Hello!

We’re truly getting stuck into January and WHAT a lot of new news! And plenty for you to do and get involved with at the Club! So let’s dive straight in…

Gym
We have our special Gym Open Day(s) all set up for Friday 28th and Saturday 29th January. Would you like a FREE personalised Fitness Analysis using Technogym’s Tanita INBODY equipment? I thought so. Please do sign up to come and have a look. AND, even more importantly, please do spread the word to anyone who might be interested in finding out more about the gym, our Club and what we’re up to. Technogym are not only bringing some amazing kit but we have our team on hand too (and maybe a few snacks too) and it should be a fun event. I pursue the mantra to ‘get fit not fat’ and this is a way for you to get involved too! We have amazing gym equipment, plenty of assistance, classes and ways for you to get involved. You can find out more details here.

Keeping in Touch
Our website is much more up to date but so’s our Facebook page and Instagram account too. If you’d like to follow us… we’d love you to keep in touch! Our links are here Facebook and Instagram.

Tennis
This year The Colchester and District League is different! Not only is there post pandemic excitement for the competition to return. But it’s bigger and better and if YOU want to get involved, YOU can!

All you have to do is sign up. We are looking for the strongest teams AND you can play too, because… we’re entering more teams! If you’d like to be considered for a team and haven’t already registered, please let the office know. Sign up sheets will up next week.

In previous years there have been many players who were really keen to play but unfortunately did not get to compete in any matches. We are trying to address this and have been successful in entering more teams this year. So please do let us know if you’re up for it and we’ll do all we can to make sure you get to play. As always there may be some debate as to who should be in what team (cue the discussions in the bar!) – However, we have a new selection system in place which we hope will help us to play our strongest teams, whilst giving as many of you the opportunity to take part as possible. If you have any questions please speak to Clare Young or Bill Greeno who’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

In other tennis news, we’d like to extend our thanks to Colin Minter who has handed the Men’s B team captaincy over to Louis Parker. We cannot thank Colin enough for his superb leadership, organisation and support as Captain, it has been greatly appreciated. We know Louis will continue the great work and we wish him every success in the role and for the team! Maddie Combes has taken over from Anne and Helen Cosby for Ladies A. Thank you to Anne and Helen for all their hard work and leadership. And thanks to Maddie for stepping up! We know how dedicated and committed you and your team are – And of course we wish you and the whole team well for the forthcoming season. Good luck!

Please don’t forget that David is available year-round for all your tennis equipment needs. The shop hours and contact details can be found here.

Grounds and Croquet
You might think that once winter arrives, so we pack up and leave the grass to itself. But that’s not the case. Spiking, maintenance and mowing has all been under way! Steve has been very busy indeed and the preparations for the 2022 summer season continue. There is some sign of life too for the new Croquet lawn. Whilst we may need to do some more seeding after the floods, we’re keeping a close eye on the conditions.

As for croquet, if you are interested in playing or getting in touch – please do so. We are on the hunt for experienced and novice players alike. If you want to find out more, please get in touch via the office.

Old Balls Please!
What to do with old tennis balls? I mean, there are only so many you can keep around the house because the dog might want one. But we have a new way to put them to good use. How about recycling our used tennis balls with Recycaball? They provide used tennis balls and cash donations to various charities in the UK. Please bring your used tennis balls to the office and we’ll sort from there!

Squash
The ‘Play Squash’ squash coaching programme at FOS|LTC “hit off” with gusto this term with our regular junior programmes on a Wednesday at 5pm and 6pm followed by the women’s session at 7pm. It’s great to see a number of new players, especially in the women’s session who were trying squash for the first time. And you’re welcome to join in too. All the details are on the website.

Our new junior U11s session on Mondays at 4.30pm, which is free this half term for new participants, has been super popular. This may well produce our squash stars of the future!

We still have a few places on our sessions. Come along and have the first coaching session for free. All U11s sessions are currently free.

And please watch this space for details on our half term programme.

Meanwhile for those of you interested, our Monday and Thursday ‘squash club nights’ are proving popular, with a good range of mixed abilities playing – so if you’re interested, it could be for you too! All the details are here.

Sausages
After the fuss I made about the sausages last week, from the feedback we received, they were bangers (see what I did there?). Anyway, not only were the sausages very tasty but Derek Nash and his band were absolutely sensational. If you’ve not got on board with the Frinton Jazz Club – seriously? Check them out! They’ll be back to the Club later in the year and we are also planning a few extra funky gigs too. Tickets sell out fast – so you might want to get in early. All the details can be found here.

Sunday Lunch
Another fantastic roast Sunday lunch at the Club last week. Chef and the team pulled out all the stops and they’ll be back again in a couple of weeks. So please do book now to avoid disappointment. We’ve posted two new dates (Sunday 6th Feb and Sunday 20th Feb) on the website and you can book there… It’s the perfect venue and place for a really wonderful roast Sunday Lunch. And with different menus every time, why not give it a go? And please do invite your friends, family or even neighbours to join you! Nom! Book Here!

Event Bookings
The summer season is getting really booked up for events and parties. But if you’re thinking of holding an event (big or small!) why not get in touch with us to see what we can do? Email glenys@fosltc.com for details or take a look at the website for more details here.

Cinema on Sea
Yes, they’re back! So we thought you’d like to know. The next event is ‘The Last Dual’, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon, Jodie Comer and Adam Driver. It’s on Saturday 19th February with screenings at 3pm and 7.30pm. For more details call: 01255 851 505.

That’s it for now. Have a great week!

James Max
Club Chairman