A short but happy club news this month. Spring is in full bloom; the weather is getting warmer and people are out playing tennis and enjoying social activity – Hurray!

Recent Tournaments

American Tournament

In the past month we have seen two successful tournaments enjoyed by all. The American Tournament ran on Easter Monday. Many congratulations to the final victors, Evan Perkins and Sue Munday. Club thanks are due to Karen Ferguson for organizing this event with Steve.

Kay Gobby did a great job in running the raffle on the day to raise funds for the Ukraine. Many thanks to everyone who bought tickets, donated or provided prizes. Our collective efforts raised just over £118!

We are hoping to run another American in the next few months. Further details will be available on the BFTC Newsflash WhatsApp group and the BFTC Website.

Dot Burgin Tournament

After inspiration, hard work and planning by the team of Jax, Ali L and Steve it was great to see this event ‘go live’. The format of the Inaugural 2022 edition of the Dot Burgin Tournament (dedicated to Club founding member Dot) had two teams: Team Bovingdon vs Team Flaunden.  For rounds 1 to 3, the players all played at the same time in a timed format (approximately 25 mins).  The finale was two matches of champions tiebreakers (first to 10). After a hard (but cheerfully) fought contest Team Flaunden emerged victorious. Well done to Geoff Allen, Ian Guest, Ali Lyons, Michael Ferguson, Helen, Campbell, Kay Gobby, Jane Collis, Leah Jordan. Thanks also to Rebecca for running the BBQ on the day.

The Watford and District Tennis League

The league is in full swing and we have six teams entered involving 32 Club Players. According to the stats provided we have won 73% of the sets we have played – sounds pretty good to me

Box Leagues

A quick reminder that the deadline for completing all matches is 31st May. Results so far can be found on the club website 

HERE

Club Championships

Final day is confirmed as Sunday 18th September. News will be out soon about entry for this on the Club website and BFTC Newsflash WhatsApp Group. If you’d like to join the Newsflash group, please drop Alison a note EMAIL ALISON

Social events

BFTC ‘at large’ or 11 go mad in the countryside (thanks to Jax for the report)

At 2pm sharp on Sunday 24th April, 11 intrepid ramblers set off in the sunshine from The Hampden Arms for a magnificent walk through the Chilterns countryside. Curated by Tim Baldwin, we took in a House of Horror mansion, a beautiful flint Church, a Romany caravan, a windmill and even a near life-size galleon. With the bluebells in full bloom, we were treated to the best flora and fauna have to offer.

After a couple of refreshment stops and just under 10km covered we arrived back at the pub to round off the fabulous afternoon with a delicious and much welcomed meal. 

With good company, great weather and a spectacular route what better way to spend an afternoon? Thanks to Tim for making is such a perfect day.

A couple of social events to draw to your attention in June…….

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

A last reminder for the local celebrations on Thursday 2nd June (see poster). A big thank you to our members who have stepped up to volunteer and support this event

Club Summer BBQ: Saturday 11th June 5pm until Late

This is our biggest social event of the year and is open to everyone over the age of 18. Partners welcome

It would help the team coordinating the event if you could click the link below to register an interest (no commitment!)

BBQ LINK

And a good cause

On May 29th, Dermot, our Treasurer, is taking part in the RideLondon 100 to raise money for Prostate Cancer research.  It is a 100 mile cycle ride and considerably further than he’s ever gone in a single day.  He’d be immensely grateful for any small contribution for a worthy cause and if you want to support him you can find his Just Giving page here: 

Dermot JustGiving

New Members and Returning Members

Welcome to all our new members who joined the club in the last month and to all our lovely existing members who renewed. We look forward to seeing you on court and at social events!

Calendar

Tuesday 31st May: Box League Round Finish

Thursday 2nd June: Queen’s Platinum Jubilee  

Saturday 11th June: Club Summer BBQ

Sunday 18th:  September: CLUB CHAMPS FINALS Day

And finally…… a trailer for future good news!

We are very close to launching a fuller Coaching offering at the Club. We hope to be able to announce this in the next few weeks and have more details on BFTC Newsflash and the Club Website.