Welcome to the new season and hopefully to a warm and balmy spring. I must be the eternal optimist though as I’m writing this whilst it’s sleeting outside!
At our AGM we discussed the replacement of the artificial grass courts and over the winter we have been able to make good progress. We have applied for an LTA loan for up to 50% of the cost and are hopeful of obtaining this loan that will reduce the amount we have to find as a Club. It will be too late to allow a start work before the start of the season, so it is looking like the end of the summer before we can start the works. We have decided to go for the same surface that has served us well over the last 18 years after reports of some of the other brands being difficult to maintain. We are also looking to include an overhaul of the floodlights and a new floodlit box in the works.
Coaching has continued over the winter and the adult tactical sessions on Wednesday evening have been proving popular, so look out for some Andy Murray lobs in the coming season. I’ve been working with Paul to develop a community outreach programme that Paul will lead on with the aim of developing greater links with schools and other local groups. If anyone has contacts that you think might be useful please contact me or Paul.
I’ve been watching quite a bit of tennis over the winter and spring – which has given my knees a rest but also allowed me to catch up on some fantastic British performances – especially the Davis Cup victory, which some lucky members were able to attend in Belgium. The LTA want to use this success to increase participation in Tennis and this coincides with our own membership drive which this season sees a fantastic opening offer for new members.
Following the AGM the Committee was confirmed and stays the same with myself as Chair, Sue Marcroft as secretary, Gill Boyle as membership secretary, Paul Jepson our head coach, Joanne O’ Hanlon as junior secretary and John Bentley and Keith Garton looking after the grounds.
Turning to league tennis and I’m pleased to report that we are running the same complement of teams as previous years and also welcome two new team captains – Simon Boyle who will be running the Mens B team and Helen Lord who will be taking over the Oldham A team. I’d like to thank them for stepping up to the mark and if they end up with a few headaches speak to me for some aspirins.
As a club we continually need to evolve if we are to survive and always open to new ideas. Something that has caught my eye following a conversation with Deana (on route to the League Cup final) is ‘pickleball’ which looks like something that could be good for those of us with dodgy joints. It’s very popular in the States and could easily be played on our courts. If you want to find out more, just google ‘pickleball’ – there are lots of websites about the game and how it is played.
