Hello!

It’s never easy to announce any form of increase in prices, however, from 1st April 2024 our Membership subscription rates will be changing. Setting our subscription rates is always a delicate balance. Your club has faced significant economic headwinds in 2023 and these will continue in 2024. Our electricity costs, renewed in November, were subject to an 80% increase and our employment costs continue to rise, driven mainly by increases in the National Living Wage of just under 10% in both 2023 and 2024. The general rate of subscription rises will be approximately 7.5%, however there will be a variance as we continue to equalise certain rates between sports. Member fees (if not AAA, Life or Gym Unlimited) for fitness classes will increase from £5 to £6 and non-member fees for fitness classes and swim will increase from £7 to £8. Members will receive a fuller explanation with details of all the changes. Full details may be seen on our website HERE.

We have a range of social events coming up and also we have listened to your views and redesigned the proposed Club sports sweater – details are set out below but if you want one, please order ASAP as we’d like to get the order placed so they’re made in time for the summer!

Meanwhile, there’s a lot going on at the Club. Here’s this week’s news.

Band Night Tonight | Get Your Ticket Now!

Don’t miss this chance to have some fun with us at the Club tonight! We have the band ‘Stiff In The Morning’ playing live in our ballroom (from 8pm)! You’ll love their music and playlist! Plus, you can enjoy some delicious Club burgers and chips available from our Poolside Kitchen. It’s Friday, so why stay at home? Grab your tickets now! No tickets will be available on the door and the Club will be closed to non-ticket holders from 7pm. Click HERE to purchase your ticket!

Tennis Teams for C&D League 2024

If you would like to play tennis for the Club this summer in the Colchester & District league then we are looking for players to play ladies, mens and mixed doubles. Please use our sign up sheet in the foyer and let us know what category you are interested in along with your name and we will be in touch. Alternatively email Tom: tennis@fosltc.com to express your interest.

Tennis Committee Opening

We have a position on our Tennis Committee that needs filling. Could it be you? If you want to help with our Club tournaments, teams, social tennis, or anything tennis related, we’d be pleased to have you involved! Please get in touch with tennis@fosltc.com for more information.

Junior 11 and Under | Tennis Club Sessions

Our Junior Sessions are back this Saturday from 2pm. All Junior members and affiliate members are welcome to join in the fun for free! So far it has been extremely well attended and we couldn’t be more pleased and proud to see all the juniors having such fun on court!

North Essex Junior Friendly Squash Competition

During the half-term week on Thursday 22nd Feb we (FOS|LTC. and Head Coach Chris Vine) hosted a round of the North Essex Junior Squash Friendly competition. Featuring 24 junior players from our Club, Mersea Park Drive Maldon, Lexden, Off the Wall squash and Felsted School. In the first two groups of players (group 1&2) we had our own rising star Isla Vieira who came a very creditable runner-up. In the Second two groups (3 & 4) we had Frinton juniors George Dowsett and Jacob Bunfield who came 3rd and 5th respectively. All the players enjoyed some great squash and it was nice to see the courts and the area behind so busy!
The next round will be at Lexden and event organiser Sally Meanley will be in touch via email to give entry details. We are hoping to host further rounds of this competition at FOS|LTC. and would like to see more of our Junior players giving it a go!

Mother’s Day Sunday Lunch | 10th March

Make your mum smile this Mother’s Day and delight her with a delicious two course roast lunch at the Club. As ever, this event is very popular and you’ll need to book your table before they’re all gone. Why not bring family and friends too? Please click HERE to view the menu or to book.

Club Sweaters

Fancy a bespoke limited edition Club Sweater in time for the Summer? Following some very useful feedback we decided to do a mini redesign of our Club sweaters which we hope you’ll like. We have attached the images for you to see for yourself (images are just a mock up). Whether you’re playing sports or just walking the streets in Frinton or beyond, we hope you’ll like the design and want to purchase one of these limited edition woollen sports pullovers. Please Click HERE and update your wardrobe now.

Coaching at FOS|LTC.

Whether you want to try a new hobby or level up your skills, we have the perfect coaches for you. Contact them today and let’s get started!

• Tennis
  Peter Richmond – contact: www.NEETacademy.co.uk or email neetacademyhq@gmail.com
• Squash & Racketball
  Chris Vine – contact: chrisakv@btinternet.com or call 07768 067044
• Croquet
  Richard Everett – contact: croquet@fosltc.com or call 07766 611 826
• Gym & Personal Training
  Katy Calver – contact: katy@fosltc.com
• Walking Football
  If you’re interested in playing walking football, please contact Paul Cooper cooperman20@sky.com for more details.

Booking Tennis Courts – The Rules

There has been some debate this week about booking tennis courts. Courts may be booked online by Members in advance up to two weeks ahead. We ask that members book and pay online, where applicable for the bubble (outside lights are payable at the bar @ £3 per half hour). If you do not have access to a computer or are unable to book online and wish to pay at the bar, you may go into the office or telephone the Club and book a court to be paid when you play. This, however, is done at the Club Manager’s discretion and must be arranged each time it’s required and cannot be automatically booked for you. Of course you can continue to take your chances and turn up and if the court isn’t booked, you’re free to play outside or for a fee in the bubble or if lights are required.

And Finally

There are a few tickets available for the Frinton Jazz Club on Sunday 17th March. Art Themen, the acclaimed saxophonist will be the guest along with his band. Tickets can be purchased HERE. And the next event is now on sale for Sunday 28th April. Tickets available HERE.

That’s it for now. Have a great week!

James Max
Club Chairman