Club News

All members please read, note and act accordingly

I am sorry to inform you that I need to reiterate that the club clubhouse and courts are not to be used by anybody from now onwards.

NO ONE should be using them. Please can all of you make sure that any member with whom you come into contact is aware of this. If they ask you to play, to hit, or to part of a fixed four etc please say no.

I have had a number of complaints and concerns raised both by members and our neighbours that people are still playing. One of them saw someone come out of the clubhouse this morning!

They have even suggested that we remove the nets but from the discussions that I have had with the Head Coach this is no easy task especially as they have not been removed for several years. So we will have to continue to rely on people being sensible and taking this seriously.

We must take account of the Government Guidelines

Stay home Protect the NHS Save lives

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Chairpersons Update March 2020
Coronavirus Alert

Club is closed until further notice.

Following on from the emails that you have already received and the notices displayed around the club, the Committee and I are now giving all members ,friends and guests formal notice that the club is closed until further notice.

We have also closed down the Clubspark booking system and are intending to change the entry system to the main door to ensure your safety at this very difficult time. As a registered LTA venue we are following their advice and using their regular updates to inform our decisions.

We are aware that fresh air and exercise are vital to our health and well being and that some of you may choose to use the courts . Should you do so you should be aware of the club insurance policy which is the standard Public and Employers Liability policy recommended by the LTA and administered through Hiscox Insurance on their behalf . The important section to note is as follows:

• All individuals who take part ,either as administrators,coaches or participants have a Duty of Care to ensure that they do not cause injury or financial loss to anyone or damage to anyones’ property.
• In addition to this if you do decide to carry on playing be advised of the following:
  • courts are only available on a first come, first served (pun intended) basis
  • you must provide your own tennis balls
  • the clubhouse is closed so there is no access to the kitchen,toilets or showers
  • wash your hands before and after playing, without exception, using hand gel
  • only use your own racquet
  • clean and wipe down the equipment including racquets, benches,n et handles

In the meantime the Committee and I are continuing to carry on with ensuring that when play can recommence the club will be ready for you. Work in progress includes replacing the clubhouse lights with LEDs to reduce the electricity bills, cleaning the carpet which is showing signs of wear and tear, repairing/replacing the clubhouse back door leading onto courts 1-3, finalising the new lease arrangements with BPC Council and getting our heads around our revised responsibilities as Charity Trustees.

The end of year accounts are in the process of being completed and we continue to actively review how we can ensure our ongoing financial health so that we can look ahead with confidence in our future.

Thank you for your understanding as together we face the challenges of the present and future. Stay well, fit and positive and we look forward very much to seeing you all on court as soon as possible.

Dear member

I hope you are well. We are getting regular info and advice from the LTA and the government regarding the Coronavirus. They have advised for tennis in Britain to be suspended. We therefore have to advise members that if they wish to play tennis they do so at their own risk and that the use of the clubhouse should be limited as much as possible. There will be no official club sessions during this time.

Following yesterday’s update from the government please
ensure that if you or anyone within their household has a high temperature and/or a new, persistent cough that they self-isolate the whole household for 14 days.

There is further guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

If you are going to continue playing please would you take the following steps to make sure we are keeping everyone as safe as possible;
*Please can you wash hands before and after sessions or wear gloves
*Please limit time spent in the clubhouse
*Please can players remember to bring and use only your own rackets so equipment isn’t shared in any way.

We will keep you up to date with latest information via email and facebook.

Please note that all upcoming events such as the Quiz night will be postponed.

Keep safe

The committee

I have taken on the role to do a skydive for Southbourne Tennis Club, on the 13th of March, to raise money for Disability tennis. This can help donate some equipment for the tennis club meaning it will make tennis possible to those who may have never had the chance to play before. Tennis is an amazing sport so I would love it if a little bit of bravery can give opportunities for many people to experience the joy of tennis!

Since 2012 Southbourne Tennis Club have been giving the opportunity to many people with different impairments and disabilities to participate in tennis. The club currently has over 100 participants a month who have an impairment or disability. We would like to continue and expand the work we currently doing to guarantee opportunities for all.

Thank you for reading my story.

If you would like to support me please donate at
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Shuei-Belcher

Shuei Belcher