Hello,
And so the rain keeps on pouring down! I’ve never known there to be so much wet weather. And so much flooding at the Club! We are hoping that no damage has been done to our grass courts but we’ll be monitoring the situation as well as having conversations with the Golf Club, adjoining landowners and the water authorities to see what we can do about the recurring situation. That said, apart from a few days in the coming week – dryer conditions are on the way.
Meanwhile the Board has met and a few salient matters to keep you updated! First a huge thank you to Gavin Downing for putting his name forward to join the Board. As you may know, Gavin has been a long serving committee Member having been responsible, now with Jack Bruce, for Squash. Under their guidance, the Club has significantly increased Squash Membership, upped activities, arranged coaching and integrated the Club’s activities and competitions too. We’re delighted to welcome Gavin. He’s co-opted onto the Board for now until our next AGM.
I’d also like to thank Martin Tinsley, our Club President, for stepping up to the plate in recent months by agreeing to be a voting Member of the Board. He can now revert to his previous role, as President. He’s invited to attend Board meetings, giving advice in a non-voting capacity. Thank you Martin!
We’ll be making a formal announcement in respect of next year’s subscription rates next week as well as publishing our plans for the coming months.
Meanwhile here’s this week’s news including a range of events for March and April, including a rather special wine pairing dinner to be hosted by our very own Club President, Martin Tinsley! The details are set out below. We hope you’ll want to book up and get involved with!
Sporting News
FOS-CQT Charity One-ball Competition | Wednesday 3rd April
A date for your diary! And to get involved… We are planning to hold a heat of the Croquet Association’s Charity One-ball Competition on the Wednesday 3rdApril starting at noon. Whilst this is a national competition (and there’s an opportunity to go to a national final if you want), it’s really a chance to get people together, raise some money for charity and have a fun day.
One ball is an easy game to learn designed to be played by players of both Association Croquet and Golf Croquet, with each game taking about 30 minutes. The game is played using handicaps so everyone has a chance of winning.
If you have more questions or want to enter please contact Stephen Mills (stephen@smills.co.uk). Early indications of your intention to enter would be very welcome (so we can get an idea of numbers and hence competition format). Cut off for entries is 1st April (Easter Monday).
Junior Tennis Coaching
If you’re looking for your children to start playing tennis or to improve their game, joining our friendly and professional coaching team can be a fantastic way to kick-start their tennis journey.
Children are taught to play and compete confidently in a secure environment
6 week course • 8:1 coaching ratio • from £34.20 for 6 weeks
LTA Accredited coaches run courses for children aged 4–18, packed full of fun games and dynamic training. We want kids to bring all their energy to tennis; no ‘quiet please’ needed here! Click HERE to book or for more info.
Junior 11 and Under Club Sessions | Saturdays 2-3pm
There’s NO club sessions on the 24th Feb because it’s half term…..BUT our usual operation on Saturday the 2nd March will be in full swing! The children are having an absolute blast, playing and having fun with their tennis friends. Don’t let your little one miss out and let them join in the fun! All junior members and affiliate members are welcome and our sessions and because of the incredible financial support from our friends at Clacton Pier, these sessions are free.
Social Events
WINE PAIRING DINNER – SOUTHERN RHÔNE | 7pm Saturday 13th April
We are now able to publish our menu for the above event which is priced at £75 per guest.
Martin Tinsley will present a ‘tour’ of the area based upon his motoring trips and experience of holidaying in the area and all that it has to offer, culturally and gastronomically. There will be 5 carefully selected wines from fizz to dessert wine to accompany the following menu, typical of the locality, crafted in conjunction with our resident chef, Paul Wharrier.
Menu
Pissaladière (a speciality French flatbread with regional toppings)
Starter
Gravadlax of salmon GF – With Moutarde de Meaux Pommery dressing, French bread croutes, salades et mache
Or
Baked French Goats cheese with honey mustard dressing V
Main Course
Lamb de Mont Ventoux GF – Slow braised marinated steak with garlic, thyme and rosemary. Served with ratatouille and gratin dauphinoise.
Or
Ratatouille filled parcels- Served with French beans and gratin dauphinoise
Dessert
Crepes Suzette GF- Classical French dessert with orange grand Marnier and caramel- Served with vanilla ice cream.
Former Evening Standard Food & Wine critic, Steve Pryer, will be on hand to fill in any technical gaps!
The event will be limited to ten tables, so please either build a table or book as inviduals to join other like-minded individuals.
You can book HERE.
Band Night | Stiff in the Morning | Friday 1st March
Get ready for a great night of music and fun! The local band ‘Stiff in the Morning’ will be rocking our ballroom from 8 pm onwards. Please get your tickets now, they won’t be available on the door. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.
Mother’s Day Sunday Lunch | 10th March
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we’ve organised a lovely lunch for your mum or nan at the Club. Our chef will be serving: Roast Rump of Beef, Roast Whole Chicken, Pan Roasted Salmon and Somerset Brie and Leek Wellington with some absolutely delicious desserts. Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 10th and make your mum feel special. Last year’s event was very well attended and we expect this one to be busy too! Please click HERE for menu or to book your table.
Easter Sunday Lunch | 31st March
Celebrate this Easter with us and join us for a lovely two-course meal at the club. Invite your family and friends and enjoy a tasty meal together. Click HERE to see our menu and to book your table.
FOS|LTC Sportswear
Now is the best time to refresh your wardrobe for the upcoming season. From trendy bucket hats to cosy gilets, we’ve got a full range of bespoke Club sporting kit. Please check out our online store HERE.
100 Club | Fundraising Initiative
If you’re interested in becoming involved in our new fundraiser… the 100 Club with monthly cash prizes and a super way to raise money for your Club – click HERE for more details or enquire at the office.
Don’t forget that Thursday Night is Games Night at the Club – with a range of games to play in the ballroom and bar – offers on drinks and a great fun social evening. And all our usual sporting activities, Club play and classes continue. All the details can be found on the website.
That’s it for now. Have a great week.
James Max
Club Chairman
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