This year we have had plenty of rain, an unusual number of gales and more recently lots of cold frosty mornings. Fortunately, the weather settled just in time for the resurfacing of the courts. Last week the court edges were prepared, drainage holes drilled and new net post sockets installed. This week the new tarmacadam surface will be put down and the temporary lines painted. Additionally, whilst the construction team are on site, the bulging fencing along the clubhouse side of the courts will be replaced.  The total cost of the court refurbishment project will be £40,000.

The 2024/25 season brought us our first H&W league trophy for three years. Congratulations to the Mixed B team, winners of division 6W Summer League. Our Ladies B team are to be congratulated as well, runners up in both of their Summer and Winter League divisions. Well done and thank you to everyone who played in all of our teams (7 teams in Summer and 8 Teams in Winter).  This year we will once again enter seven teams in the H&W Summer League (2 Men, 2 Ladies, 3 Mixed).

Our first Club Sunday of the year started off on a beautiful, sunny day in May with a good turnout.  Unfortunately, Chris Seavor, Debbie Mason, Duncan Betts and Jola Seavor were unable to contest the final of the President's Tournament due to a very heavy, late downpour. Our thanks to Phyl Dinnie for organising our Sunday events. We also started a new social session last year which is proving popular – mixed tennis on Tuesdays 9.30 to 11.30.

Neil Thomson's team emerged victorious in the 29th Autumn Floodlit League. Since its inception, the league has been organized by Ian Dinnie and Pauline Rogers. They are now both stepping down from this role and we thank them for the work undertaken over the years. Paula Highley has kindly volunteered to take over as the new organiser.

Our WhatsApp groups set up by Chris Seavor a year ago have been well received. There are nine groups in all: - Social Tennis, Tuesday and Thursday Club, Sunday Men’s Club, Ladies B Team, Ladies Match Practice, Match Practise, Men’s C. The groups have been well used, informing members as to whether anyone else will be at a particular club session or not (after all nobody likes a wasted journey).  45 members are already signed up and if you would like to be included in one or more of the groups please send us an email.

Steve Barnett of Activate Sports Education once again ran weekly open tennis coaching sessions for local youngsters. To try and attract more juniors and their parents into club membership we introduced a Parent Player membership package. This is an annual membership for a parent, grandparent or guardian not wishing to play adult tennis but who would like to play solely with their children / grandchildren who must be Junior (15) members.

This year we had a bumper donation of books for the Woolhope Fete bookstall which raised £251. A big thank you to all those who donated books and to those who helped run the stall on the day. In October Jenny Lloyd organised a well attended and informative Heartstart course for members.

WELFARE & SAFETY

Unfortunately, we had one serious fall on the courts in September resulting in a broken hip.

Please remember that the contact and location information for the emergency services is displayed on the clubhouse external notice board.

Don’t forget also that copies of our Welfare & Safeguarding policies are available in the Clubhouse and on the website.

A FOND FAREWELL

We finish the year with a buoyant membership of 109 members but sadly some of our long standing members are now hanging up their tennis racquets.

Pauline Rogers, with more than 25 years membership, has contributed greatly to the running of our club. Always willing to help with club activities, Pauline served two long terms as club secretary, captained the Ladies C team for many years, arranged our league fixtures and worked closely with Ian and Phyl Dinnie in organizing our Club Events.

Sue and Tony Ffrench have been dedicated members of the club for 42 years. As a token of their appreciation for the club's friendly and supportive spirit, they have generously donated £50. In past years, Tony served as captain of the Men's C team and both he and Sue have always been enthusiastic volunteers, readily offering their help whenever needed.

Thank you, Pauline, Tony and Sue for the contribution that you have made to the club.

AGM SUMMARY

The increase in subscriptions proposed in the Treasurer’s report (previously circulated) was passed at the AGM and membership renewal emails will be sent out later this month.  The AGM minutes and Treasurer’s report can be found on the website - click here

The existing committee were re-elected en-bloc and our committee for 2025/26 is:

                Chair:                    Raymond Highley            

                Vice-chair:           Vacant

                Treasurer:          Alison Quant                     

                Secretary:            Brian Chipping                  

                Committee:       

                Val Barton, Georgie Limb, Jenny Lloyd, Bob Quant, Phil Turner, Duncan Betts, Diane Budge

Team captains for 2025/26

Men’s A              Andrew Pickup                  Men’s B               Phil Towle

Ladies’ A              Georgie Limb                     Ladies’ B               Jola Seavor

Mixed A               Paula Highley                     Mixed B                Phil Towle                          

Mixed C                Jola Seavor

Club Sundays – all start at 2pm (organised Phyl Dinnie)

11 May (President’s Tournament), 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 7 September (Nick Waters Cup)

Thank you for your support and continue to enjoy your tennis on our brand new surface.

Brian Chipping

Secretary