BLTC Newsletter: Spring 2006
Contents
Chairman's Report
After looking back at last year's report for the AGM and then my report just before Christmas, I think it is fair to say that 2005 turned out better than expected.
Our membership numbers that were in severe decline in 2004 steadied and have in fact grown a little. Coaching, particularly for the older junior members, that was unstable due to continuity of coaches has settled down thanks to our new coach, James Marsh. At the end of the year, John Robson, who did a sterling job coaching our mini tennis players for more than two years, decided that it was time to hand over the reins. James has taken this over with a very smooth transition, and many of those juniors who lost the coaching in the autumn have returned to take part in the sessions that James is running.
Club night attendance has been better this year and continued into the winter months. This was with assistance from some Gotherington members, whose courts were being resurfaced. It has been good to build up a closer link with another nearby club, and hopefully we can agree a similar arrangement next year, as they do not have access to floodlit courts in the winter.
Sadly, at very the start of the season, we lost Peter Moy, one of our older but most enthusiastic committee members. Peter will always be remembered for his no-nonsense comments, and support for the club's social players.
Maintenance of our facilities, including preventative work to discourage vandalism, is bound to be a major point of discussion at the AGM this year. The committee has debated long and hard about the balance of spending money to improve facilities, against spending it to discourage vandalism. The horrific damage to the windows just before Christmas highlighted our problem. Courts 3 and 4 are desperately in need of resurfacing but with a cost of £14,000 this is out of our reach for this coming season.
Finally, I would like to thank the committee, coaches, and helpers for their commitment of time and effort to support the Club. Everybody joins a tennis club to play tennis but without volunteers to run it, the club would not exist.
Secretary's Report
Membership rose this year to a healthier 218, with more adult members and more people taking advantage of family membership than in previous years. The club welcomed 64 new members. We were pleased to have three volunteers to join the committee after the AGM. They brought fresh ideas and new enthusiasm to our five meetings during the year. Lee Sharpe resigned from the committee during the year, and so we are once again looking for more support from dedicated members. Contact Linda if you feel you can help.
Social events during the year were well-supported. There were three American tournaments, and a mixed doubles with mulled wine and mince pies just before Christmas. Suppers at social evenings twice a month during the summer and once in the winter proved popular, and we plan to continue these next season. Dates are publicised in the pavilion and on the website. Imogen Shiels was our representative at the village Carol Service.
Treasurer's Report
A full report cannot be given here before end of the financial year on 31st March, but there are some notable differences in income and expenditure this year over last. Membership income is up by £647, we spent £567 less on balls, the last instalment of the LTA loan was paid off, and rates were reduced to £13 because of CASC status. However, insurance is up by £136 (and there will be further expenditure before the end of March of £250 for the policy excess as a result of the damage to the windows), moving the main door will cost £816, power washing courts 3 and 4 will cost £917, and our rent will be around £300. There will be money to come in from the annual quiz, our major fund-raiser. A five-year plan will be produced for the AGM.
Team Reports
All our teams in the summer leagues finished third in their divisions with the exception of the ladies' B team, which was unfortunately relegated.
The season starts again at the end of April, and fixtures are currently being arranged. The men's teams will be in divisions 2A and 3A, with the ladies in 2A, 3B and 5B. Team practice is at 8:30am on Saturdays for the men, and 10:30am for the ladies. We are always looking for people to play league tennis and if you feel you can give time to this please contact Carol (who is organising both the men and ladies this year). Fixture lists will be sent out in March, and will need to be returned with your availability marked. Carol will try to give ten days' notice of match dates she would like you to play. Please continue to support team tennis as we are known around the county for our hospitality and good club facilities.
Two mixed teams entered the winter floodlit league that is played on a home and away basis. This has been very enjoyable, with some good high- standard matches. Both teams were in division 3, and so had to play each other. The B team won the first match and the A team the second with the same score, so honours were even. Both teams have now completed all their matches. The A team (with a squad of seven players) has won 8, drawn 1, and lost 5. The B team (two main pairs, plus others who wanted to play the odd competitive match) has won 5, drawn 1, and lost 8. Both teams will stay in division 3 for next year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the players for their commitment to the team tennis and also for providing refreshments for home matches. It is important that we enjoy the social side as well as the competitive side of league tennis.
Coaching Report
After more than a year without a permanent coach for older juniors, we were pleased to welcome James Marsh to the club in November. He started coaching two groups of boys aged 10 to 17 on Friday evenings, and has now taken over the Monday mini tennis groups from John. We are indebted to John for his support for over two years and for leaving James such a strong base on which to build. Since November, 65 juniors have taken advantage of coaching in five different groups. James hopes to encourage more competitive tennis, but in the absence of a junior co-ordinator, he will need more support from parents.
At the beginning of the season, Dee started another group for mothers of children who were having coaching, and who wanted to be able to help them practise. This boosted our adult and family membership. Dee's other two groups for advanced players continue to be well supported, and we thank Dee for giving up so much of her time.
For more information on coaching contact James, Dee, or Linda.
Annual Quiz
This year's quiz 'A little bit of what you fancy' is especially for those of you who have a sweet tooth. It has been set by Helen and James Townsend. Copies for £1 each can be obtained from Helen and James or any committee member. The closing date is 30th April, so there is plenty of time to enter.