Hello.

This week’s newsletter is tinged with great sadness.

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

She died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.

Her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a “moment of great sadness” for him and his family and that her loss would be “deeply felt” around the world.

He said: “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother.”

“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”

The nation will mourn the death of our Queen. We have considered our activities at the Club and whilst we are mindful that some larger sporting events around the country have been cancelled or postponed as a mark of respect, we hope you’ll consider our decision to continue with our current plans as appropriate. We’ll reflect at the Club in the coming days with any further response.

With that in mind, here are the latest announcements.

Club Championships
Our finals day is this Sunday. A BBQ will be served between 12:30 and 5:30 – Sunday should be dry and we hope play can take place on grass and that you’ll pop down to visit, show your support whilst perhaps enjoying the serenity of this end of season event.

Order of play:

10:00 – Couples Cup
Becky & Josh Todd v Katy Greeno & Richard Williams

10:00 – u18 Boys
Sam Dore, Ben Harrison, Noah Harris, Will Fox

10:00 – Mini u9’s
Freddie Grover, Ivy Grover, Max Dore, Albert Richmond

Not Before:
12:00 – Men’s Open Doubles
Marcus Eatherton & Kristian Fulcher v John Oates & Joe Hunt

12:00 – Restricted Men’s singles
Tom Challener v Richard Williams

12:00 – Ladies Open Doubles
Amber Taylor & Becky Todd v Shiho Main & Soozi Moffat

12:00 – Restricted Ladies Singles
Mary Beasley v Holly Kunzer

Not Before:
14:00 – Ladies Open Singles
Amber Taylor v Becky Todd

14:00 – Restricted Men’s Doubles
Chris Everton & Clive Allenby v Elliot Ball & Richard Williams

14:00 – Men’s Open Singles
Marcus Eatherton v Joe Hunt

14:00 – Restricted Ladies Doubles
Mary Beasley & Gill Kinloch v Natalie Grover & Julie Hamlet

Not Before:
15:30 – Court 1 – Restricted Mixed
Tom Challener & Julie Hamlet v Mary Beasley & Graham Parker

15:30 – Court 5 – Open Mixed Doubles
Marcus Eatherton & Amber Taylor v Kristian Fulcher & Becky Todd

Grass Courts & Booking system
There’s only a week to go until we close our grass courts for the season. The last day for grass play is Sunday 18th September.

Our huge thanks must go to Steve and his team for looking after our courts this summer. We’ve been busy and the weather, although lovely, has led to a very challenging season. I am sure you’ll all wish to offer our gratitude to our team. Bravo!

Please don’t forget, that the new booking system is in place. More info HERE. Should you have any problems, please get in touch with Kim, she will be happy to help.

Sunday Lunch – 18th September 2022
Tables are selling fast for Sunday 18th September. Please book your table and time slot whilst you can. Chef will be serving a two course, roast Sunday Lunch with a range of menu options for just £23 per person. Last chance to book by midnight 15th September. Bookable online HERE or with our events team in the office.

Thatched Roof Fundraising evening
It’s a ‘Dinner, Dance and Auction’. At just £35pp for Members and £40pp for non-members. Why not bring the family, your friends or even your neighbours… it’s going to be a great night. Last chance to book is by midnight 25th September so please do get booking. You can do so online HERE or with our events team in the office.

Rebecca and Karen will be around on the Club Championships on Sunday to take any bookings in person for either of the above events. So please do say hi to find out more details.

Suggestion Box
No, we don’t throw any ideas you may have in the bin. We want to thank all those that have added a note into our suggestion box over the past couple of weeks. These have been viewed and we are currently working on these ideas and ways for improvements. As Members we’d like to see what you want to see at your Club. Either drop your suggestions in or please feel free to contact Rebecca on rebecca@fosltc.com

Karaoke
Yes. It’s coming back to our Club. However please be aware that our famous karaoke night has been postponed from 7th October to Friday 14th October. If you have been before, we are sure you’ll be back. If not? It has to be seen (and heard) to be believed. Come on down!

Gym & Fitness Classes
Our gym and fitness classes are becoming increasingly popular. The evenings are getting longer now so why not try one of our evening classes? It’s great fun and will leave you energised and improve your fitness. All the details can be found online – and you must book in advance HERE.

Squash
Don’t forget to sign up for our Club championships. Our AAA, Squash and Life Members are all welcome to join in!
A huge congratulations to our Squash team who recently finished 3rd in the Suffolk Summer League. Our team has now been pushed to the highest division. It’s wonderful progress!

Squash and racketball coaching sessions are now underway. It’s not too late to sign up, so get in touch with Vickie – squash@fosltc.com

Tennis
A great effort from all our teams who played in the Colchester and District League this season. Fantastic performances have meant that no teams were demoted and a huge Club congratulations must go to our Ladies’ B, Men’s B, Men’s C and Mixed C teams who were all promoted. Well done to you all.

Our tennis-after-school sessions are back. Please sign up with Peter Richmond neetacademyhq@gmail.com . There’s a FREE first taster session.

Swimming
As the summer draws to an end, so our pool must close for the season. Our heated pool will close for adults after 18th September.

As always, there’s a lot going on. Our website is very active and updated regularly. Please keep your eye on it and our social media for updates.
(Facebook HERE, Instagram HERE) to keep up with the latest.

You can always visit our website gallery for quick updates should you not be a fan of the social media.

We live in changing times. As one era closes, another under the leadership and guidance of King Charles III begins. Long live the King!

James Max
Club Chairman