Hello!
Often, when I begin my weekly newsletter, I refer to the weather. Our Club is, after all, very dependant upon reasonable weather conditions and although we have plenty of events and activities indoors, our Club comes to life when the sun is shining. This week it wasn’t shining as flooding returned to our courts. To prevent the storm surge, the environment agency shut the sleuce gates, meaning the brook backs up. We have to put the bungs in, so water cannot drain off our courts. The pool may have shut for the season but swimming or sorts was possible at the Club as the photo below from Mel Lee testifies!
That said, the flooding has subsided and we managed to avoid any serious consequences of last week’s deluge.
Last Friday saw the 121st Club AGM. It was well attended with plenty of you coming along to hear about our progress during the year, plans for 2023/24 and our longer term five year plan. It is, after all, five years since I and some of my fellow Board Members took over to lead your Club. And what a packed five years they have been. There has been plenty of change and we were delighted to announce reaching the milestone of reaching 800 Members. We have a range of plans for the coming 12 months, will continue to develop our four pillars (Retrospective, Contemporary, Welcoming and Proud) with a range of new initiatives. This year we have put together our AGM Minutes much more swiftly than usual and as a result you’re welcome to take a read for yourself HERE.
Over the coming months we will be putting more flesh on the bones for the five-year plan I set out and ensuring we move forward into 2024 continuing to build on the significant progress made. That’s not to say we are out of the woods and plenty of challenges lie ahead.
One of the initiatives is to begin a series of surveys that will go to Members and non-members alike to see what we are doing well, where we need to take action and ideas for us to grow and continue to build. That will start next week and every respondent who replies with their contact details will be entered into a draw to win a bottle of the delicious and fabulous Jarrow House English Sparkling Wine. Not only is the fizz available at the bar but it’s made by our very own Sally Smith. * Pop * * Fizz *
On behalf of the Board I would like to welcome Bill Greeno onto the Board as he has been officially voted in for a three year term. He’ll continue to chair the Tennis Committee and to be the Board’s representative for all racket sports and on the newly formed Croquet Committee too. That’ll keep him busy! We wish Bill every success in this new role having been so successful in helping us bring our tournaments and other events to life.
At the AGM I also thanked our staff, coaches, fellow Board members, Committee members and indeed all of you for your continued support. Whilst we have to make a commercial success of what we’re doing – this is a Members’ Club that gives us a different perspective.
Onto this week’s news.
You’ll notice that our newsletter has been sent out on a Saturday morning. During the winter months we’ll be trialling this new delivery date.
Indeed this very Saturday we are welcoming the Frinton Literary Festival for their Literary Lunch and special guest, Miriam Margolyes. The event sold out some months ago and we expect a packed house to enjoy this fantastic occasion.
Please don’t forget that the clocks go BACK one hour on Sunday morning. Not only does that give you an extra hour in bed but it may play slight havoc with your arrangements given when it will now get dark in the run-up to the winter months. Please continue to book courts and pay for lights etc as you usually do.
For those of you who are really sharp, you may have noticed that the bubble is yet to go back up. We’re as frustrated as you are about this. On every date booked it has been blowing a gale and installation requires calm weather and availability of CovAir. We ARE aware and Kim and Bill are doing their level best to get this sorted out and we are working on an alternative plan to get this sorted as soon as possible.
Christmas and NYE Parties
Blimey! It’s only 58 days until Christmas. If you are still thinking about booking for one of our Christmas party nights, you’d better get your (ice?) skates on. We are beginning to get really booked up with some nights already full to capacity. Our party nights are going to be great, with our resident DJ, delicious food and plenty to drink. Don’t miss out on celebrating the festive season with fellow Members, colleagues, family and friends in style. Please get in touch with our events team for more information or click HERE.
NEW PARTY DATE ADDED | Friday 22nd December
Due to the exceptional demand for our Festive Dinner and Party Nights this year – we are adding ANOTHER date to party for the festive season. Friday 22nd December! To reserve your tables and party at the Club – click HERE for all the details.
Festive Roast Sunday Lunch | Sunday 17th December
We are nearly at capacity for this event but have some tables available. It’s not just the usual roast Sunday Lunch because we add festive bells and whistles! To see the menu and book your table click HERE .It’s a super and fun event and especially good to bring family and friends!
And that’s not all….. how about our New Year’s Eve celebrations?
We are trying something new this year. After listening to you, our Members, we have put together an event with two different ticket prices depending upon what you want to do! Why not join us from 7pm on NYE for an epic Buffet, Drink and Dance for £55pp or you could come along to the Club from 9pm and Drink & Dance for only £25pp. Every ticket comes with a ‘buy one get one free’ offer for a drink at the bar from a selection of our most popular drinks. Since launching last week, we have been really pleased with ticket sales and it should be a super night. To see more details or to book your tickets click HERE.
Wine Tasting | 10th November | Friday
Are your Friday evenings in need of a bit of excitement? If so, you should definitely join us for a wine tasting and a delicious two-course dinner at the Club. hosted by Club President Martin Tinsley and our very own wine writer and expert Steve Pryer. You’ll get to sample a variety of wines from around the world, paired with a delicious menu prepared by Chef and his team. The ticket price is £68 per person. It will be lots of fun, we have raffle prizes and quizzes included! For the menu and to book click HERE.
Sunday Roast Lunch | 12th November
Our last epic Roast Sunday Lunch before the festive parties and season takes off will be on Sunday 12th November. Chef has put together a really tasty menu. All food is served freshly prepared and served to your table set up in the ballroom. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy a very tasty lunch! Check out the menu and book your tickets HERE.
Frinton Jazz – Embraceable Ella | Sunday 26th November
Calling all Frinton Jazz Fans! Another Jazz extravaganza will be performed at the Club on Sunday, 26th November at 1:30pm! This time Derek Nash and his guests will be celebrating the music of Ella Fitzgerald featuring Joanna Eden and the Chris Ingham Band. Definitely an event not to be missed! Please book your tickets HERE.
Junior Tennis Coaching – A New Associate Membership
We have launched a new way to join our Club for the 11 and unders. As ever you can join for the whole year for just £84. This gives a range of discounts and on coaching too, access to the pool over summer and events too. But if you’re unsure you can also receive the membership benefits and become an associate Member if you’re enrolled into our tennis coaching programme. For more information, get in touch with Peter Richmond here:
neetacademyhq@gmail.com
Racketball | Mondays 2pm | The first two weeks are FREE!
Racketball is good for your body and your mind, and it’s easy to learn and enjoy…and it’s played indoors! It’s a fun way to exercise, improve your coordination, and meet new people. And what else is there to do on a rainy Monday? More information HERE
Fitness Classes
If you’re feeling cold and lazy, don’t let this awful weather stop you from getting fit. Katy and her team have put together the most sensational and varied range of classes. We have plenty of fitness classes that will make you sweat and smile. Whether you prefer yoga, dance, spin, or something else, there’s a class for you. Non-members welcome! We are getting very booked up so please do get in early and we have waiting lists for classes too. Please check our classes HERE.
New Merchandising
New merchandising is on the way! Please stay tuned…we will be introducing our existing and brand new winter lines very soon! We have a new supplier ‘Printing On Sea’. Many of you already know these guys and we are happy to introduce them as our new partners. We have reviewed the quality as well as the pricing to make sure it’s to everyone’s satisfaction. We’ll let you know as soon as we are ready to launch!
As ever, we are always happy to hear from you with any ideas, feedback or proposals. And one final thing. remember Easy Fundraising? PLEASE ensure you activate your accounts. It’s such a good way for the Club to raise money. It costs you NOTHING and as we head into the Christmas period I am sure you’ll be buying presents and other items online over the coming months. It’s really EASY to set up and every penny raised goes to help us make your Club even better!
Details on EasyFundraising and how to sign up are HERE.
That’s it for this time. Have a great week!
James Max
Club Chairman