As I write this newsletter, memories of Wimbledon are still fresh in my mind, but the highlight of the year for me at Leatherhead has been the Junior tournament and particularly the finals held in glorious summer weather just over a week ago. I was fortunate to have been able to see many of the matches played over the weekend of 12th / 13th July, and indeed to have sat in as umpire on more than one. The standard of play was exceptional and many nails must have suffered as some exciting three set matches were fought out. Congratulations are due to all who took part, and a thank you to all who came to support. Credit is due to Paul whose influence was clearly present and to Peter Grabaskey and his helpers who organised the tournament. The occasion was concluded with a most enjoyable barbecue, superbly laid on by Brigitte and Richard Furze and family.
Membership reaches record numbers.
A year ago I reported at this time that we had
some
280 members and that the numbers were still rising. By the end of the membership year the
numbers had grown to nearly 350, which was certainly a record for the club. With six
courts, the club can easily accommodate these numbers. Club sessions continue to be
popular, particularly those on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings, but there is
room for more players on Thursday evenings, on Saturday afternoons and for those who
like a stronger game, on Sunday mornings. Some of you prefer to play with friends or
family at other times. This is fine, and is what a club is all about. However we would
ask you not to book courts during club sessions, when the intention is that everyone
should mix in. We continue to welcome new members and hope that they will enjoy playing
at the club and will join in our tennis and social events.
Grounds & Surrounds.
What a difference it makes to have some colour around the club. I'm sure you will agree
that Heather and Brian Maurice, who supply and plant up the little garden beside the path
have excelled themselves this year and I have noticed other members watering and weeding.
Well done. We have also made an effort to keep the grass cut around courts 5 & 6; this
has provided a good viewing platform for the junior tournaments and matches and is often
in the shade.
We do have a part-time handyman who cuts the grass and sweeps the courts as well as doing
small maintenance and painting jobs. In the past all this sort of work, was done by
volunteers, and cleaning was done on a rota basis. We still look to members to lend a
hand where they can. (Stop Press! Help! Our cleaners have just resigned.)
Club Tournament
Tournament matches are now in full swing and it is good to see
a number
of you playing for the first time. Games have been seen starting as early as 8.00am;
what enthusiasm and keenness! The finals will be played on Sunday 8th September.
Even
if you are not playing, do come along and watch. You are guaranteed some fine tennis and
a free tea. Dan Carpenter, who has organised the tournament this year, hopes for a
record turnout on this occasion, which is indeed one of the highlights of the club year.
Please don't forget.
Junior Activities
The juniors too are having a successful season of matches against other clubs with teams
playing at U16, U14 and U12 levels. Their publicity is excellent as you will see from a
quick glance at the notice boards. We offer our congratulations not only to the players
but also to the parents who manage, transport and support them. Don't forget the
Junior Open tournament, run by Paul Marshall, from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 August.
Social Events.
There has been a good turnout at all the American Tournaments
this summer with weary participants eager for the tea and cakes that followed. Next up
will be the Ladies Invitation competition at the end of September. It was sad that we
were not able to have the summer walk, but a booking has been made for another Barn Dance
on 31 January 2004. Other events are being considered for the Autumn; ideas and
assistance would be welcome. An evening at the county indoor courts at Weybridge or a
whist/bridge drive are possible.
Your Committee for 2003 is:-
Tony Collett (Chairman)
Lisa Barnes (Hon Secretary)
Irene Gawne (Hon treasurer)
Christine Jones (Membership Secretary)
Daniel Carpenter
Janet Carr
David Christie
Joe Crawley
Peter Grabaskey
In addition to the elected committee, there are two trustees, Bernard Burbidge and Mike
Hatton who keep an eye on the club's assets.HELP
Can you spare a few hours each month to help with the running of the club? If you have
organisational or accounting skills, or just enthusiasm for the Club, you are needed to
take the place of retiring committee members. Your club needs you!