Hello!

Well, now I’m back from holidays, I can see that Autumn has truly arrived. Yes, there may be a few days of unexpected summer next week. But the conkers are here, the autumn berries, apples and pears ready for picking and the last of the tomatoes are being persuaded to turn red. That’s if you grow them, of course. At this time of the year, if the weather does suddenly turn nice again, I am often asked why we didn’t leave our lovely grass courts open for another week or two. The simple answer is this. We have an agreement with Cromer Tennis Club to assist Steve and Craig with our courts. Twice a year they come down to help us prepare them for opening of the season and for the works to refurbish and repair them at the end of the season. And on a few other matters as and when we need assistance. These visits need to be booked ahead. And we take a judgement on when’s best to do so. Because for a grass court to be in truly fabulous condition for the next season, after the works are done, the courts and new growth need to take place before winter sets in. That gives the grass a better chance to have second growth when it comes to spring. And as we saw this year.. makes our grass courts play better. That all said, of course we want to have as long a playing season as possible and we always review the situation. And will do so again for 2024. Meanwhile a huge thanks to Steve and Craig who along with Pete and Matt from Cromer Lawn Tennis Club have had an epic week of activity to undertake these works. 

AGM – 2023

Meanwhile, there’s a lot of preparation underway for our Club’s AGM. All that’s to be said now is that we’d like you to mark your diaries for Friday 20th October at 6pm. We’ll have the opportunity to review the year, discuss strategy, take your questions and have a few drinks too! We’ll let you have more details closer to the time.

Here’s this week’s news.

Events & Hospitality

On behalf of the Board, Members and all our staff, I’d like to welcome Georgia Powell to the Club. Georgia has taken over from Rebecca as our Wedding & Events Manager. Welcome Georgia! As she gets settled into her new role, we wish her every success in taking over this busy position. Please do pop into the office to say hi! And of course we’d like to extend our thanks to Rebecca Williamson who has made a fabulous impression with us over the past year in elevating our events and wedding offer. Georgia will be focussed on our Sunday lunches, events and festive activities as well as planning ahead. And we’ll have more from her once she’s got up to speed. If there’s a party you’d like to hold or an event you’re interested in, please do get in touch! Georgia@fosltc.com

Bar Prices

You will recall that I previously mentioned that alcohol duties were increased on 1st August but we were holding all of our prices until around the end of September. We’ve now fully analysed the duty increases together with non-duty related price increases and have taken the decision to raise the prices of some beers, wines and spirits. These increases have been kept to a minimum with very few changes to beers and spirits and less than 50% of wines being increased.

Roast Sunday Lunches

Today is your last chance to book for this week’s Sunday’s Roast Lunch! Please click HERE for our menu or to book. 

Our next Sunday Lunch will be held on Sunday 8th October. And this lunch will have a slight difference as we’ll be welcoming some special guests to the Club. A trio of Women’s Croquet Champions. We’ll have more details next week. However the menu and online booking is in place now, so please click HERE to find out more or to book your table! Don’t forget, non-members are welcome so why not ask your family and friends to join you?

Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning | Friday 29th Sep from 10am

Once again we’ll be holding an event at the Club to raise money for this important charity. Please don’t forget to come along and support this great cause. 

Whether you’ll rustle up a home-baked bonanza or pop to the shops for ready-made supplies, anyone and everyone can get involved. More details from the office. 

This is always a great opportunity to catch up with your friends whilst enjoying some delicious cakes and rising money for a very worthwhile charity. See you next week!

Women’s Squash Week | Free Taster Session | Tomorrow Saturday 23rd Sep 

Whether you want to learn to play, or take your game to the next level we are here to help! All squash equipment will be provided so there is no excuse for you not to come and try this fun and game.

Squash is a fantastic sport and can be played all year round. We have two heated squash courts and plenty of coaching opportunities catering to all ages and abilities. Please click HERE for more info. 

Squash Club Championships 

For those of you who are more advanced squash players … please don’t forget to sign up for our annual championship event. Sign up sheets are in our foyer and squash court area – but please be quick, sign-up deadline is 1st of October! 

Tennis Half-Term Camps 

We know it’s still weeks away, but it’s good to be organised. That’s what people tell me anyway. Our sessions are a great way for your junior players to improve their tennis skills, make new friends, and have fun. Our camps will be taking place on Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th October from 9:30am until 12pm. Please click HERE for more information or to book your place. 

Gym and Fitness Classes

Two new fitness classes starting next week! Our classes offer welcoming, inclusive, and friendly classes for all fitness goals. Non-members are welcome and it’s only £7 per class.

Come and try our new classes:

Shake & Shimmy (dance class) on Tuesdays from 6-7pm, starting on 26th September.

And

Bounce & Burn on Saturdays 11-11.45, starting 30th September.

We are getting booked up quickly, so please reserve your space HERE asap!

Frinton Literary Festival – 25th – 29th October 

Many of the events are nearly or at capacity. However there are a few spaces available for the fabulous Arthur Parkinson, who will be talking about his book Chicken Boy on Friday 27th October at the McGrigor Hall from 7pm and the writing a bestseller masterclass with Suzy Quinn on Sunday 29th October at the Frinton & Walton Yacht Club from 11am. All the details are here: www.frintonliteraryfestival.co.uk And of course we look forward to welcoming the one and only Miriam Gargolyes to our Club on Saturday 28th October for the Philomena Dwyer Literary Lunch. 

Christmas Parties & Christmas Lunch 

We would be delighted if you could join us for an evening of festive cheer, delicious food, great music and company.

Our parties are being held on 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th December. Please make sure you get organised with your friends and family soon as our bookings keep coming in pretty fast. Please click HERE or get in touch with Georgia for more info. 

Sunday Christmas Lunch | 17th Dec 

It’s a special one! At £28.00 per person for a festive feast of 2 Courses and we will be serving: 

Traditional Roast Turkey, 28-day Dry Aged Roast Rump of Beef, Baked Fillet of, Baked Fillet of Salmon, Mushroom and Spinach Tartlet.

Our Christmas lunches are always very popular, so please book your table soon! Menu and online booking is available HERE. 

That’s it for now. Have a great week!

James Max

Club Chairman