AT LAST, after over 4 years of planning and hard work,
we have a new clubhouse to be proud of. Hopefully the new building will
add to the atmosphere of the club by providing a social focus which our
thriving membership deserves. Our thanks are due to project manager, John
Hornby, architects, Pain and Phillips, and builder, David Munt, who have
all worked hard to bring our plans to fruition. V.R.
MATCH RESULTS
This summer we were blessed with weather that was not only good for building
and tennis but also for picnics, which is what match lunches and suppers
became!
The results of the friendly matches for the season were:
Ladies: Won 12, Lost 7, Drew 3
Men: Won 7, Lost 2, Drew 1
Mixed: Won 5, Lost 4, Drew 2
So we came out ahead - well done to everyone who played.
Security inevitably becomes a major issue with such a smart new clubhouse. The door locks are of a complicated design to enhance security and keys cost over £5 each. The committee has decided to sell keys for £8 which includes a small donation to Club funds. In an effort to ensure that keyholders appreciate their responsibility for security they will be required to sign a receipt and responsibility certificate. Members may buy keys at the Club between 1.30 and 3.00 pm on Saturday November 17th, at the opening party on 18th, or from Vanessa Relleen (tel. 463740) from November 16th. Keyholders will receive written instructions on how to operate the lock.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Tuesday December 4, 9.30 am
- Ladies Christmas tournament & lunch
Sunday December 17, 1pm
- Mixed Christmas tournament December 26, 10.30 am
- Boxing Day mix-in
Sunday March 17 2002
- Finals of winter tournament.
The 2001 Club finals provided some exciting, hard-fought matches. Neil Riley won his third consecutive singles title beating Philip Stevenson 6-0, 6-3 in a hard-hitting final. Meanwhile, the ladies singles was a gruelling three hour marathon in which ladies captain, Ann Jeffreys, eventually beat Victoria Welsh 6-2, 5-7, 7-5. The three doubles finals featured the same competitors as last year but two of the titles changed hands. In the men’s doubles Jon Relleen and Philip Stevenson lost their title to Tony Spence and Hugh Jagger; the score was 7-5, 7-5. Ann Jeffreys and Vanessa Relleen were also unable to hold on to their title and were beaten 6-4, 6-7, 6-1 by Gloria Roche and Ivanka Riley who won the event for the sixth time. Finally, Neil and Ivanka Riley successfully defended their mixed doubles crown, beating Peter and Gloria Roche in straight sets. In the mixed doubles plate Ted Tighe and Clare Courtney beat Andy Smith and Jackie Spence.
The weather was not so kind for the veterans finals which had to be abandoned after only two matches. Carlos Ballester-Fernandez and Angela Sellars won the mixed doubles beating Keith Williams and Gill Moon. Then, in a match which ended in pouring rain, Peter Roche beat Carlos to take the new men’s singles title. In the mens doubles, played a few weeks later, Roger Vincent and Colin Ritchie beat Carlos and Philip Hunter in a tight three-setter. The ladies doubles, featuring Gloria Roche and Margie Richardson against Rosie Evans and Betty Hall, has yet to be played.
The Club’s gardener does an excellent job in keeping the courts and grounds looking good. Members must understand that he works as and when he can and cannot be expected to fit around our tennis commitments. Some nuisance is inevitable but please don’t ask him to leave or to do specific work. Suggestions of work required must be channelled through Tony Riley.