Hello!

After an incredible summer season, it’s time to say goodbye to our grass courts. They’ve played beautifully all summer. Huge credit goes to Steve, our Head Groundsman, and Craig, who have worked tirelessly to keep them mown, marked, and in tip-top condition. Thanks also to all of our staff, coaches, and lifeguards, and of course to Paul and his team in the Poolside Kitchen. We’ve had a brilliant season — thank you all!

Please mark your diaries for the AGM on Friday 17th October. We’ll gather from 6.00pm, with the meeting starting at 6.30pm, chaired by our President, Martin Tinsley. As I explain later, this year’s AGM will be even more important than usual.

Just a small travel update, there are currently works being carried out on Holland Road. This is affecting Second Avenue and the turn down to the club. Currently you’ll need to access the club from the seafront end of Second Avenue as there is a road closure. However, this may change over the course of the weekend and early next week!

In the meantime, here’s this week’s news.

Club Championships | Finals Day Results

What a fantastic Saturday for our Club Finals! The weather just about held up long enough for all matches to be completed. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and a big thank you to our sponsor Cyb3r, who generously supported the Men’s and Ladies’ Singles. Winners each received a £100 gift voucher and runners-up a bottle of champagne.

And it was another record-breaking year for Marcus Eatherton, who secured his 7th consecutive Men’s Singles title. In recognition of this extraordinary achievement, Cyb3r also presented Marcus with a £200 voucher for Avenue Bistro. Can he make it eight next year?

The full results were:

Juniors:

• Under 18’s Boys – Jasper defeated Sam, 6-0, 6-0
• Red U8 – Frank Richmond triumphed
• Orange U9 – Frank Richmond claimed victory again
• U10 Green Ball – Fredrick saw off Aksel
• Under 14’s Boys – Sam got the better of Max

Seniors:

• Ladies’ Open Singles – Shiho beat Abi, 6-4, 6-0
• Men’s Open Singles – Marcus triumphed over Dominic, 6-2, 7-5
• Men’s Open Doubles – Kristian & Jack (walkover)
• Ladies’ Open Doubles – Shiho & Amber saw off Clare & Fenella, 6-2, 6-1
• Mixed Open Doubles – Marcus & Shiho prevailed against Jon & Julia, 7-6, 6-0
• Restricted Men’s Singles – David defeated George, 6-0, 4-6, 6-2
• Restricted Ladies’ Singles – Charlie got the better of Katy, 6-3, 7-5, (10-6 TB)
• Restricted Ladies’ Doubles – Annette & Sue secured victory over Abi & Sarah, 6-4, 6-4
• Restricted Men’s Doubles – Patrick & Mark fought back to defeat Tom & Ryan, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
• Restricted Mixed Doubles – Charlie & Jasper came through against Abi & Jon, 6-4, 6-4
• Couples Doubles – Jon & Julia triumphed over Richard & Katy, 6-3, 6-4

AGM – Important Update

This week I shared a message confirming that after seven and a half years, I will be stepping down as Club Chair. The full statement, explanation, and our plans for the future are set out HERE. I certainly hope to remain involved at the Club and wish to extend my thanks to my fellow members of the Board for their dedication and hard work. In particular to my colleagues who are also stepping down. Victoria Kunzer who, for the past 7 ½ years, has been by my side and for the past 6 years, Clive Allenby who has dedicated a considerable amount of time and effort to our Club as our Treasurer. They’ll be hard acts to follow!

We hope as many members as possible will attend the AGM on Friday 17th October. If you are interested in joining the new Board, please get in touch.

Gym Open Day | Saturday 4th October

We’re very excited that new equipment is arriving the week commencing 22nd September. The gym will close briefly while the old kit is removed and the new installed. We’ll then host an Open Day on Saturday 4th October to showcase the upgrade and welcome potential new members.

Special offer: if you bring a family member or friend and they join, you’ll both receive £30 credit on your swipe cards.

Sponsorship

As we wind down the 2025 summer season, we’d like to thank all our sponsors for their generosity. Thanks to them, we’ve been able to grow, support juniors, and develop new projects across the Club. We’re hugely appreciated of their support and to David Binns who has spearheaded the initiative.

Grass Courts

The grass has played superbly this year, with excellent feedback from members and visitors alike. Winter renovations will begin today, Friday 12th September, starting with Section 1 and working through the sections over the weekend.

The Bubble

Summer rates for the bubble end this weekend. From Sunday 14th September, fees return to regular pricing. Please continue to book and pay as usual.

TNT Sports

TNT Sports is now installed at the Club. Tomorrow we’ll be showing Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest at 12.30pm. With plenty of other football and sporting occasions to be shown throughout the season. Keep your eyes on our socials to see what’s coming up!

Junior Tennis | Social Sessions

Our holiday Camps have been a great success, and it’s been wonderful to see so many juniors on court. Regular Saturday social sessions restart on Saturday 13th September, in line with our other term-time groups. For details, please email the coaching team at neetacademyhq@gmail.com.

Swimming Pool

Thank you to everyone who’s enjoyed the pool this summer. Junior swimming is now finished. Adult swimming continues through September, with the pool closing for the season on Sunday 28th September.

Christmas at the Club

Ding dong! Our festive programme has now launched and bookings are open. Please contact Jess in the office at events@fosltc.com to secure your spaces. Or to see all our plans and events click HERE

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Upcoming Events

• Saturday 20th September – Wedding & Events Fair. More information HERE
• Sunday 21st September – Roast Sunday Lunch is Back! Book HERE
• Friday 26th September – Macmillan Coffee Morning, 10am – 12noon
• Saturday 4th October – Gym Open Day
• Saturday 18th October – 80’s, 90’s & Queen Night. Tickets HERE
• Sunday 19th October – Roast Sunday Lunch. Book HERE
• Saturday 25th October – The Philomena Dwyer Literary Lunch with Lisa Jewell (Frinton Literary Festival). Tickets at Caxton Books, 55 Connaught Avenue
• Saturday 22nd November – Dinner with Iain Dale (Frinton Literary Festival). Tickets at Caxton Books, 55 Connaught Avenue
• Saturday 29th November – Christmas Market, 11am–3pm

And finally, for dog owners and walkers, please save the afternoon of Saturday 11th October for a group walk (with refreshments). More details soon.

That’s your lot for now. Thank you for making this summer one of our best yet. Have a great week!

James Max
Club Chairman