Dear Members,
 
As we come towards the end of 2018 I wanted to write to all of you to recap on events of the last few months but, more importantly to look forward to our plans for 2019.
 
2018:

We delivered the installation of an artificial clay surface over courts 1 to 3 which have proved enormously popular with our members and as the winter approaches should enable continued play in all but the harshest conditions. I am delighted that members have embraced the need to look after these new courts and generally speaking the level of sweeping, line marking and tidying up has been fantastic. I would ask only that all members try to sweep from the outside of the courts inwards in ever decreasing circles so that the sweep brings the clay surface back to the centre of the courts rather than to the area where the brushes are kept.
 
Under the leadership of our head coach Patrick Gorman we increased our coaching programme, introduced free to play Master class sessions and held our first LTA recognised, graded juniors tournament.
 
Membership, School coaching and social events have all increased.
 
And finally in November, Woldingham Tennis Club was accepted for full club registration with the LTA having met all 5 mandatory requirements of the newly created venue minimum standards
 
2019:
 
The next year is going to be a busy one for Woldingham Tennis Club. Projects already discussed, designed and approved by the committee (and due to start within a month or two) include:
 

1. An extensive remodelling of our club house. Our intention is to provide a clubhouse where members will want to spend time both before and after playing. The works will provide much improved facilities for the preparation of food and drinks, leading to the option of club lunches / dinners and events. Extensive internal works are planned and some initial disruption will be suffered but we will do our best to restrict inconvenience to members.
2. New windows, doors and locks are just weeks away and will present a much smarter and warmer environment
3. We are looking to improve the clubhouse exterior both functionally (think the current patio) and aesthetically (its time for a paint) so that the outside of the club will reflect the new interior.
4. We have arranged for the tennis club surrounds to be cleared, cut back and improved and the ongoing cleaning and maintenance programme to continue.
5. Our coaching and competition programme will continue to evolve (particularly important for our younger members) and, for those who still like competition we will shortly send out news of the introduction of a tennis ladder open to all.

As the year progresses I am sure that more ideas will be discussed and further plans created. We are always open to suggestions from all members!
 
Thanks due
 
This year end will be my first as chairman and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my committee members for their tireless work throughout the year. I am not sure that everyone recognises the amount of time it takes to run a club like Woldingham but without the following it simply wouldn’t be possible. I set out each committee members individual responsibility but please remember that each member does so much more:
 
Steve Smith: Deputy Chairman and Facilities - Steve takes charge of all arrangements around infrastructure and building. It is Steve that will oversee this coming years clubhouse improvements.

Tim Rush: Treasurer - Tim has worked wonders with all financial matters this year and under his stewardship we go into 2019 with a healthy budget and able to continue an improvement programme far in excess of that expected of a small village club.

Faye Dykes: Head of Fun - Faye will be known to most of you as the go to person for club events! From open days to Christmas parties, Faye has arguably the most onerous responsibilities of any of us - meeting and exceeding the social demands of all our members.

Stuart Crafer: Club Secretary - Acting akin to the Commons speaker Stu likes to minute our meetings and ensure we all do what we are meant to do  afterwards, no mean task! In addition Stu organises the Club shop , the drop in sessions and provides ad hoc help wherever he can.

Daryl McCartney: - Daryl runs all matters IT including the website , e-mail communication and membership issues, way beyond the pay grade of most of us!

Patrick Gorman: - As our head coach Patrick is taking Woldingham into new heights with individual and group coaching, school programmes, master class sessions and we can expect more in 2019!
 
In Summary
 
To end, can I personally and on behalf of all committee members thank all of you for your continued membership. We welcome ideas and comments, are always looking for volunteers and potential committee members and we very much appreciate your encouragement and support as we drive this club forwards.
 
And finally may I wish you a very Happy and Healthy Christmas and New Year!
 
Best Wishes
 
Malcolm Henke
Chairman
Woldingham Tennis Club