By Ross Johnson
[email protected]

COURTS
The courts continue to be maintained to a high standard by our various contractors. We have recently acquired a broom designed to be pulled around by the likes of a ride-on mower. This
does a great job of redistributing the en-tout-cas across the courts. Over the past couple of
years, this is something we have arranged for ET Richards (our court builders) to do every
six months or so. The new broom will make it possible for it to be integrated into routine
court maintenance and will likely occur once a month.
During summer, all members are strongly encouraged to pay extra attention to how you
water and bag the courts. These steps not only improve the court surface making tennis
more enjoyable but significantly reduce maintenance costs (both material and labour).

Some useful tips...

• Your court must be watered before, during and after play in dry weather conditions. It's usually necessary to apply at least some water during summer, unless it has rained very recently. Use your best judgement.
• Most people (almost everyone else) don't apply enough water! Under dry weather conditions, the court should still appear slightly darker (wetter) than the surrounding area throughout play (even towards the end of a set).
• You should never play on a dry and dusty court, as this can damage not only the playing surface but the layers underneath, leading to significant damage.
• Arrive a little early so you have time to give the court a more thorough water prior to the start of play. It's likely that the courts won't get as much water between sets, so this is the best time to do it properly.
• There is no harm in watering the court to the point of having puddles form. It's just a question of how long they take to dry before play can begin/resume.
• If after watering the whole court the first half looks dry again, you probably haven't watered it enough. Have a second go!
• Don't spray the hose at such an angle (e.g. at your feet) to be dislodging the en-tout-cas. Either direct the spray further away (if not being carried off by the wind) or adjust the tap to reduce the water pressure.
• Water (and bag) at least a metre beyond the side of the court and several metres behind the baseline (preferably to the fence).
• When bagging the court is creating a dust storm... give it a very light water prior to bagging (then water normally afterwards).

COURT BOOKINGS

It is requested that members (and visitors) always book your courts through our website
(ClubSpark). We also ask that you add any additional players to each booking (and pay the
guest fee if appropriate).
As a courtesy to other members, please cancel your booking as early as possibly if you are
unable to use it. There are certain times of the week when demand is high.

GARDENING
Recently, MCC has arranged for one of its existing contractors (Programmed) to take over all
lawn and garden maintenance at the club. Over the past year, Murray Verbeek (a prior
member) has done a great job maintaining our lawns. However, we have not had a
dedicated gardener to focus on other aspects. Both Murray and our caretaker Ash have
worked to cover this deficiency to a degree.
We look forward to Programmed getting on top of things and making progress in areas we
haven't been able to focus on. A priority will be the eastern boundary (particularly eradication
of the blackberries and planting of the recently exposed garden next to court 12).

CLUBHOUSE

For several years now, the clubhouse has been cleaned by another of MCC's contractors,
QuayClean. Cleaning takes place 3 times a week on Mon/Wed/Fri mornings. There is also a
more thorough clean twice each year. One such clean was conducted a few weeks ago. This
includes steam cleaning of carpets/furniture, windows, a descale of the men's urinal and
several other items. Kitchen appliances such as the refrigerator have now been added to the
list.
Over recent months, there have been aspects of the cleaning arrangements which have
been unsatisfactory. Of particular note was the repeated absence of sufficient toilet paper
and hand soap. MCC and QuayClean have taken steps to rectify the situation, so we are
hopeful members have begun to see improvements.

ROY STREET

In addition to our main site in Mount Waverley, members have access to two en-tout-cas
courts at Roy Street in St Kilda. Information about accessing these courts can be found on
our website.
As reported previously, MCC is working through a process to determine the future use and
development of the Albert Reserve (on which these courts lie). We will of course update
members when we know more.

SEE SOMETHING NEEDING ATTENTION?

Please report it to the facility email address (above).
Compliments are also welcome and will be passed along.