Extracts from Newsletter 2008
- Introduction from the Chairman
Welcome to Oakley Tennis Club. This newsletter gives information about the forthcoming events that have been arranged during the summer. I would like to welcome all members and particularly new members to the club. In addition I welcome new and existing members to the committee.
Last year was a good season for the club in spite of some very wet weather. We certainly hope that this season brings some good weather. I and members of the committee look forward to seeing you on the courts this year. I would add that if anyone has any ideas that they would like to suggest please contact me or any member of the committee.
Club nights for senior members will again be on Monday and Thursday evenings commencing at
6:30 pm. Please note that senior club nights are open to all adult members and invited junior members. The first club night of the summer season will be on 31st March 2008. Senior members can also join in with those playing tennis on a Tuesday afternoon. BDH club members will continue joining in with Oakley club nights and other Club events. Oakley Tennis club welcomes all players from BDH Tennis club.
Please note that junior members have equal rights to use the tennis courts, on any weekday until 6.30pm, after which seniors have precedence.
On club nights, there will be a mix of players of all levels, and players coming off court should mix with waiting players to make up 4 players for doubles.
Invited intermediate and junior members may also play on club nights.
On occasions single short sets should be played i.e. (6-5) particularly when the courts are very busy.
The club is currently in a sound financial position, as was reported in the AGM. However it was agreed that there should be a small increase in the subscriptions for the 2008/2009. The main reason that the subscriptions were increased, was due to the cost of major maintenance jobs, for example hedge trimming, and court cleaning.
The renewals of annual subscriptions are required by the 31st May 2008, however earlier payment would be greatly appreciated, to pay for equipment and league subscriptions for the new season.
Annual Subscriptions for 2008/2009 are:
| Primary age children | £10 |
| Secondary age children and those in full-time education | £15 |
| Senior Members | £55 |
| Family Membership | £90 |
| Over 60's | £30 |
| Tuesday afternoon group only | £25 |
The club will be issuing green shoe tags for all members on receipt of their subscription. Please can these be worn at all times by both junior and senior members.
The club will be entering eight teams in the Basingstoke and District Summer Tennis League. Details of teams and 'home' match nights are as follows:
| Mens A | Tuesday PM |
| Mens B | Sunday AM |
| Mens C | Sunday AM |
| Ladies A | Wednesday PM |
| Ladies B | Saturday AM |
| Mixed A | Tuesday PM |
| Mixed B | Sunday AM |
| Mixed C | Saturday AM |
Anyone who wishes to play in one of the teams should contact Julie Greenslade, who will put you in touch with the relevant team captain. Some of the teams struggle for players. Oakley Tennis Club members will also form part of the team playing in the Newbury Tennis League.
The club purchased a ball machine a couple of years ago to assist with coaching and practice. The committee can advise members on availability and access to the machine. This will certainly test even the best players but can been adjusted for all levels. The machine should be charged after use.
The club will again be arranging a number of tennis and social events throughout the season. The following events are planned.
| Open Entry American Tournament | Sunday 27th April 2008 |
| Ladies Singles & Mens Singles | Saturday 14th June 2008 |
| Mixed Doubles | Sunday 22nd June 2008 |
| Mens and Ladies Doubles | Sunday 13th July 2008 |
| Open Entry American Tournament | August/September |
We hope that as many members as possible will enter these events which are good fun, and make real club occasions. The American Tournament, is being held again in aid of the Barth Syndrome charity. Please see the club notice board for further information on these events and competitions.
We thought it would be a good idea to have an afternoon for all Ladies, whatever standard, this has been arranged for Saturday 11th May at 2.00pm. This is an opportunity for all Ladies to meet up and play and have an enjoyable social afternoon.
We are planning to offer coaching sessions for junior members. We hope to be able to run two coaching sessions 8 -11 year olds and an 11 -16 group for more advanced players. We will advertise in the LINK magazine, village notice boards, club notice boards and notices will be passed to local Schools, see attached form for details.
We would appreciate help from parents of junior members, ensuring that their children's friends who play with them on the courts, are also members. The annual membership fee for juniors is kept low to encourage children to become members prior to using the facilities. There are few restrictions as to when children can play during the daytime and the courts are always open. We only ask that bicycles, skate boards, roller blades etc, do not enter the courts and that any litter, such as drink bottles and any sweet wrappers or crisp bags, be taken home or put in the bins provided.
Guests or friends can accompany a member on one occasion only. Members should encourage their guest or friend to join the club.
Deep ridge trainers can damage the tennis courts. Please ensure that only appropriate, non-marking, tennis shoes are worn at all times on the courts. A flat-soled shoe is recommended. It would be appreciated if all members ensure that no litter is left on or around the courts, a bin is situated near the clubhouse.
Also as part of our Tenancy Agreement, would everyone please make sure they close the gate to the road, when leaving the court.
This year we hope to have more of a social aspect to our club, as well as our tennis. Our first social evening is on Friday 25th April 2008 at the Lodden Vale Indoor Bowls Club near Milestones . We are organising a meal and also playing skittles for those who wish to play. The cost is only £6.50 which includes food and the hire of the skittles alley.
The choice of food is: Chicken, Scampi or Sausage and chips.. All are welcome.
A very big thank you goes to Roy Mitchell, for all his hard work for the club and on the committee over many many years. The club is indebted to you for all your hard work and support.
Last but by no means least , we would like to say a huge thank you to Hilary and Steve Loble, who have both done so much hard work for the club over the years, both holding a variety of positions on the committee and running various tournaments, we must also not forget Hilary's hard work as Membership Secretary, getting in all monies to keep the club going.
We wish you lots of luck finding your new house this year, and all the very best for your new future together in Yorkshire, or wherever you eventually decide to live. But of course we look forward to seeing you both on the courts before you move. We will no doubt be coming to you for help and advice during the coming season.