Dear Members,

Following yesterdays announcement that the new courts were now open for business I would like to draw your attention to the following points :

(1) The gate locks are temporary (If you did not receive details about the access code please contact us at info@woldinghamtennisclub.co.uk), we are working on a long term access solution which will be less fiddly and provide greater benefit to the club (by collating access data etc.) Further news will follow but at present please use the locks provided which will help us keep the on court equipment!

(2) You may have noticed that by the side of each of the club  access gates there are shoe brushes - please use these  when you access and exit the courts  to avoid contamination / clay loss.

(3) You may also have noticed that in the far right (club-side) corner there is a bright green plastic mat. This is an “ Aussie Sweep “ which is designed to collect debris (leaves , pine needles etc.) when dragged swiftly across the courts. It only works if dragged the correct way up. It is not anticipated that members will need to use this device as we will be looking at engaging someone to take care of that aspect of maintenance. However please note that when not in use the sweep must always be laid flat and not hung or folded.

(4) There are a total of 4 court side sweep/brushes each hung between the courts. As a courtesy to the next players and to ensure the courts are kept in optimum condition please always  brush after you leave the courts. Brushing should be carried out by dragging the sweep behind you with the brushes facing down ( in direct contact with the court ). During play the clay infill naturally moves around the court and particularly to the less and non  played areas. To maintain a good stable bounce across the entire playing surface it is important that the courts are brushed in the same way. Please start the brushing at the outside perimeter ( next to the rear fence and then sweep the whole half side ( for clarity this includes the non playing and playing areas ) in ever decreasing circles so that eventually you end up in the centre of the paying surface. This method of sweeping ensures that clay infill that has been thrown to the non playing areas is returned to the centre of the court. Each player should brush their half of the court - it doesn’t take long and provides a good warm down.

(5) Please then check the lines and if they need cleaning ( which they usually do ) please use the lines sweepers situated next to the brushes. It take a couple of minutes to get used to the pressure needed on these sweepers but when used correctly you obtain a very satisfying bold white line !

(6) In the event of play ending in heavy rain it is best to leave the courts until they have dried ( and if possible return later to brush ) 

I am sure we will all get used to carrying out these steps which will ensure that we have a fantastic playing surface for years to come. Once you have the hang of sweeping it takes just a few minutes!

Our coaches will demonstrate (to music!) on the 22nd - Davis cup day - please try to come along!!

Further news will follow in respect of access and court booking as soon as possible 

Please do not hesitate to contact me or any committee member with any queries

Happy Playing!

Malcolm Henke 
Chairman
Woldingham Lawn Tennis Club