The nights are already drawing in as we move towards the end of a great summer of tennis. As I speak, our teams are playing their remaining summer league fixtures (latest results and stats now available) and the first rounds of our club championships - including the new Over 60s event - are underway. We've also enjoyed some excellent attendances on our social nights (I counted 23 players on one particular night recently!)
I mentioned last time that the Fun Doubles Round Robin tournament that we held in June had received great feedback and I am very pleased to tell you that the repeat event (scheduled for Sunday 21 August from 12 noon to 2 pm) has attracted even more players this time around - this means that we will arrange for everyone to play at least four games on the day. This time around, we are asking members to do a bit of self-catering if they want to eat, drink and socialise after the event. If this all works well, there is no reason why we can't do another one in October, probably before the clocks go back. I will be in touch with everyone who signed up for the 21 August event prior to the day itself to provide more information.
As said above, we are gradually building up to the Club Finals Day on Sunday 25 September, and I am looking forward to the event very much. The committee will provide full details beforehand. For the time being, however, please try to leave the date free in your calendars. Don't forget - anyone wishing to sponsor one of the games at the Finals Day can do so for £25 (this entitles you to a mention in the programme and on our website). Please contact our Treasurer Andrea Kelly for details. - andrea_kelly@btinternet.com
Another date to bear in mind is the Frampton Country Fair on Sunday 11 September. As usual, we will be asked to provide some help to run the event smoothly - it would be greatly appreciated if members could consider volunteering for a couple of hours - a separate email will provide more details nearer the time. In the past, the club has received a donation from the Country Fair organisers for providing volunteers and the extra income is always welcome, especially given the ever rising cost of electricity to power our lights.
I mentioned last time around that the LTA had asked us to draw attention to our code of conduct - but I didn't insert the link. Could I ask you all to familiarise yourself with the code as soon as possible.
Many of you have noticed the absence of Tim Tyler from social tennis this summer. It turns out that he had a mini stroke recently but the good news is that he is feeling much better now, and is hoping to return to action soon. I am sure that everyone at the club wishes Tim a speedy recovery and I hope it won't be too long before we see his trademark high looping shots soaring into the stratosphere again!
Finally, just another reminder that Lisa Gibbs is running a WhatsApp group for those who wish to indicate whether they will be taking part in specific social tennis sessions. So far it is proving to be a valuable resource, especially for members who fancy an early start on Mondays or those who want some reassurance about attendance before embarking on a longish journey to the courts. For more details, contact Lisa - gibbs_lisa@hotmail.co.uk
All the best.
Bob McNally
Chair