Dear Member,

After nearly 7½ years as Chairman of Frinton-on-Sea Lawn Tennis Club, I believe it’s the right moment to refresh our leadership and bring new energy to the Board. I will be stepping down from the role of Chair, particularly as I have taken up the Presidency of the Royal Albert Hall, and now feels like the right time to hand over the reins.

At a recent meeting, Victoria Kunzer confirmed she wished to step down from her role, and after nearly six years as Treasurer, Clive Allenby has decided not to seek re-election. Richard Noel has indicated a willingness to stand as a Director at the AGM to provide continuity if required with a view that he also wishes to step down after a transition period.

Since 2018, we’ve achieved a great deal together: a rebrand and new strategy; navigating Covid; better facilities and new sports; a livelier social calendar; simplified membership options whilst almost doubling our membership; stronger coaching programmes; and key improvements such as renovating the thatched roof and installing LED lighting on the bubble courts. We have also strengthened how the Club is run — improving governance, contractual arrangements and financial control — putting us on a firmer, more professional footing. With more change on the way, including new gym equipment in October and our plans for padel, the Club is in better shape today than it has been in a long time, thanks to the hard work of our staff, the dedication of the Board, and the support of you, our Members.

Challenges remain: maintaining our facilities, delivering value for members, keeping our events fresh, and continuing to evolve. Our four guiding pillars — Contemporary, Retrospective, Welcoming and Proud — remain as relevant as ever.

Which brings me to you. At our AGM on Friday 17th October, we must restructure the Board and appoint new leaders. To do that, we need Members willing to step up. Most urgently, we require a new Club Treasurer, alongside others prepared to join the Board and keep driving the Club forward. Yes, it’s demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding.

In terms of the Board:

• Gavin Downing will remain on the Board.

• David Binns, co-opted at the end of 2024, will need his position formally ratified at the AGM.

• As part of our succession planning, we have recently co-opted Elizabeth O’Connell and Graham Quinton to the Board. Their positions will also need to be ratified at the AGM.

The size of the Board has no maximum, but there is a minimum of five. We’ll be looking for other volunteers too. The Club’s Chair is determined by the Board, it’s not a position that’s elected. And the role of President is appointed by the Board on an annual basis. I have indicated a willingness to remain involved at the Club in a non-voting capacity. To assist with succession and to ensure the progress we’ve made isn’t lost. We’ll publish the process in good time to allow Members to put themselves forward for election and to explain how the AGM will be conducted in line with our Articles. Our President, Martin Tinsley, will convene the meeting. 

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as your Chair. I will always be proud of what we’ve achieved — together with the Board, our staff and you, our Members and hugely grateful for the support you have given us. I will remain on hand to support the transition. But for the health of the Club, there must be evolution — not revolution — in how we govern ourselves. Now it’s time to hand over this prestigious position to a new team.

So, if you’re interested in getting involved and would like to find out more, please do get in touch.

Kind regards,
James Max
Club Chairman