The club Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday. The Chairman, Stuart Colligon reported on the many successes in the leagues, the considerable rejuvenation of the clubhouse and the steady membership numbers. A lot of work has been carried out with the refurbishment of the lounge and staircase, including new carpet and decorating, also new seating. The next work will be carried out on trimming all hedges and cleaning the outdoor courts.
The indoor court covering is also due for a good clean/ It does well considering it is 23 years old. We are running a tombola to raise some funds toward this cost. It's in the club house, there are 12 nice prizes and tickets are £2 each or 3 for £5. It will be drawn on Saturday 16 December whilst the mini Red tennis is on. The club had short term and medium term plans to carry on improving the facilities. David Bufton, The treasurer gave a concise report on the club's finances and stated that he was happy with the income versus expenditure and the plans for the future. The club's vice presidents were re-elected en bloc. Membership fess will remain at last year's level with the usual discount offered if paid by 31 March 2018.The committee was elected as follows: President Bryan Sharp, Chairman Stuart Colligon, Secretary/PRO Pat Sharp, Treasurer David Bufton, Club Facilities manager Bryan Sharp, Membership Secretary Jan Gaskill, Club Captain Jackie Russell, Welfare Officer Clare Skelcher, Committee member Rob Orr. Social Secretary - this role is currently vacant and we are looking for a volunteer. The W K Dale Trophy was awarded this year to Club Coach Ian Watson. A date for your diary - Race Night Friday 26 January at the club with the usual format - racing provided by John of Morrison Photos Ltd and a fish/sausage and chip supper.
Following the news last week of Aswin Lizen's visit to the White House to meet President Trump, I now have an update on Billy and Katie Harris who are also pursuing tennis careers. Katie has settled in well at Arkansas Tech and is really enjoying the tennis, She has played in several tournaments this term and she will have more competition after Christmas in the Collegiate league. Meanwhile, brother Billy has played a lot of tennis in Europe and improved his ranking from 1000+ to 653. He has just travelled to Thailand for three Futures tournaments. Both are due home for Christmas and it will be good to see them back at the club - we've missed them.
Don't forget to support the Christmas Craft Fayre on Saturday which is being run by the Snidal family and helpers to raise funds for the IOM tennis team's costs of travel to Gibraltar in 2019. There should be plenty of items for Christmas gifts plus a cake stall. If you can't attend then a small donation sent to Daphne Snidal (or leave it with me and I'll see she gets it) would be greatly appreciated.
Finally a reminder that the club sells used tennis balls suitable for dogs (or children) at £5 for a bag of 20. Contact me on 861497 if you want some.