It has been a long time since the last newsletter but it’s now time to look back over 2009.  To that BBQ summer and mild winter!

The Club did well in the summer leagues. For the mens teams the A’s stayed in Division 1, the B’s got promoted to Division 2 and the C’s stayed in Division 3.  The ladies had good results and the three teams each stayed up in their respective divisions.  We had poor results in the mixed friendlies, mainly because of the difficulty in getting enough men to play.  It has therefore been decided not to play any of these matches this coming year.

The juniors are a big part of the club, largely run and organized be Helen Curtis.  In the summer the under 16 boys came third in division 2 of the Aldershot and District League and the mixed pairs of various ages did well in the Guildford League.  Overall the coaching throughout the year has been good despite a few hiccups, and a new coach starts in March.

On the social side we had three gourmet evenings.  In April the theme was Spanish, in June Greek and in September Swedish. The food was excellent and our thanks to everyone involved but especially Sue Gunter, Chris and Ireni Wheadon, Mats Willingson, Vassilis Stamatiou and Daniel Bloodworth.

As well as the club tournament and league matches we also held some afternoon competitions. The Jowett Cup and Couples cup was played in beautiful September weather, both trophies being won by Richard and Nicky Slynn against tough opposition. The Jeffery Cup was a case of dodge the drizzle to start with, but the sun came out in the end and the maximum eight pairs took part. It was won by Shuen Wong and Jo Naish. Both these events remain popular and have already been allocated dates for 2010.

As the nights drew in the winter leagues got underway.  Unfortunately they are still only about half way through because of the bad weather since Christmas.  But we had the annual Quiz Night hosted by Ron Smith which raised a good deal of money for the Club.  And on New Years Day we had the usual tennis and mulled wine. We swept the courts of snow and during the day had nearly thirty members take part with all courts full.

Onto more mundane business, we are in the process of changing from Dunlop and Slazenger to Head ATP balls.  It’s not that they are any cheaper but we think they are better quality and hold on to their fluff and bounce a bit more.  We’ll see in the coming months.  You will have noticed the padlocks on the court gates.  They’re a bit fiddly but should prevent strays and non-members from gaining access.  Mats has acquired a new ball machine after the old one (about 12 years old) died.  Everyone should try to make use of it; we all need to improve!  And have you all joined the singles ladder that Neil Bowker has put up in the clubhouse.  Cowards.

The Committee has worked hard during the year.  Unfortunately our Secretary Joy Walley became injured at the end of the summer and because of long absences has had to relinquish her duties, temporarily taken up by Mary Anne Mackenzie.  The AGM is coming up in March and we need a few new faces.  If anyone is interested please contact me or a committee member so that your name can go forward.

The Club Website is up and running and the upcoming events for the forthcoming year have been posted.  I have mentioned the AGM which will be on the 18^th March, 7.30 sharp.  Be there if you can.

See you on court.

Simon Philp (Chairman)