Tennis Club News, November 2024

Autumn was well and truly with us by October, which means we have to redouble our efforts to keep the courts clear of leaves.

Our efforts had a false start or two since the Tiger Turf was laid eighteen months ago. Perhaps it was the contractors over-enthusiastic use of the sand that keeps the turf bedded in, but our roller brushing system seemed to bog down with sand more quickly than leaves. 

But we are close to being there, with a recently-acquired decent hand-held rechargeable leaf blower that clears the court reasonably quickly. It’s a two-person job once a week, so please be generous when you asked to put in an hour once or twice a year.

It’s almost ten years since the club set up a working party to dig and plant a hedge in front of Mr Loughrey’s wall at the end of our courts. 70 or so hedge saplings – hornbeam, hazel, field maple, guelder rose and a few other varieties – were planted. At the time they looked slightly lost against the new brick wall, but now we have a truly splendid hedge that maybe, before long, will need a bit of trimming. Those who hoped the hedge would provide a screen against the sun while serving, however, may have to wait rather longer!

We look forward to seeing members at the Tewin Pavilion for our Autumn Quiz night on Friday 1st November, kindly hosted again by Gerry and Chris. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start.

Teams consist of eight people – you can either arrange your own team or we will find random people for you to quiz with. To avoid a squash we are only inviting tennis club members and their spouses this time. We will also be having fewer rounds to facilitate more chat and hopefully sourcing a microphone.

The cost is £12 per person via cash on the night, which will include fish and chips, vegeburger and chips, or sausage and chips; bring your own drinks. Call Hazel or Mark Lee on 718468 to book. See you there!

Peter Burgess