Message from the Chairman
Welcome to the 2006 season in a year which tennis will no doubt compete with the World Cup fever over the summer months, so I hope this programme of events keeps us all regularly on the courts! Following the AGM meeting in November, I am pleased to welcome Mike Coombs to the Committee as the new Treasurer, Sarah Coombs as junior representative and Jean Stewart to help represent our more senior players. Thanks to Tim Shelton for his hard work and whom is stepping down as Treasurer but remaining on the committee and to Sue Tucker who has stepped down after two years of service on the committee.
I’m also pleased to report that the membership remained stable in 2005 at around 90 members and that up to a third of members are children highlighting the family nature of the club. The clubs finances are in a good state and we are pleased to announce that there will be no increase in membership fees for the fourth year running. However to reduce costs and help toward us building funds towards a full resurfacing of the courts in 3-4 yrs, the Committee has agreed to a number of cost cutting measures which include the emailing of newsletters where possible, and providing club tennis balls at American tournaments and Club finals only.
For the new season a number of club session changes are being introduced (highlighted below) which look to encourage attendance of both adults and juniors to designated club sessions.
Finally I have included for your information news of a recent meeting between the three Broadbridge Heath Sports Clubs (tennis, football and cricket) to consider the proposed implications of the planned 2000 houses for Broadbridge Heath on sporting facilities. Assuming the worst case scenario of this development taking place from 2008, we are being encouraged to work together towards a future joint single site sporting facility that will provide better facilities for all those in BBH. If you have any queries regarding this important development or would like to get involved in the discussions please contact Peter Ballard or myself.
Please can I ask that you send your membership renewal and other forms enclosed back promptly so you can make the most of activities planned this year. The membership renewal form, an entry form for the various club tournaments, and a form for coaching are all included with this newsletter. Looking forward to seeing you all on court this season. Nick Trout, Chairman
Kicking the season off - American Tournament and OPEN Day
The season kicks off with an American tournament (Mixed doubles) on Sunday 2nd April at 2.00pm where all are welcome whatever standard including competent juniors. This will be followed by an Open day on Saturday 22nd April at 2.00pm. Existing members, who have yet to pluck up courage to come down to club sessions, together with any interested non-members, are encouraged to join in with a few games, meet some of the regulars and take the advantage of some free LTA coaching.. Please encourage any friends you have to attend this session and find out more.
Further American tournaments for the diary include
· The Wimbledon BBQ event on Sun May 21std (see below)
· Sun 25th June
· Sun 3rd September
· Sun 8th October
Club Sessions
This season two main changes will occur. The weekend club session has been moved from Sunday to Saturday morning (9.30-11.30am). In addition members are encouraged to attend the Wed eve session (6.30-8.30pm) which becomes the only weekday eve session supporting the Tuesday morning club session. . The Friday evening session is now a dedicated junior club evening session run from 6-7.30pm. Members of all standards are welcome to attend any club sessions. The club will no longer supply tennis balls for these sessions so please bring your own balls with you.
Tennis Balls
The Club has tennis balls for sale. Members can buy a tin of 4 Dunlop Fort ‘Duck’ tennis balls (as used at club sessions last season) for just £5. Available at the Club Open Day on April 22nd.
Winter League 2006
From October onwards for the first time a winter tennis ladder will be set up… more news of this in the
Summer newsletter.
BBQ and Wimbledon Ticket Draw –Sun 21st May 2.30pm
The Club will again been allocated a number of pairs of Centre and No 1 Court tickets for the Wimbledon 2006 Championships, to be staged from Monday 19th June until Sunday 2nd July. The draw will take place after mixed doubles American Tournament on Sunday 21st May and during the Barbecue at the Courts (5.00pm). All members are eligible for the draw and those that attend on the day will be allowed a double entry into the draw. This is one of the most enjoyable events of the season so don’t miss a great afternoon. More details will be posted in the April/May newsletter.
(N.B: Subscriptions must be paid by Sat 1st May to be eligible for the draw)
Coaching for 2006 will again be available this year from LTA Coach Matt Green. The intention is to provide coaching for juniors, adult beginners/improvers and due to demand intermediates/advanced, with two coaching periods completing before the summer holidays. Coaching sessions with adults and juniors will be held on Saturday afternoon from 2.00pm and are bookable in block sessions of 5.
Block 1: Sat 29th April to Sat 27th May (5 lessons) juniors 2.00 –3.00pm, Adults 3.00-4.00pm
Block 2: Sat 10th June to Sat 8th July (5 lessons) Juniors 2.00 –3.00pm, Adults 3.00-4.00pm
· Junior fee £20 for 5 sessions
· Adults fee £30 for 5 sessions
For those interested, please fill in the enclosed coaching form or contact Nick Trout on Tel.265008
Court Bookings
The courts are open for play all year. Booking is advisable though not essential. Members wishing to book a court should ring the Booking Secretary, Stephanie or Peter Ballard. Courts may be booked up to one week in advance for one hour at a time and must be made at least one hour before play. If you have not booked a court, you must give way to other players who have booked a court (including members of the Public who have hired a court). A reminder that guests of members are welcome to play subject to payment of a visitor fee of £2 per adult or £1 per Junior. Members children under 12 years of age can play free of charge but must be supervised at all times.
Court Padlock
The court padlock combination will change from 1st May.The new code will be provided with membership cards following subscription. For security reasons, please lock the padlock after you have finished playing and wear your membership shoe tags on court at all times.
Website – www.bbhtc.co.uk
All details will be posted on the BBHTC website. Any comments on the website should be forwarded to Peter Ballard (peter.ballard@talk21.com).
Committee 2005
Nick Trout: Chairman / Club Coaching 01403 265008
Mike Coombs; Treasurer 01403 251944
Caroline Ritchie: Secretary 01403 270988
Peter Ballard Membership / Court Bookings 01403 267133
Sue Whitty Tournament Secretary 01403 260568
Jean Stewart Committee 01403 217934
Bruce Wilkinson Committee 01403 257432
Sarah Coombs Junior Representative 01403 251944