CLUB NEWS:

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our Members a very happy new year and may you all have a great year of tennis ahead of you.  For those who have escaped the dreaded ‘flu, the weather has been pretty kind to us over the festive period, and it’s been good to see the courts in such regular use over the holidays.  New Year’s Day American Tournament proved as popular as ever, as a hardy group of players sort a cure for the previous night’s celebrations! 

The Junior Disco and the Children’s Christmas Party were both a great success. Credit is due to all those involved with making these hugely succesful events so enjoyable for all those attending.  Father Christmas managed to find time to attend the event; special thanks to him!

The Senior Christmas “Do” on the 18th December was a sell-out and certainly enjoyed by all who did attend.  Great live band and super food - thanks again for all the hard work that went to making it such a good evening.  As an added bonus,  the collection from the raffle has enabled us to donate £150 to charity,  namely,  £100 to the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust and £50 to the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust.  Thank you, everyone.

FLOODLIGHTS & TOKENS

All tokens when sold are in good condition.  It should not be necessary to replace damaged cards unless meters are out of order. Please note:  bent tokens will not work.  Do not store tokens in your wallet or purse by folding them or allowing them to get scuffed or edges bent - they will not work.

CLUB PHONE

A new phone has been installed and should anybody experience any problems in the future, please see Dave Robertson.

TIERED TOURNAMENT- MEMBERS ONLY

IRISH NIGHT

Please make a note that the “Irish Night” will be held on Saturday 18 March 2000, and the band “Blarney Boys” have already been booked.  Tickets will go on sale around the end of January.

A VIEW FROM THE BAR.......

 BAR OPENING TIMES

The bar is open Monday to Friday & Sunday from 12noon - 2pm when a selection of the Delhi France Hot Toasted Baguettes and Pasta Dishes are available.  Food prices start from as low as £1.50 - so why not join us for lunch?     We will continue to open the Bar Lounge on Mondays - Thursday from 9am through until late afternoon  (Fridays 9 - 2.00pm) for Rambouts Coffee or Tea along with a selection of scones, muffins and Danish pastries, all at a “special” combined price of £1.20, or you can simply have a refreshing cup of your choice.

CLUBHOUSE DOORS & ACCESS

Despite our appeal for cooperation in ensuring that the double doors are only used for emergency use, some members are still using these for access to the courts/club grounds and leaving them open.  This is causing damage to the doors due to being caught by the wind and also letting valuable heating out of the clubhouse.  We would ask all members to please use the single door with the card key control to both enter and leave the clubhouse.

 TUMBLE TOTS

Tumble Tots, who use the indoor sports hall regularly would like to say THANK YOU to the Club.  They now bring about 250 children a week to Bramhall Lane.  Any members are invited to pop in to see any sessions in progress - 6 months to 6year olds.

 TENNIS COACHING

Tennis Coaching is now available to Members seven days a week, with one of the Club approved coaches.  We would like to welcome Rob Palmer to the coaching team, who is available Saturday and Sunday afternoons and midweek daytimes. Make your choice:

American Tournament 1st January 2000

The first winner of the new milleniumm and still undefeated at the time of writing is Linda McKenzie! Joining Linda on the rostrum was Ian Lydon,  Brendan Morgan & Janet Hubbard. A good turnout of 31 players.

TENNIS COACHING

Maybe you didn’t get tennis lessons as a Christmas present but, fear not - you cannot treat yourself, and start the millennium on a positive note!   Improve your game the easy and fun way.  Choose from one of the Club’s 3 qualified coaches for lessons at any time, to suit you.

TENNIS BALLS

Tretorn offer superior value for winter play with no loss of pressure or bounce.   Treat yourself to a new set of balls that bounce!   Discounts available on purchases of 1 dozen plus.

SENIOR CLUBNIGHTS

Floodlight fee of £1.00 payable on arrival. Club nights continue as normal  every Monday & Thursday 7pm - 10pm (except bank holidays).   Organized play, no partner needed, balls provided, play organized generally with similar standard players. 

COURT BOOKING & USAGE

If you do not require a booked court, you are responsible for canceling your booking immediately.  All members are reminded to familiarize themselves with the booking rules as stated in the Club handbook.

RACKETS - A SPECIAL OFFER

Russell has some great offers on graphite tennis rackets - Some reduced to just £50.00 .  Ask to try one or two on a Clubnight,  alternatively email Russell to arrange to playtest  a racket at a time to suit you: russell.lawrence@btinternet.com

MONTHLY TENNIS TIP - Return of serve

If your opponent is a serve & volleyer, hit a low return, forcing them to play a tough low volley. If your opponent serves & stays back, hit a deep return to force him behind his baseline, so limiting his chance to hit a telling second shot.

When your opponent misses their first serve, prepare to attack the ball hitting to their vulnerable side, dont be shy. Most Club players miss about 50% of first serves, go on attack them!

ADULT & JUNIOR TENNIS COURSES

There are a few places available on some of the Junior Tennis Courses, which run after school and at weekends.  Any juniors interested in joining one of our tennis courses should contact one of the club coaches for information.    Regular courses for adults also have places, contact Russell if you would like to join in with our coaching program.