Club Update 27th October

Dear ‍ ‍

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Club Chair

It is with great sadness we announce that Leal Ignatius, club chair, has decided for family reasons to step down from his role. Leal was elected club vice-chair in 2019 and subsequently club chair only last month, but in his short term in office contributed immensely to the development of the club. He invested a great deal of his personal time into the many recent improvements in our facilities from which we now all benefit. His hard work, energy and positive spirit will be greatly missed, and the whole club owes him a debt of gratitude for everything he achieved at SLTSC.

The Managing Committee will meet shortly to make arrangements for a general meeting of the membership to elect a new club chair. We provisionally expect the SGM to be held in the afternoon of Saturday 11^th December so please save the day.

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Tennis Committee

The TC has been invigorated by the influx of new committee members who were elected at the AGM, and many welcome enhancements in the way tennis is run at Sheen are already underway. The TC has elected Mary-Pat Rose as its new chair following Ollie Knutton’s wish to hand over the reins after three years. Ollie introduced great improvements in the TC during his tenure as tennis chair, and the MC would like to thank him on behalf of the tennis membership for all he contributed.

One of Ollie's most important initiatives is for the TC to have designated volunteers acting as lead contact and representative for the different areas of interest within our now more than 700 tennis members. Should you have a question or suggestion on a particular aspect of tennis at Sheen you can contact the relevant volunteer below, or Mary-Pat as overall tennis chair, using email address tennis@sheenltsc.co.uk ‍

Weekend Tennis Mix-ins

Weekend mix-ins will continue on a Sunday afternoon starting from 2pm until further notice. These are turn-up-and-play sessions so no email invitations will be sent and pre-registration is not required.‍

Tennis Court Bookings

Several tennis members have complained recently that pre-booked courts were not being used. All members are reminded in everyone's interests to cancel their bookings on the system if they find they are unable to make use of a booked court.  

Squash Updates

The squash mix-in is open to all squash members and takes place every Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm. Remember to bring three £1 coins to contribute to the light meters, and please change into non-marking, indoor shoes before playing: we want to keep our facilities in the best shape possible.

Good news! Both the men's and women's changing rooms/showers have been redecorated and are now open for general use. Please note the new keypad installed on the common entrance door with a new code: 1750.

The Sheen Team Squash 2021/22 season is well underway with Mark Wright and Peter Marr running both a Surrey Cup and a Social Side. The format is five singles matches followed by dinner and drinks with both home and away matches. If you currently play in Leagues 1 to 9 and you are interested in playing for the Social Side get in touch with Mark and Peter at squashteams@sheenltsc.co.uk.

Finally, the Sheen Squash Youth Development Programme is running every Saturday afternoon until mid-December, catering for all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Contact Coach Juan Ramlill to sign-up.

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Terrace Redevelopment Project

On Friday 19th November work will commence on the previously announced project to improve the terrace/garden areas at the front and side of the clubhouse. This will greatly improve our very tired terracing and will put an end to the regular flooding of the unsightly old tarmac areas. The finished terrace will be mainly tiled but will also include an astroturfed area and many additional flowerbeds. We hope to have everything completed and looking very smart to welcome in the spring!

The downside of course is that there will be quite a bit of disruption whilst the work is carried out, and this is a big project which will take two/three months depending on how lucky we are with winter weather. We will keep you updated as to how the works are progressing.

Members will still be able to use the clubhouse and bar, but access to these and the rear tennis courts will be through a new walk-way at the rear of the office/coaching office block. There will need to be some temporary closures of the floodlit tennis court #8 to allow materials access over the court but the contractors will minimise these closures as much as possible. Washroom facilities in the clubhouse will be closed but members will be able to use the washrooms/changing rooms in the squash building (the door code is now 1750.)

Do follow signage as the works progress and naturally think carefully about safety as there will be mechanical plant and other hazardous activities on site throughout. Please bear with us while we carry out these very necessary improvements to the club.

Christmas Tennis & Squash Events – Saturday 11th December

It seems early but it is time to start making holiday plans! Please mark your calendar for celebrations at the Club which this year we are planning to hold on Saturday 11th December. There will be tournaments and events for both squash and tennis plus outdoor festivities/refreshments - more information will be forthcoming, but please save the day!!!

Finally, please remember that Covid is not yet behind us. Follow remaining government regulations and sensible social distancing so that we can continue to play our part and keep the club open.

Thank you,

Managing Committee

Sheen Lawn Tennis & Squash Club‍‍