Your committee had a productive meeting last week where we discussed a wide variety of matters and came to some (I think) productive conclusions. As always, if you want to chat through any matter, please contact any of us but the key points to share are as follows:

1. New Padel courts and car parking: A massive thanks to Neil Dickinson for project managing all the work. As you can expect, we have had to deal with a few minor surprises as the work has progressed, and Neil has dealt with them all brilliantly. We are going to have to replace the drains that run under the site to reduce dangers of blockages in our nice new shiny clubhouse, and as a result the hedge has had to be ripped out. This will be replaced to ensure the overall site still has a pleasant appearance.  We will be installing the APNR system early in the new year to minimise disruption as we resurface the car park.
2. New Padel members: We will be emailing all those on the 500+ waiting list to check their continued interest in joining, and managing new entrants carefully so that we don’t flood the courts (which would make padelling difficult….). We expect to initially accept c150 new Peak and c75 Off Peak.
3. Padel Off-peak benefits: As part of these changes, and as a result of reviewing the trial, with effect from 1 January 2025 the current trial allowing Off-Peak Padel members to play in the weekend slots will be removed. This will align the Off-Peak Padel membership rights with those for Off-Peak tennis members.
4. Padel Visitor Fees: In order to help finance the new courts, and to recognise the demand for courts, we will be increasing the Visitor Fee for Padel to £10 with effect from 1 January 2025. We will also be enforcing the current policy on the number of visitors allowed and their frequency.
5. Clubhouse External: We hope you agree that the new toilets, windows and doors are a massive improvement on what we used to have. It should also result in a warmer building. You will have spotted that we have not painted the outside of the building. This is because funds are short and we would like to involve you our members in a fun day of painting when the weather turns warmer ! Look out for this opportunity to show us your DIY skills.
6. Clubhouse Internal: We had discussions about additional facilities to install in the new changing rooms. We would welcome your (sensible) suggestions.  We already plan to install fold down baby changing units in both sets of changing rooms.
7. Accident Book and First Aid: A reminder that these are stored in the clubhouse. New signage will be put up to indicate their location (I am waiting for easier access to do this!). Please record any accidents in the Accident Book so we can learn any required lessons.  An additional first aid box is located in the canopy.
8. Clubhouse: We are reviewing how best to improve the clubhouse in the short-term while keeping our options open for potential larger more substantial changes. This will involve discussions with the wider Sports Club. We want to have a welcoming and friendly environment and recognise that our increased membership is causing pressures.
9. Christmas disco: You should have seen the posters around the club. If you’ve not yet booked your ticket (all proceeds to the Disability Tennis project) you can get them on ClubSpark here.
10. Clay court etiquette: Some signs have been put up to remind all clay court users to “drag & sweep” the court. Use the big draggers in a circular action to ensure the clay is not simply removed from the court. Use the nifty roller brushes to clean the lines. Doing this regularly will prolong the life  of the courts and so will save you money in the long-run.
11. Tennis courts for Weekend Social: There has been a reduction in members turning up for the Sunday Social slot so it has been decided, with immediate effect, to reduce the number of courts reserved for Social Tennis on Sunday between 14:00 and 17:00 to 3, down from 5. This should help people trying to book courts for matches. More generally, while it was agreed that the Social Tennis slots were a key part of the Club, it is important that members “use it or lose it” given the pressure on courts from matches.
12. Date of AGM and Committee membership: Our AGM will be on Friday 7th February 2025. If you would like to stand for election to the committee please contact us as both myself and Alex Clark will not be seeking re-election.

David

ELTC Secretary

21 November 2024

secretary@epsomtennisclub.co.uk