Introduction:

This newsletter is forward of official Winter. The Weather Bureau forecast a wet day. So instead of twiddling my thumbs I decided to write. As a matter of useless information, in my employment, the manager and I employed a man who had no thumbs. Truly, he was an excellent worker and barracked for Collingwood.

Membership:

We extend a warm welcome to Rohan who became a new member in early April. Rohan has settled in playing Saturday and Sunday mornings. Rohan hits a clean shot and knows his way around the tennis court.

In mid-June invoices will be emailed to the Membership, seniors and family. The club trusts you will renew and enjoy the game of tennis whether in private, social and competition.

WDTA:

Night Monday. Open Doubles B 1. Frogmouths

This team of many players has stayed together for a decade. The team is firmly in second place on the ladder, 2.5 points arrears of GW. So, they are in a good position to play successfully in the finals.

Night Tuesday. Open Singles/Doubles A Reserve 1. Lapwings

Similar comments as above in that the players have stayed together and created a successful history. The team, as predicted, has climbed the ladder from 6th position to 3rd position with the same points as 2nd position but short of 9%.

Day Wednesday. A Reserve 1. Red

The grade is top level. As mentioned previously, this Season is inaugural for the team at this level. They are in 4th position holding on by a single point, some 21 to 34 points in arrears of the top 3 teams. Considering the leaders are big name clubs the team, under George’s management, shows good things come in compact packages. However, some imports have withdrawn from the team. The local players will be challenged. The experience is invaluable.

Day Wednesday. B Special 1. Green

There are 5 teams in this section and competition is strong. Captain Veera leads the team, consisting of Saturday/Sunday morning player. So, they combine smoothly and are in 4th position some 21 to 34 points in arrears of the leaders. They are capable of playing strongly in the finals.

Day Wednesday. B 1. Gold

St Christopher’s players do not cry but just in case as I recall this winless Season the box of tissues is on the desk. We have had an extraordinary year with players being unavailable to play due to health, injury and family matters. The matters are wholly understandable. Nevertheless, the team of highly talented players exhibited great determination (should have used our racquets). As the Season draws to a close, I think of that saying “candy is dandy but liquor is better.” This Season, we are teetotallers. At the end of the Autumn Season, we will enjoy a lunch with a refreshing ale.

Metro Masters:

Thursday. Section 3

This Section has highly competitive clubs. The team has dominated all Season losing one match by 3 games. They are on top with 2 rounds to play. At the serious end of the Season the East Croydon club, challenger, has bolstered their team with a strong left-handed player.

Social Tennis Thursday Ladies:

I am unable to write about their current activities other than they had circumstances which hindered their return to the courts. I did write in previous newsletter - No doubt with their sensational tennis history they want to unzip the racquet cover and draw out personal Excalibur and next to catch-up on the latest gossip.

Social Tennis Saturday/Sunday Mornings:

From 8.30am to 11.30 the tennis is non-stop and using new tennis balls. Contacts are Jack K, George M, Sandy C and Veera. As there are up-to 16 regular players arriving at different times a booking/playing system is implemented. Contact an above-named convenor by Thursday evening or if necessary, Friday so that the white-board is prepared.

Coach:

1. Alexei Demajo, an accredited coach with international experience, and assistant coaches are implementing new programs. The school is fortunate to be able to advertise to new students/parents the services of a tennis coach.
2. A program invited the mothers of students like previous years to a series of mornings. Participation was a bit low this year.
3. In addition to the normal coaching of school children at Wednesday lunchtime there is a special session to be introduced for advanced students.
4. On Friday under court lights commencing 07.30pm an assistant coach has introduced a session for adults. Numbers are satisfactory and increasing.

Alexei has a full range of tennis information and supplies. For additional information please contact Alexei on 0418 369 763 or info@futuredemandtennis.com.au

Notices:

• In memory of Darren Keane residing in London passed away in March 2021. Darren was an active tennis player in juniors and seniors. Also, were his mother Fay (Life Member) and sisters. The Keane family was a foundation member of the tennis club
• Margo Clarke had a health issue and was carried by ambulance escorted with two police cars, one in front and the other following to the Box Hill Hospital. Margo always has style. Margo has made a substantial recovery and is home
• Moira Coyne, a Thursday lady player, is having treatment. We wish Moira a speedy recovery.

Maintenance:

• Leo continues to mow the grass frequently
• New flaps were fitted to the front of the metal cabinets storing the water soakers
• The large tree, NE corner drops many leaves during Autumn. About 3 weeks to go
• The hot water ern stopped heating. It was serviced Thursday. Cost is exorbitant
• The re-design of the church required a major overhaul of the electricity supply which in turn affected the tennis club. The cables near the clubhouse were corroded. New cables were installed. You would have noticed the metal plate right-side of front gate. Next, one of the club’s two external meter boxes was closed-down. Somewhere there is new wiring but hidden from view.

Club Strategy:

It was mentioned in the Autumn Newsletter that the General Committee is considering how to grow the club. Jeff Webb has chaired the meetings. The strategy has identified 5 Key Objectives. They are:

1.Connection to Parish/School to meet with Club Constitution

2. Greater Coaching Exposure

3. Build Club Awareness

4. Maintain Cash Reserves

5. Explore Other Revenue Opportunities

Each KO has a leader. You can envisage the Key Objectives have sub-headings which are too detailed to list in this Newsletter. The Key Objectives are clear in their title. Like all things the intention is to grow the club. Examples are:

• Explore the resources of the Parish groups, newsletters and school programs
• Grow membership through programs that target spare court time slots
• Existing Website, club branding/logo, signage on specified locations
• Increase membership (new less non-renewals) net 5, maintain assets to high standard
• Advertising, sponsorships, social activities.

The above information is strategy used by businesses. Our tennis club is a business. The strategy can be done.

Best wishes, talk later

Alan