July 2024 Newsletter 

Events - Summer BBQ Day 

An excellent day was held on Saturday 27th July to mark the end of the Squash Summer League and the start of summer!!

The weather was superb! With a BBQ provided by Tuckers , Jazz and ‘other’ musical entertainment by Billy's Bounce ( aka Lewis Clement et al) an American Doubles Tennis event, dancing by Kira  and a superb raffle all led to an fantastic day for the club. 

Huge thank you to all concerned - it took a massive effort that was worth it.  Booked in for next year!. 

Raffle prizes - The raffle raised an amazing £810  Raffle prize winners list

Dates for diary:

Tennis Championships Finals 14th Sept & internal social squash tournament  

Halloween fancy dress & bingo Saturday Nov 2nd  

Christmas party Saturday Dec 14th 

More details to follow. Kerry 

General - Squash Courts

The heater on court 1 was due to be repaired last week along with the annual servicing of all 4 court heaters. This was delayed by a covid outbreak in the maintenance company, but the work should now go ahead this week. They will also do remedial heater maintenance, including replacing of gas burners, gas hoses (which need replacing every 5 years) and issuing of safety certificates - total approx cost of £2.5 - £3K.

Some of the courts will be out of action while the work takes place, and there may need to be flexibility in which courts are available for members to play on during the day.

There has also been a problem with the floor on court 1, due to the build up of moisture and damp air, possibly caused by the lack of heating. The floor has had a temporary repair, and the court is back in action.  A dehumidifier has been running to avoid further issues until the heater is repaired, and we are obtaining quotes for further work to the floor, to avoid a similar occurrence of the problem.

Sponsorship - 

Any further interest in sponsoring replacement tennis court benches please contact Nigel Lomas, @ndlomas@hotmail.com

Tennis News 

The Season has ended on a high for many of our teams …….. Here are some end of season reflections. 

Team reports 

Men's 1st team secured the Premier 3 division with one loss out of 10. A great season with so many highlights. Lots of youngsters playing with a special mention to Jacob Pearson.  We used 16 players in total...our standout player this season has to be Will Spencer winning 16 out of 16 matches played with different partners. Well done all!  (Jon Jenkins)

Men’s 2  fought to the bitter end this season! Frustratingly, it wasn’t to be, with the final scores in, we narrowly missed out, finishing 3rd and only one positive result away from a playoff place. An outstanding effort from all the players; the team has come a long way in a short time. Next season we are heading up to Prem 3! (Rory File)

Men’s 3

The first season with Max and Mike as captains and what a baptism of fire!! Contacting other teams captains, entering results (all by Mike the technology guru!!) and just getting 6 players on the courts!! We have had great support from other team captains including Paul Fardy & Jon Jenkins and David Williams’ coaching and advice has really proved hugely beneficial all season. Fielding teams for all the matches has been a real club effort using players from the mighty 4th team, youngsters and even 'social members'!! We fulfilled all the fixtures and actually were unbeaten - winning all the matches and sealing promotion. A great effort by all involved.  (Max Tew)

Men’s 4

A newly established Mens 4 team gained promotion from Division 10 East of the Domaine Des Jeanne Summer Doubles League. A run of 7 consecutive wins and a final victory secured a top of the table and promotion to Division 9 East. Thanks to all squad members who committed their time and support, with a selection of vets, seniors and juniors taking part. Special mention to James Williams who was MVP for the League out of 97 players. Well done to everyone involved and looking forward to another successful season next year. (Paul Fardy)

Ladies 

The ladies 2nd team  was given a huge challenge this summer season with promotion to Premier 2 for the first time.  It took the team a few matches to get used to the standard of the opposition, but the 2nd half of the season saw the team win some crucial matches and take big steps to secure safety in the division.  This was achieved with 1 match still remaining, and if the team wins this match then it will be a 3rd place finish. A great effort for a new team in premier 2, who has welcomed a few new players this season, that have been a huge asset to the team. Most importantly the ladies 2nd team have had fun on court and kept a friendly happy atmosphere to enjoy playing tennis.  Well done ladies for a great season. (Michelle )

Ladies 3 were fortunate to have a sizable squad of around 20 players this year, and started in 7 East, following promotion from 8 East. Captained by Angela Gisby, 16 ladies entered into the fray determined to storm into 6 East – and they did, with convincing victories in all 8 matches. Top 3 players were Judy Price, Sandra Crawford and Carys Alder, but everyone who gave up their time has a win-loss record to be very proud of. Much fun was had along the way, including some great match teas (Swansea puts on the best!). One very happy captain! (Angela) 

The over 60’s had a dedicated lot!  Slaughtered in some matches but enjoyed the tea after😊. Triumphant in others and still enjoyed the tea after😊. Willing and able everyone played their part, we managed to stay in division 1. Well done all and thank you (Netti)

Club Tennis  Championships -  Events continue to run with first rounds played and Dave Williams working behind the scenes to ensure second rounds and plate events are up and running.  Please check your events and deadline dates for play. Any issues with matches please let Dave know, especially before withdrawing or conceding  as there may be reserves in waiting. 

Social tennis - Tuesday evenings: 

We are looking at running these sessions over the next weeks without a steward. Any new members wanting to come along to the group, please let me know on 07825 740395 and I’ll ensure there is someone in the group to welcome you and help you mix in, thanks, Kerry

Squash News  

The summer league has now completed its 2nd season and has grown from strength to strength with over 50 different players competing and with over 200 matches being played.  This year's winners, team 1, (made up of Dean Coughlin, Noah and David Allnatt) were awarded the new trophy. 

Along with the Summer league finals we also had an A tournament run by Daniel Anderson, and won by Erin Angmo-Paterson. Summer league will be back next year with Finals day being held on July 19th (Book it in)

Friday night Social Squash 6.15pm till late run by Dean Couglan and Martyn Wadling. Turn up or join whats app group for updates.

Team squash 

We have expanded to 6 teams for the winter season - with an F team.  Anyone new wishing to play team squash please contact Justin. 

Tournaments 

Saturday 14th September internal tournament.  Best of 3 games to 11, everyone guaranteed 3 matches, if you are interested in playing please sign in behind the bar. 

The ‘West Glam Open’ returns to squash Calendar. This event was held annually as both an open and closed event until 2015.  Run almost single handedly by Geoff Thomas, the club is delighted to build on his legacy which started with the GTM (Geoff Thomas Memorial) event held in 2022, and has now morphed into a planned annual open graded event.

Entries are open now with  posters displayed around the club.