Chairs report 2013 – for newsletter
We have been very lucky this year in having a proper summer which lends itself to a bit more tennis
being played. Having a new British men’s Wimbledon Champion may have helped as we have now all
come to love Andy Murray and there are also some other names in British tennis that we can cheer
for, Laura Robson, Dan Evans, James Ward.
Membership
Due in part to some very good work by Rebecca, Isabel and Jon and many helpers we had 2 very
successful Open days earlier in the year and our adult membership remains very constant. I think
that we can congratulate ourselves on this as we as a club continue to provide excellent playing
facilities, a full range of coaching for all abilities and a friendly welcoming environment. Thank you all
for helping towards these things.
Tournaments
We tried for the first year moving the handicap tournament to July-this proved very successful and
we had a fabulous finals day in tropical temperatures.
Thank you to Fran James and her team for organising this. Unfortunately Fran can’t be with us
tonight because of work commitments but I am sure that everyone here will join me in
congratulating her as she is expecting a baby next year so won’t be overseeing the tournament in
2014.
The main tournament finals was rained off again and again but we did eventually get a full set of
wins with some old and new champions-there are still some trophies to be picked up.
Friendly tournaments
These have been really well attended this year-thanks to Steve Bowman and Carl and his helpers.
These have provided a great way of trying out new tennis skills and meeting new people. The last
one of the season will be held on December 1st.
Also many thanks to Chris Cain for organising the winter box leagues-making sure that tennis is an all
year round sport.
Socials
There have been a number of social events this year-a quiz night, poker evening, beer tasting, band
nights, to name but a few. Jonathan has provided some very different evenings to enjoy and ended
the year with a very successful end of season do! At the Bridge. Just to say thank you to Jonathan
and also to all the band members of Baseline who will be playing at the Christmas party in
December. And I hope that you will come and support the social side of the club-it’s a great way of
meeting people off the court.
Online booking/website and newsletter
A big thank you to Richard Sinton and Jane Mackay who look after the courts booking system and
website and to Ruth Moyes who has truly dragged us into the modern age with online
newsletters/calenders and dropbox. They have all done a fantastic job this year.
Saturday café and mini tennis
The cafe has been running on a Saturday morning to provide food and drinks for the mini tennis
parents. We now have many regulars-a big thank you for all our volunteers-the cafe is especially
welcome on cold and rainy days and makes the club more welcoming.
Also an afterschool café which has been started up by Gil Elliot on a Monday and Friday is also
proving very popular. Thank you Gil.
Fundraising for charity
Save the Children-this is the first year we entered this event and raised about £250 and two of our
winning junior girls (names) took a trip to Roehampton to enter into the competition there.
Elite players
Lewis Denton also visited Wimbledon in his Road to Wimbledon challenge where he ended up
rubbing shoulders with Tim Henman and getting through to the semi finals of his event. He also won
the Prestbury Open and our men’s tournament. (and he was only 14)
Our many other achievements will be mentioned by Jon our head coach.
Team Tennis
The ladies 4th team managed an unbeaten season and came top of their league-well done to Jo
Smith and her team.
Two of the men’s teams only missed promotion by sets countback.
As there will be a rearrangement of the ladies leagues next year we are looking forward to some
very interesting matches.
Junior tennis
The teams were ably run by a number of volunteer Mums and Dads overseen by Feng Eales our
junior tennis chair. She and Mick Taylor again ran an excellent junior tournament which gave us
some very enjoyable competitive tennis to watch on a beautiful summer’s afternoon. More news
will be given by Jon.
Finances
Many thanks to the financial management by Rebecca who has returned a very good set of figures
on the balance sheet this year and with careful accounting the club is set steady for the next few
years with expenditure with the sinking fund in good health.
At this point I will mention that we have received a grant for £1500 towards the Kiddies zone from
East Cheshire Council – this should make a very welcome addition to facilities at the club.
Clubhouse
The 5 year fundraising has got off to a great start with support for a voluntary donation and a
number of events taking place this year. We will continue to raise funds and ask for your support
along the way.
Playing facilities
The recarpeting of Courts 1-3 is now finished plus the carpeting of the kiddies zone. Huge thanks to
Roddy who has overseen all the planning and construction of the fencing and new surfaces.
At this point I would like to mention that if you don’t already know Roddy is stepping down from the
post of House and grounds after about 8 years doing this job and many years doing other jobs within
the club. I am sure that you will join me in thanking him and hope that you will join us for a drink
afterward in the bar-we will have a more formal thank you in the future.
Leavers
John Mudge has retired for the second or third time this year. Pam Dennett club secretary has also
stepped down this year-after about 15 years in post. John had been on the ground staff for even
longer. There were sad farewells and many thanks them both.
Wendy Christiensen who has been involved in the club for many years has moved to Cumbria. She
was a regular first team player holding the team captaincy and ladies club captaincy. WE will be
holding a presentation for her on Saturday afternoon and everyone is welcome to come and join us
in an official opening of the new courts, a bit of tennis if the weather is suitable and a chance to
catch up with old friends before they leave us. Saturday 2.00pm
Club awards
Club awards have already been presented at the End of Season do, the Baker trophy went
Judy Grant ladies team captain , the Iaian Bowman trophy to Roddy Mackay. This evening I
have pleasure in presenting the Chrisine Tetlow award for services to the club on the ladies
side-for her enthusiasm in setting up a ladies tennis afternoon and for her great work as
membership secretary.- Isabel Errington.
Cheshire LTA awards evening
We had 2 categories that we entered this year. Roddy and Jane Mackay were runners up in
the “unsung heroes” category. Great recognition for all the work they have contributed to
the club over many years from involvement with juniors, match secretary, and off course
house and grounds.
Jon Cain was also runner up in the category of Development coach.