Hello,
With the courts being prepared, the evenings becoming lighter and a whiff of summer in the air, our Club is heading into the summer season. And that’s not without quite a bit of work and preparation ahead. Indeed, this Friday evening sees the return of our Member’s evening. This time around, by popular demand, it’s a curry and quiz night. Yes, I’ll be asking the questions, there will be prizes for the winners and a delicious curry served halfway through proceedings. Prepared by Chef and his team. There may be a few spare places available. Please contact Rebecca if you’d like to join us.
Last week we said goodbye to Hannah who departed us for new adventures. She’s moved to Dubai for a new role with an international airline. We thank her for her hard work organising our events and contribution to the Club. Meanwhile we also say goodbye to Charles Grundy who has been working with head Tennis Coach, Peter Richmond and Neet Academy. We’re certainly sad to see him go and wish him well in his next endeavours. Meanwhile, Pete will be announcing his replacement plans in due course. More of what we’ve been up to in a mo. First, however, to more sombre matters.
It’s with great sadness to let you know that John Anderson has died. Although not unexpected we’re hugely saddened to hear this news from Susie to whom we all wish to send our heartfelt condolences at this sad time. John Anderson’s funeral will take place at 2pm on 24th May at St Michael’s Church, Kirby Le Soken CO13 0EF.
From my perspective John was an enthusiastic, warm and engaged Member. It was he who persuaded us to bring croquet back to the Club. And he and Susie who enthusiastically brought others in to join our Club and to put croquet into our orbit again. We mourn his passing and are thankful for the legacy he leaves behind. I thought you may wish to read two tributes received from Richard Everett and our President, Martin Tinsley;
Tributes to John Anderson
‘John was a lovely man—one of the very best. He always made time for a game of croquet, and my enduring memories of him are filled with hard-fought matches, where the victories would regularly swing between us. As the years went by and he found it more difficult to cope with the walking involved in the game, it became a light-hearted tactic of mine to keep him on his feet. Of course, John would always have his revenge, using his sharp mind and clever tactics to turn the game in his favour.
John played croquet all over the world. He found some frustration in America, where despite the excellent lawns, the peculiar concept of “deadness” often disrupted the flow of the game. Back home, he was a long-standing member of the croquet headquarters in Cheltenham, where he competed with distinction.
What many may not realise is that John was the true founder of modern-day croquet at Frinton. During an AGM of the lawn tennis club, when seeking new ways to attract members, it was John who suggested croquet as a game that could thrive. The creation of the croquet lawn and the establishment of the Club were largely thanks to his vision and drive. Together with his wife Susie, he became the first chairman of the croquet section, and the two of them were instrumental in growing the membership. Even after stepping down from his leadership role, John continued to champion the Club’s progress. The AC Doubles Trophy—named in honour of both John and Susie, who were also its first winners—stands as a lasting tribute to their contributions.
John will be fondly remembered by all Club members—not least for his calm and gentle nature, and for the guidance and coaching he offered new players with such skill and generosity. He will be greatly missed by all of us.’ Richard Everett
‘We had reached AOB at the AGM some 5 years ago when a very well-spoken and dressed gentleman stood up and made a compelling case to bring croquet back to FOSLTC.
I got to know John and Susie a little better after that introduction and was sufficiently motivated by John’s enthusiasm and support to roll up my sleeves along with the support of several helpers to get the Croquet ball rolling.
I hadn’t realised at the time that John was also President of the Ferrari Owners Club so it was obvious to me we had more in common.
He clearly had a passion for certain things in life and was an exceptional communicator with an ability to create enthusiasm amongst others.’ Martin Tinsley
Meanwhile, it’s on to this week’s news;
Grass Courts | Update
This week, we’ve welcomed the team from Cromer Tennis Club, to help Steve and Craig prepare our grass courts ready for the summer season. They really look splendid!
We’ll announce the opening date soon. Please stay off the courts for now, as we’ve just laid a last coat of fertiliser to ensure they are at their best this year. We’ll let you know as soon as they are ready for play!
Harris Hawk
We’re always on the hunt for new Members (welcome to those of you who have recently joined!) and we’re always pleased to welcome you, whoever you are! This Harris Hawk was found in Steve’s shed earlier in the week and seemed reluctant to leave – another new joiner perhaps? We’re not sure how long it was in there. After some activity on social media, the bird was reunited with its owner.
Colchester & District | Update
Match updates this week:
We’ve had Ladies A and Ladies B play each other on Wednesday evening. The score ending in 9-0 to Ladies A. A big thankyou to this year’s NEW sponsor for the Ladies A Team Sparling Solicitors and co-sponsors for both the A and B team, Clacton Pier Company LTD, Grover & Son Ltd and db consulting.
Yesterday night we had our Men’s D team played Dedham B and unfortuantely Frinton lost after some very close games 5-4.
Tonight, we have Ladies C team playing Colchester Officer Club D. Play starts from 6.30pm
To view our other matches and results head HERE
FOSLTC | Summer Open Day!
Our Summer Open Day is Saturday 17th May. We have plenty planned over the day with taster sessions, exhibition matches, swimming, our Poolside Kitchen will be open and more! To view our whole day’s activities please see HERE. We’ll also have local band After Hours performing from 6pm. Tickets are just £5 each and can be purchased HERE
Please remember to tell family and friends and help us spread the word!
We have a range of special membership offers on the day, including this one. It’s a NEW special offer this year. If you are a current sporting member and bring along a family member or friend and they sign up on the day as a sporting member, you’ll both receive £30.00 on your swipe card!
Bar Assistant
We’re looking for a Bar Assistant to join our team ready for the summer season ahead!
* Previous experience is welcome but not essential as training will be provided.
* Must be over the age of 18 due to the service of alcohol.
* You must be able to work well in a team, but also independently.
* Good customer service skills with attention to detail.
* A friendly & calm demeanour when dealing with members and customers.
* Ability to multitask and remain organised during a busy period.
If you are interested or would like more information, please email our Bar Manager Mark, mark@fosltc.com
Our NEW Events Manager
We’re excited to announce that Jessica, our new Events Manager, starts on Friday 2nd May! She’ll be taking over from Hannah who was a wonderful and hard working member of our team. Jessica will be tasked to push our events forward and develop new ideas and formats to add to our busy schedule. In the meantime, Rebecca will be covering, any queries please send them to events@fosltc.com.
Upcoming Events
Saturday 17th May – FOSLTC Summer Open Day, for more information click HERE
Saturday 17th May – Live Music, After Hours, £5.00 ticket per person, to buy click HERE
Please note that whilst Kim is away from the 29th April until the 9th May and as we are a little short staffed during the transition, the office will be closed on Tuesday 29th April, Tuesday 6th April & Thursday 8th April, however the bar will be open as usual for any queries.
That’s your lot for this newsletter. Please do book your courts and classes, spread the word and pop down to visit us soon!
Have a great week.
James Max
Club Chairman
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