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“Mick Rans died on Tuesday 10 July at the age of 86.  He was an active member for nearly 40 years, playing in the teams and on club afternoons.  He was Tennis Chairman about 15 years ago for a couple of years.  We all admire him for still playing a good game of tennis until he was taken ill last month.  Our thoughts are with Celine and their son Michael.

The new coaching team at the club will be Richard Whichello as Head Coach, assisted by Billy McManus and Nick Greenhouse.  See separate article.

The LTA advised that the loan application for 4 new courts to replace the now worn out artificial grass courts has been agreed and was signed about 3 weeks ago.  The contractors were ready to start on 20 August.  However, the LTA has asked for the resurfacing to be postponed, because the grant element of the application has not yet been sent to Sport England and approval will take a minimum of two weeks once the application has been sent.  Contrary to what the LTA advised previously they have now said that a firm commitment with the contractors should only be made once the grant has been approved and all legal and security issues have been resolved.  We may therefore have to start work end September at the latest or wait until Spring 2008 when the grass courts are open again.

We have several vacancies on the MC.  Judith Dorning resigned late March as Hon Sec. In June Dickie Gregory was co-opted onto the MC and he is prepared to cover both posts of bar and social chairman following resignations from Steve Spinks and Teresa Hobbs.  Bob announced at the MC on 3 July that he will not stand for re-election at the next AGM. 

I am asking all members to scout around and discuss amongst you suitable candidates to be nominated at the AGM for all the posts, not only for the vacant ones. I personally would very much like to have a break as TC Chair. 

The next event is the Junior Tournament run by Jason Baker and his mother, and sponsored by JDM.  Final’s day is Saturday 4 August.  Then there is a charity tournament on Sunday 26 August open to all members and organised by Steve Brown. Lauren will run the Bank Holiday tournament on the Monday when the Field Cup will be the prize.

Finally, next year is the Club’s centenary year.  It would be very helpful if all of you would like to start thinking on how we can celebrate.  The TC already started discussing various ways last year until recent events forced us to concentrate on other matters.  Perhaps you would like to form a centenary working party? 

Last but not least, thank you Steve Johnson for the excellent grass courts for today’s finals, thank you Steve and Sue Spinks for organising the bar and BBQ, Nan Casey for the tea and cakes, and David Evans for a very well run tournament.”

14 July 2007