Capt Dan Webb and all the players . 


 

The B team won their league. Congratulations to Cam White and his band of players Well done. 

 

Despite news stories to the contrary squash is thriving within our club. Well done to all players both social and competitive. 

 

Summer League  

In the second season of summer league we are now into our 4th week out of 12 matches.

36 players have signed up to play with an additional 10 players filling in as substitutes.

Matches have been closely fought with a particular grudge match in week 3 with Dave Seal beating long time foe Tod 3-2 in a close battle.

We have also been lucky enough for a few Premier League players to join us to provide high quality squash in a social but competitive environment. 

It is also really good to see the introduction of juniors, and other non team members into team squash which will hopefully boost our teams from September.

Anyone who would still like to participate in summer league please get in touch with either David Allnatt or Cameron White.  If you can only play occasionally or every week, all are welcome. 

 

The 12 week Summer league regular season will finish on Friday July 19th with a planned finals day on Saturday 20th July. .Further details to follow. 

 

Vets/Masters/Seniors Squash League - We are looking to set up a daytime competitive league on the lines of the tennis Vets O60’s, playing as a club team against other clubs during off-peak times (because we can!). It is in the early stages of set up and we are looking to the Squash Wales Masters Committee for approval/support.  Any one interested please contact David Allnatt..

 

Wine Tasting review. 

On Friday the 10th May, the club hosted its second wine tasting evening.

45 club members (and friends) attended a very successful evening where during a “Test your wine knowledge quiz”, a lot of vino was sampled. Dafydd from Cheers Wine Merchants was a fantastic host and all that attended enjoyed a very filling and lovely Canapé buffet (which was provided by Dragon fruit Catering). A great night was had by all. It was lovely to see our club so busy with every table full on a Friday evening.

 

Forthcoming Events - one for the diary: 

July 20th - End of Squash Season finals and presentation, American doubles tennis  tournament, followed by a BBQ and a jazz band. Further Details to come. Tickets will be available over the bar. 

Moving forward, the social events team at the club will be looking to introduce similar ticketed evenings on a regular basis. Any suggestions would be well received by Kerry, Justin, or Craig.

Management Committee

 

Chair - W Norris 

Secretary -  James Foley

Utilities - Howard Jones

Events - Kerry Bowen-James

Tennis Lead - Ellinore Lightbody 

Membership - Jenny Burrows

Squash Lead - Tomos Rosser

Tennis Coach - David Williams

Bar manager - Justin Nemeth

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Safeguarding Officer  - Jen McAidie