Dear members,
It's great to see the courts open again and being used. Our committee recently met (online) to prepare for the re-opening and plan activities aligned to the government and LTA guidance. The great news is we can play with other households, we can hold group coaching and the East Hampshire League will be able to start the summer league later this month. The guidance has recently been shared which we all must read and adhere for the safety of all members.
The AGM on 15th March was held by Zoom. Luckily we've all had lots of practice at online calls in the last 12 months. Our President, Chris Major, oversaw an election of club officials as our Chairman, Beetle Clay, and Secretary, Lynne Marriner, let us know they wished to step back from frontline duties. The club owes much to Beetle and Lynne for the countless hours of meetings, calls and actions they've undertaken in the past 10 years, for which we offer them sincere gratitude. The club is in a healthy position thanks to their significant efforts and contribution to the committee.
The elected Graffham Tennis Club officials for 2021:
Chairman – Simon Longman
Coaching – Emma Amin
Welfare Officer – Diana Pettifer
Secretary – Philippa Sanders
Membership and Finance – Richard Gyles
Those present at the AGM also welcomed Chris and Sam Adams into the committee. They are formidable opponents on court and share enthusiasm for all sports that can be played in Graffham.
I closed the AGM after sharing my optimism and hopes that the roadmap out of lockdown could revive the club nights, socials and tennis week (24th – 30th July) this summer. We have a brilliant coach, Richard Hopp, who provides a great service to our club. He's had an enforced extended break but we are delighted for him our Easter coaching sessions are full. Let's keep him busy all summer! I'm keen we give the junior members more opportunity to play each other and arrange inter-club friendly matches. We might not be premier in the East Hampshire League, but we're renowned for our generous hospitality and our fabulous location and facilities. We have a great committee and it is with pride we serve the club.
Richard Gyles will be chasing for membership renewals – please ensure you have paid before booking a court. The committee decided to hold membership fees at the same level but they are much needed due to the impending expense of a full court re-build given the cracks in the far court and corners are not economical to repair.
If you have any suggestions or questions, would like to participate in matches or simply want to find other playing partners, please reply to the admin.
Play well,
Simon
Graffham Tennis Club