Kingswood Lawn Tennis Club

GREAT TEAMWORK

The Tennis Club continues to improve facilities for members with our latest project, the upgrading of court flood lights from halogen to LED. A vote at a recent general meeting was unanimously in favour of this much greener, cleaner way of lighting our courts, not only improving lighting quality but reducing electricity consumption. The new lights will be installed early in 2023.

Handicap Tournament. The club launched a new competition called “Handicapped Mixed Doubles”. Ladies and gents interested in playing, were drawn from a hat and paired to make teams of varying strengths. Weaker pairs were given additional game points to ensure match play was balanced. The first round was very exciting as no one knew who would make it through! Nothing was predictable given the team handicaps. It has been a great success with over 60 members entering. Interest in the tournament has been the season’s focal point with conversations like “who are you playing with?”, “did you get through to the next round?” and “who is in the semi final?” as a few examples! We are now at the semi-final stage with Jane Bevan & James Faulkner playing Didi Hyde & David Smith, and Gillian Wyatt & Steve Hyde playing Louise Clark & Andrew Winyard. The important thing about the tournament is it mixes up players of varying standards who, in many cases, would never get to play against each other. I can see this becoming a regular event.

Last Friday of the Month (LFM) This year we have tried to increase the interaction of club members with various social events. The Last Friday of the Month drinks evening is becoming more and more popular and our fabulous bar area is getting well used at last! We specifically invite new members to come and ‘break the ice’ with members, who are always ready to chat about the club, the tennis and everything in between! Members of the club and their visitors are always welcome, so make a note in your diary for 6:30pm on the last Friday of every month.

NSPCC Ladies Tournament Another annual highlight is the NSPCC Ladies tournament organised and overseen by Jane Hollington. Ladies choose their partners for the event and are allocated a court for play. Thanks to Graeme & Carrie Barden and Chris & Caroline Houlding for volunteering the use of their lovely garden courts. Each pair played 7 games and the pair with the highest score and the runner up, then played

Clubhouse Bar for Night Purple

NSPCC Finalists 2022

a semi final and the final at KLTC on the astro courts. Winning the tournament were Cheryl Agius & Ruth Eppey, with runners up Jane Chalkey & Alex Martin. A delicious lunch was laid on in the club house served by the committee of the NSPCC.

Halloween Party The club has created a tradition over the years, thanks to Joel and Amanda Wormald, of holding a Halloween Party for our junior members and their friends. This has to be one of our most popular and well-attended events. This year Gill Hyde and Brian Jeffereys took over the organisation of the event and, with 57 children and their parents, we filled the clubhouse. The costumes were amazing with everyone getting into the spirit of the event. The kids were spell-bound by magician “Richie” who bemused and amused everyone the entire afternoon! Pre-ordered sandwiches with snacks and a drink were given to the kids. Parents could sit back and relax with a drink from the bar while the kids partied. The club house was buzzing with excitement. It was a fun-filled afternoon, one that I’m sure the kids won’t forget.

Christmas Our annual Christmas party will be on 17th December in the clubhouse. Thanks to Brenda and Peter Wormald who have, for many years, organised this event. This year promises to be another wonderfully festive occasion with everyone dressed in their finest Black Tie wear. Reception drinks will be served from 6:45pm, followed by a three course Christmas Meal. Food choices will be available, dietary requirements will be taken, so don’t think only turkey will be served. Once the plates have been cleared, there will be dancing for the rest of the evening. Book your place on the list on the club’s outside notice board, or Whatsapp Brenda on 07771677300. All are welcome.

Boxing Day The traditional Boxing Day agenda consists of tennis, mince pies and mulled wine. Come from 10am for much needed fresh air and exercise after Christmas Day indulgences. To keep the Christmas spirit going, finish off with a festive mince pie and a glass of mulled wine.

There is so much that goes on at Kingswood Lawn Tennis Club, much more than just tennis as you can see above. Of course tennis forms the core of our club but we like to spice things up with a social calendar for members, their family and their friends to be a part of a warm, welcoming sports club on their doorstep.

As Chair, I’d like to thank my committee for the strong support they have given and the numerous hours they have dedicated during this very busy period. Great teamwork making KLTC a great club for all.

Paul Hawker Chair