November 2023 newsletter 

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas. 

Last 2 days to book for the club Xmas Party 2023.

Maintenance

Please cancel unwanted courts: Tennis & Squash. 

Can we remind members to cancel any unwanted courts outside the 24 hour period before the court session starts, as a number of people are wanting to play at busy times and find it frustrating when courts are booked but are left with no one playing on them

All users of the clay courts 1, 2 & 3  are reminded to wipe their shoes as they leave the courts. Large amounts of clay are being brought into the club house, into the changing rooms  and onto the squash courts. Anyone using the paths will also pick up clay deposits. 

The current shoe brushes do not appear to be sufficient to cope with the transfer so whilst we investigate other options please take the time to wipe your shoes and, with any time to spare sweep the steps/ paths. 

The Squash courts will be closed briefly for installation of smart metres and the front walls of the squash courts will be repaired and painted by Ian Howarth. Only 2 courts will be available on those days. Apologies for any inconvenience.  

Bar opening hours over Xmas period. 

Xmas Day closed

Boxing Day 12pm open. Close when quiet.

New Years Day 1-5pm

There is the chance for early closing on nights it’s very quiet so members should make sure they have light cards in advance or call the club to make sure they can get some if needed.

Club Merchandise - 

We are pleased to be able to show you the designs for the new club kit.  There will be some samples in the club shortly and details on ordering will be sent out in a separate email shortly. 

Tennis -  Elinore Lightbody 

The club Internal League (Men) with 8 teams of 5 players has started very well. Fixtures are played on Saturday and Sunday evenings catering for both adults and juniors who are looking for more competitive play over the winter months.

The idea has been driven by Dave Allnatt (with support for Dai and myself) so anyone wishing to get involved in future please contact one of us.

We are also looking into a ladies league in the new year with the support of Angela Gisby. Details to follow.

The university Challenge series also provides competitive play with a variety of  our club members challenging the University 3rd team in a series of 6 matches. Swansea lead the series at the halfway stage and a full round up of all results will be included at the end of the series.

For information the club will be hosting a seniors event over the 2024 May Bank Holiday 4 – 6th May 2024. While this will be an open event we hope it will attract a strong entry from our members. Details will be on club spark in the coming weeks.

Squash - .Tom Rosser 

Club Squash Championship draws will be out shortly and whats app groups set up. Finals date is w/e 17th February.

As we approach the end of the 2023 Winter season here is a round up of progress. 

*E Team*  Beat Llanelli Leisure and Llanelli E, both at home whilst losing out to Pontardawe away. They sit 4th in WC2 chasing down David Lloyd D for 3rd Place who they play away this week before the final match of the season vs David Lloyd C at home. (Wed 13th) 

*D Team* A strong win vs Meads at home was followed by a win vs Llanelli D before a tough fixture away to runaway leaders of WC1, Llanelli B. The D team play David Lloyd B on Thursday and Llanelli C the following week as they look to avoid relegation this winter. 

*C Team* Currently sitting in 2nd place in WC1.The C's went down to Llanelli B away before hammering Llanelli C at home and beating Carmarthen on the road last Friday. 

The C's play Llanelli D this week looking to help the D team out with minimal games dropped! Then finish off the winter vs David Lloyd B away. 

*B Team* In a strong league where 3 teams get relegated the B team are up against it. Nevertheless, they are giving it their all. With two tight 3-2 losses against Llanishen A and David Lloyd Swansea A,  the B's pulled out a win against Pen-y-bont last week. A tough fixture at home this week vs runaway leaders Merthyr before the final match of the season next week away to Bridgend. 

*A Team* After putting Cowbridge to the sword, the A team were brought back down to earth by the Llanelli A team losing 3-2. The boys pulled their socks backup and sent Llantrisant packing last week and a fortuitous run of results from the other league contenders have left the A team top of the table with 2 matches to play. They play David Lloyd Cardiff A away on Thursday before hosting Cardiff A next week. It's likely to come down to the wire . Thursday 14th Dec 7pm 

Events

A very successful poker night was run by Craig Jones on Nov 17th. The next planned date is January 26th. Let Craig know if you’d like to join in on 07855 269495.

Ladies tennis lunch at Clyne on Thursday 30th Nov kicked off the Christmas season.

The University Tennis social on Friday 1st Dec was a great success.

Hugely successful 60th party held for Kerry on 2nd Dec  - almost a surprise. 

The University Squash students would like to invite  any members who would like to join them for an afternoon of competition Wed 13th Dec 3pm  to let Matilda Rosser 07717305880 know  or Joly Stephens 07846464648

Christmas party Friday December 15th at 7pm, all welcome (members and family & friends) £20 per ticket to include finger food, Christmas buffet and disco. Book online here 

book here  or over the bar. Closing date for booking tickets for Christmas party is December 7th ‘ 

Tinsel tennis tournament … Saturday Dec 23rd during social tennis 2-4pm. All club members are welcome. Let either Kerry or Marc know if you’d like to come along. Christmas fancy dress optional. Bring a plate buffet to follow. 

Marc’s no 07798 721662      Kerry’s no 07825 740395

Poland Trip

Further details on the planned trip to Warsaw next June:

Date: Friday 14th to Monday 17th June 2024

Flight details*:Leaving Birmingham Friday at 08.45am; returning Monday at 06.15am.

Accommodation: Our Polish friends have offered to host us, or if you’d prefer you can book your own

Draft Itinerary:

Friday pm - meet and greet / social event 

Saturday and Sunday - organised tennis events, sight seeing and evening socials 

If you are interested in coming, please contact Helen Dougherty on 07555 310397 or email helendougherty8@gmail.com by 15th January 2024

*Note - you can of course book alternative flights to these if you’d prefer

Thanks to… 

Heulwen for organising Ladies Christmas lunch at Clyne.

Nigel Lomas for hosting what was, possibly,  the party of the year.