Hello!

As we head firmly towards Autumn, it means we have a certain amount of domestic business to deal with. And hopefully that means making some appointments in your diaries!

Our AGM will be held on Friday 11th November from 6.30pm at the Club. We’ll be presenting more detail to you in the coming weeks. And details as to how to stand for a few roles we are seeking to fill. As ever this will be your opportunity to hear about the advancements we have made over the past year, the challenges we still face including our plans for addressing the continued pressures added by the exponential increase in energy bills and an update on our big project to renovate our thatched roof. We may even have a few drinks on offer to tempt you over the threshold! We hope as many of you will come along as possible. 

Bubble

We had booked it to be put up at the beginning of the month. But it was too windy. However, good news! The Bubble is UP! To use it, you MUST, pre-book and pay. And yes, that means our new booking and payment system via ClubSpark will be in operation. As with any new system it may take a little getting used to. HERE are the details and please do book and pay in advance. We’ll be monitoring how it goes and as ever we welcome any feedback from you. We want to get it right, so we have changed the pricing a bit to reduce the cost of off-peak so do have a look as we’d like to have the bubble used more often. The more we use it, the more we can keep the costs down. 

Thatched Roof Fundraising Evening

There’s only one week to go until our fundraising spectacular! Our fundraising evening is nearly booked out. It’s being held on Saturday 1st October. This is your LAST CHANCE to book! Bookings close on Sunday. We have a superb two course dinner planned and live entertainment too. Plus an auction of an amazing selection of items and experiences. If you’ve not booked yet, book now to avoid disappointment! It’s just £35 pp for Members and £40pp for non members. We’ve been able to keep the costs down as a Member has donated the cost of the LIVE entertainment by X Factor finalist, Casper Clarke and his band – we really hope you’ll join us. Book NOW HERE!

The deadline for website auction bidding is Thursday 29th September at midnight – click HERE with final bids being taken at the fundraising evening. Some items will be exclusive on the night. Perhaps you’d like a day at Wimbledon or to join me at TalkTV’s studios, or maybe you’d like to go and see the largest ever Cirque de Soleil Show at the Royal Albert Hall? We hope you’ll want to make a bid whether you’re coming to the evening itself or not!

Fundraising

Talking of fundraising, we are making great progress. We are over two thirds of the way towards our target. Our fundraising total has now reached £63,464, but there is still £27,196 to go, so if you can donate, however large or small an amount, we need all of you to help us reach our goal and preserve our thatched roof for the benefit of future generations. Please do consider making a donation. Whether it’s small or large we aren’t fussy! Every donation even if it’s just £10 or £20 makes a difference. Need I say that larger donations ARE welcome?! And because we are a CASC, you can donate with the benefit of Gift Aid too – that means adding back 25% tax. And we’d much prefer to see that money at your Club than swirling around a government department!

PLEASE donate if you can. We are very confident that with your help, we will reach our target. We know times are hard but of course we’d like as many Members to be involved in funding this work rather than it falling on the shoulders of a few. If we ALL pull together we WILL get there. Thank you to those who have already supported us. If you can, please do help – you can click HERE for the details and can donate online. 

A Busy Weekend

Meanwhile, we had a busy weekend at the Club last week. We had the pleasure to host a wedding for Karen & Marie on Saturday. They, their family and friends had a wonderful time and were very complimentary about our staff and services. Should you want to find out more about our wedding packages, please come along to our wedding evening on 6th October. Or simply get in touch – we’d be delighted to help with whatever party or celebration you have in mind. 

Here’s what our guests said last weekend “We loved every minute and all our guests commented about the wonderful staff. Thank you to Rebecca and Karen, the amazing bar staff and fab chef for a super day. And of course thank you to the lovely Glenys for coming back to be at our day – the icing on the cake!”

Sunday Lunch

Now, I don’t know about you, but I do love a delicious Sunday roast lunch. And Chef is on point when it comes to serving the delicious roast with all the sides! However, there is ONE thing I hate. And that’s all the washing and clearing up afterwards. I am a messy cook! If you pop to the Club for lunch, not only will you have a delicious meal but we’ll take care of clearing up after you! Need I say more? Last Sunday was sold out – so if you’d like to come along with your friends or family. Just book now. It’s a slightly different menu each time and you can see what Chef has lined up for Sunday 2nd October HERE.

We have changed the service so you can book at any time between 12.30pm and 2.30pm and it’s served in the Ballroom.

Coffee Morning

On Friday 30th September we will be taking part in The Biggest Coffee Morning of the year (from 10am onwards)! This is all in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Support who do incredible work and we’re really pleased to be able to help this fantastic charity and the work they do. Please do help us in that support. Why not bring a friend and pop down for a cuppa and cake! Did I say CAKE?! Yes. Nom! 

Karaoke

Is back! On Friday 14th October. Just make a note in your diary to come on down! 

Tennis 

We share your sadness that the great Roger Federer and Serena Williams have recently announced their retirement. But guess what? We are on the hunt for their replacements! We’re looking for new talent. Perhaps your children could be our future tennis stars?! We have Half-term Tournaments (internal competition) – at the end of every 6 week half term. On Saturday afternoons, we will hold a fun tournament in the following categories: Red, Orange, Green, Yellow. 1300 – 1500. Prizes and results will be uploaded to LTA website. More details HERE.

If you are playing outdoors on the hard courts and need the lights to play, please do book them and pay at the bar as usual. We have kept the prices the same for now. 

All our other activities continue. From the brand new pilates classes to yoga, fitness and other activities, to squash and racketball, croquet and our fully fitted out gym. It’s all waiting for YOU! Any questions? Please enquire at the office.

That’s it for now. Have a lovely week.

James Max

Club Chairman