It has been a while since I sent an update about what's been happening at the club, so here goes.

Between Comps

First up, for the Number 1 and 2 players in the night comps Peter Cross is organising some hit ups on a Monday night to maintain their skill levels. Drop Peter a text or, call to find out, the exact details on 0427 127 118.

If the Number 3 to 5 players would like to organise themselves for something similar drop me a line and we will see what we can arrange.

Management of Jack Martin Park

Bega Valley Shire Council rejected the recent approach made by Crown Lands to take over as land manager of Jack Martin Park. By council's estimate there are about $4.8 million in upgrades and refurbishments needed and the facility would require about $55,000 annually to run it.

I contacted the Crown Lands State Manager, Greg Sullivan, by email about the situation and he asked his state infrastructure manager, Danny Young, to make contact to explain the background to their approach to council. I had a phone conversation with Danny and he was very upfront about the situation. The request to seek an alternative land manager for the park came from Reflections who don't see the administration of sports and recreation facilities as their role and that the complex is a money drain for them. Danny told me that Reflections would remain the land manager until or unless they can find another suitable arrangement. After our conversation he has written to the Jack Martin Park user group to canvass their interest in running the park as a local trust again. The user group had a meeting to discuss this possibility and the chairperson of the group is communicating with Crown Lands to seek a comprehensive financial report on the Jack Martin Park AND the caravan park. We are awaiting a response and another meeting of the user group will be called when this information is to hand.

Maintenance and Infrastructure

A group from the club and Rotary managed to repair the fence in the northeast corner of courts 3 and 4 and they are still standing! Thanks to Pato, Frank and Kel from the club and Darryl and David from Rotary for their labour and expertise.

The club sign has been replaced on the northern fence of courts 3 and 4. Reflections has made a non-committal response to our letter about the state of the road and parking surfaces and we need to arrange a time with Tiarne Cronk to do a walk around inspection of the facility again.

The drain on courts 3 & 4 is working again and a small Geotech covered drain box and grate is imminent so that it flows unimpeded.

Sandy and I discovered the drainage channel exits down near the first wooden light pole on the outside edge of courts 5 & 6. A hole had started to appear there when the sand was first cleared out of the drain entry on courts 3 & 4. After the temporary gravel filled bag was lifted out of the top of the drain there was a gush of water at the exit hole near the pole.

All the parts needed to put a gate way between courts 1 & 2 and 3 & 4 are at hand and we will look to install it at our next working bee.

Holiday Twilight Tennis

The January Holiday Twilight tennis went well and it was good to have the professionally produced advertising materials from Tennis NSW - they worked very well for posters and online. The weather for the twilight tennis was a mixed bag with the thunderstorm and the prospect of rain on two nights knocking those days off. Despite this we have so far made a small gain on the two nights we ran it. Again, everyone who came enjoyed themselves. The prizes were appreciated and we got an unsolicited offer of a voucher from the Wharf Restaurant on the second Tuesday night.

The April school holiday twilight tennis was a low key affair. Those who participated seemed to enjoy themselves and the lower numbers increased their chances of winning a prize. Thanks to Nicci and Speed for running it.

Vale Sharni Smith

It is sad to report that one of our social tennis members died unexpectedly recently. Sharni Smith was a lifelong tennis player and supporter of the game across multiple clubs over many years. She was a more than competent player and was always keen to pass on her love of the game. Our condolences are extended to Steve, her daughter and son and their families. Several of our club members attended her recent funeral.

About, hats...

Winter is fast approaching and our club hats would make a wonderful present for those people who are thinking of an alternative to a winter beanie, especially those who are follicularly challenged. They are available in white and yellow, with the club emblem on them. Only $25 each!

Autumn 2025 Comp.

The 2025 Autumn Comp has been run and won.

Leon Nunn came off the orthopaedic injury list to replace Lee James, who went onto it, to lead Team 2 to victory over a charging Team 7 lead by Neil Baker.

Congratulations Leon, Glenn Leggatt, Frank Davey, Phillipa Djikic and Leisel Haar.

Commiserations to Neil, Greg Wiley, Brad, Catherine Kennedy and Deb Heffernan.

There was some excitement and concern during a late round of the Autumn comp when one of the light towers on courts 5 & 6 started to think it was a Roman Candle on cracker night. Turned out to be one of control components in the bottom of the pole which is be replaced when the part comes in. Thanks to Lakeside Electrical for their services.

Membership

You can sign up for the 1st of July 2025 to the 30th of June 2026 membership year now. Just go to the website and you will be able to join online or download a paper form if that is your thing. Membership fees remain the same as this past year. That is, Family Membership - $120, Single Adult - $70 and U18 - $30.

We have had a healthy 90 members on the books for the 2024/25 season.

Social Tennis

Just to remind everyone that on Monday and Thursday mornings SOCIAL TENNIS happens all year round - anywhere between 9am to 11am.

We have had some visitors to the area join us at different times over the summer and they have enjoyed the relaxed but proficient standard of tennis we play.

All level of players are welcome and we encourage beginners to come and have a go and maybe learn some of the bad habits the regulars have picked!

Come and join us for some fun tennis.

Other matters

The first aid kit has been replenished and improved - thanks Sandy.

We missed out on the Category 3 Club Grants again this round. Sandy has sent our application to Tennis NSW so that they can analyse our work and suggest any changes or additions for the next round.

The next meeting of the management committee is Tuesday the 17th of June at 6pm - come along and see how it all works.

The AGM will occur in July or August and we will be looking to replace Sandy, our Secretary, who has been doing an outstanding job in all facets of the club's administration. Thanks Sandy!

Rick Farrell

President

Pambula Tennis Club