Dear Members,
WELCOME to my first newsletter as the new Chair of BSTC. For those of you that I haven't had a chance to meet yet I have been playing at BSTC since 2002 when my family returned to the Bristol area following a stint based in Singapore. I have always been a keen tennis player and have played for the men's first or second team since joining the Club. Until recently I was working in London and so had little time to do anything else apart from the odd match. I have been a Trustee for the last year and have helped the Club adopt the LTA sponsored software, ClubSpark.
BSTC is a members club, I am your Chairman and my role is to ensure that the members get what they want from their tennis club. I am very approachable and keen to hear any suggestions or gripes about the tennis club. We will conduct a survey of all our members in the near future to gain your input, in the meantime do not hesitate to contact me if you want to raise something (01275 332885 or 07834 506202).
So I look forward to meeting those of you that I don't know and I am excited about the season ahead, especially with the Avon tennis league match season starting this Friday.
The key news updates are:
CHANGING OF THE GUARD: at the AGM last Monday Hilary Cripps ran through the many successes of the past year and Gareth Collier ran through the healthy state of the Club finances. Anne Collier, Membership Secretary and Gareth Collier, Treasurer stepped down after a number of years significant contribution to the Club, as did Hilary Cripps our Chairperson who has been instrumental in developing the strong Club we have today. Our existing dedicated committee, Keith Beeton (Grounds and maintenance), Lyn Jones (Chair of Tennis Forum and League Secretary) and Sarah Jane Streatfield-James (Secretary) are now joined by Mark Hunter (Social Secretary), Tamara Crampton (Treasurer) and Claire Allen (Membership Secretary).
The retiring officers were presented with some small gifts to thank them for all their hard work on our behalf and the new officers thanked them for lending their time to support our club.
SOCIAL EVENTS - Bingo and fish & chips were a cracking success, and the Wimbledon draw went smoothly and with the help of Jane Fowler's tremendous cakes, went deliciously as well !! The next event that Mark is pulling together is the Summer Bash - set for 16th July at Bishop Sutton village hall. £35 gets a three course meal, live band and half a bottle of wine, plus more surprises on the night. Tickets are going well so get hold of Mark (07738 196710 or mhunter@hunteraccountants.co.uk) to secure your place at what will be a fun evening.
GBTW - the success of our club depends on continually attracting and retaining new members. As part of the LTA's nationwide Great British Tennis Weekends we will be holding our Open Day on Sunday 15th May. It will be a great day with lots of fun events and some tasty food. Think about which of your friends may like to try their hand at tennis and bring them along. Bring your friends and your children and enjoy promoting our great facilities.
THE OLD GITS TOURNAMENT RETURNS! - Keith Beeton will be running the Browning Tournament for all those that have reached the young age of 55. A new format is planned with separate competitions for ladies and men. It is being held on 14th July and if you are keen let Keith Beeton know (keith.beeton@btinternet.com).
The Club's Summer Tournament draw is now up in the Clubhouse; please make sure you play your next match by the deadlines on the board.
Finally, have you heard of Easyfundraising, check it out and put Bishop Sutton Tennis Club as your chosen organisation. Every you time you order something, at no cost or downside to you, Bishop Sutton gets a small donation - this will greatly help club funds so take 5 minutes to register at www.easyfundraising.org.uk and start supporting your club.
That's all for now, remember to get some friends down to the Great British Tennis Weekend and see if we can grow our membership.
Enjoy your tennis!
Cheers
David Tonkin - Chair
01275 332885
Bishop Sutton Tennis Club