WLTC News

Annual General Meeting 2010

2010-01-12T15:29:00.002Z

Everyone is welcome at the Club's Annual General Meeting taking place on Tuesday January 26 (8pm) in the Mustill Lounge. The event will feature club reports, a financial update and presentations to the players of the year. For those members unable to attend, AGM proxy forms are available at the Club Reception or contact the club manager at clubmanager@wltc.co.uk for more information.

JUNIOR OPEN TOURNAMENT 2009 DRAW

2009-07-17T14:25:00.002+01:00

The draw for this year's open tournament can now be viewed on the junior page of this website.
The draw for the doubles competition will take place on Tuesday 28th July.
Please note that there will be plate competitions and entrants will be advised timings for the consolation events on an ongoing basis.
The U21 competition along with the doubles events will not start until Wednesday 29th.

Waiting List Introduced

2009-05-21T18:40:00.002+01:00

As had previously been advised, with the significant growth in membership, the Management Committee has been closely monitoring court usage and potential capacity challenges. Given the heavy demand for courts, especially during weekday evenings, the Committee has decided to put in a Waiting List system for ‘full adult’ membership with immediate effect. At least for the time being, there will be no waiting lists for either juniors or Mid-week membership categories.
The action is being taken to protect the interests of members.
At the same time the Committee has asked the Tennis Forum to review, as soon as possible, the rules and guidelines governing court allocations, priority usage and rotation when courts are in full use. We are keen to ensure that the allocations reflect the spectrum of playing interests. However, we also have to be mindful of externally imposed rules governing team matches, Non-Member bookings etc.
It is inevitable that there will be certain times when there will be some waiting. We are sure that all members will be mindful and courteous of their fellow members in observing the guidelines which come into force in these circumstances.

WIMBLEDON DRAW TONIGHT

2009-05-12T10:32:00.002+01:00

The Wimbledon Draw will take place tonight 12th May, 2009 in the Mustill Lounge.

Doors open at 6.45pm. The draws rules will be read out at 7.15pm and the draw will commence promptly at 7.30pm.

For those that have ordered the Champagne & Shepherd's Pie supper, this will be available from 6.45pm.

Please park consideratetly as the car park is expected to be overflowing.

Good Luck!!

American Tournament Cancelled

2009-05-01T16:03:00.002+01:00

Unfortunately the American Tournament & BBQ has been cancelled for this Sunday.
Club session will go ahead as usual, weather permitting.

American Tournament THIS SUNDAY!!

2009-04-28T11:16:00.003+01:00

Sign up for the American tournament being held at the club this Sunday 3rd May.
Registration at 9.45am and play starts at 10.00am. No need to enter with a partner as you will be paired up.
The tournament will be followed by a BBQ, hopefully the first of many now that the summer season has started. It's a great way to play with & meet other members.
Tournament entry is £5 to include balls & prizes & the BBQ £4.
Please call the club to add your name or sign up in the lounge. Closing date for entries Friday 2nd May. All members welcome!! (Juniors 14+, 8.1 or higher rating).

Silent Auction

2009-03-23T09:20:00.002Z

The bidding for items in the Silent Auction is now open. The auction is to raise funds for this years Junior Open Tournament.
A list of auction items are below. Members only can bid by email. Please email socialevents@wltc.co.uk stating your name, the item and your bid. Bids will be placed in a sealed envelope & treated in the strictest confidence. Email bidding will cease at midnight on Friday 27th, March
Further secret bids will be taken on the night of the auction. All bids will be opened at the same time with the highest bid winnning the item.

Succesful bidders will be notified on Monday 30th March.

Tickets are still on sale @ £15 to include a hot buffet, a welcome drink & a live band.

AUCTION ITEMS

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at the Berystede Hotel, Ascot
Nadal Babolat Tennis Racket
Meal for 2 at Spices Restaurant in Datchet
Round of golf for 4 at Bird Hills Golf Course
Meal for 2 + bottle of house wine at Stroks restaurant, Christopher Wren Hotel, Windsor
Nike Imara (Ladies) Heart Rate Monitor
Professional handyman (DIY, painter/decorator & much more) for a weekend
A course of 3 coaching sessions – 1 with Andy Mustill, 1 with Steve Conroy and 1 with Stuart Sutherland
Years supply of Chupa Chups lollies
Dinner for 2 at the Runneymede Hotel
6-week Winter Block Booking
Seiko Lorus Gents watch

Happy bidding.

Ladies Team Tennis Day 15th March 2009

2009-03-16T10:16:00.002Z

Another succesful Ladies Team tennis day was held yesterday at the club.
Existing team players joined forces with prospective new members and current members who would like to be considered for the ladies teams.
20 ladies took part in an afternoon of doubles tennis on the indoor courts.
Where possible the ladies played with a different partner for each round (7 games) of the event.
Individual scores were tallied and the overall winner was awarded a prize at the match tea which followed.
The team tennis day is now a permanent fixture on the club's tennis calendar as it helps to identify much needed new talent to support the 5 teams that currently play in the Berkshire leagues. In addition it provides an opportunity for members to meet and forge new playing partnerships.
A good time was had by all.
Thanks to Asa Thoren & Gillian Horrocks-Taylor for organising the play.

Tennis Reports Available

2009-01-30T17:40:00.002Z

The reports from the Junior section & the Tennis Forum as distributed at the AGM are now available for you to read. Junior report CLICK HERE. Tennis Forum report CLICK HERE.

New Indoor Lights a big success

2009-01-23T15:54:00.002Z

The long awaited replacement of the indoor lights was completed shortly before Christmas.
Inefficient & damaged units were replaced by a smaller number of more powerful & energy efficient luminaires.
The project requirements were to at very least achieve the minimum performance levels applied by the LTA on indoor traditionally built tennis centres and to reduce operating and maintenance costs as a matter of sound commercial management.
The installation process was completed well ahead of schedule and with the minimum amount of disruption and loss of revenue.
Feedback so far from those that have played under the new lights is very positive.

FIRST IN BERKSHIRE - CLUBMARK ACCREDITATION

2008-10-15T17:52:00.003+01:00

It's official -Windsor Lawn Tennis Club is the first tennis club in Berkshire to be awarded with Clubmark accreditation.

Clubmark is a cross-sport quality accreditation for clubs with junior sections
Tennis Clubmark is a club’s opportunity to be recognised for achieving excellent standards.
The LTA award Clubmark to proven high quality clubs.

Achieving Tennis Clubmark means the LTA endorses and supports the club’s tennis programme, policies and procedures, action and development planning, and club management.

Clubmark objectives include:
Ensuring the well-being of young people whilst in the care of adults, other than their legal parent(s)/carer(s).
Enthusing young people to enjoy sport and active recreation to build a healthy and active lifestyle.
Enabling young people to use their leisure time creatively.
Allowing young people to optimise their talents and personal ability.
Identifying and supporting the development of the most talented young people.

The benefits of achieving Tennis Clubmark are:
Recognition for the tennis programmes WLTC is delivering, and endorsement from the LTA
Recognition by Sport England, through a well known national scheme that spans across a number of sports
Eligibility to receive LTA funding
Be advertised on the national Clubmark website and the LTA website
Ability to develop partnerships at a local level - many schools and school sport partnerships are requiring that the clubs they work with must have Tennis Clubmark
Use the Tennis Clubmark logo on your clubs literature

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Management Committee to thank all of those that have been involved with me in working towards this accreditation. It has involved a thorough review of the club's policies & procedures & site inspections to ensure that the club is well run, is open & inclusive & delivers a good quality tennis programme and is a safe environment for youngsters.
Clubmark is an ongoing accreditation and the club will be constantly reviewed & monitored thereby ensuring that we continue to deliver the required criteria.

A plaque will soon be presented to us by the LTA . Details of a celebratory event will be announced shortly

Lesley Small

Club Manager

Charity Tennis Tournament in Memory of Kay Mustill

2008-10-13T14:10:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday 24th September, the club was filled with members participating in a handicap tournament in memory of Kay Mustill.
Kay Mustill was, for many years, Windsor Lawn Tennis Club! For over 10 years as Honorary Secretary she handled just about everything related to Club activities. She had an unstinting passion for, and devotion to the well-being of the Club none more than in the year 2000 when the new indoor facility opened and membership trebled. Above all she championed the junior membership and development programme. Everyone who new Kay was charmed by her love of life, friendliness, sense of humour and her warm smile.
The weather behaved itself & play got underway on the outdoor courts soon after 9.30am.
Play continued until 1pm when a buffet lunch was served. The atmosphere was friendly & fun with just a hint of competitiveness! Generous donations of raffle prizes, a silent auction of flower arrangements along with the tournament entry fee and fund matching meant that in excess of £2500 was raised for Thames Hospice Care.
Winners of the tournament were Jenny Miles & Marnie Watson.
Sincere thanks go to Hazel Oakes, Hilary Kolcular, Maggie Smith and all of those that generously donated time & effort to make this a fitting tribute to the memory of Kay who lost her battle with cancer early this year.

JUNIOR OPEN GETS UNDERWAY

2008-07-29T10:27:00.002+01:00

Warm weather yesterday heralded the start of the Windsor Junior Open.
A flurry of early morning activity at the club in preparation for the arrival of the competitors and their entourages, was followed by an almost seemless completion of the opening days matches.
As the temperature soared, the competitors kept their cool under the watchful eye of referee Lucy Taylor and Junior tournament organiser Suni McWalter.
A total of 47 matches were concluded and many of the competitors will return today to play in further rounds or in new categories.
The forecast for thundery showers has not yet affected the order of play and with tomorrows bumper set of matches, when the doubles events also kick in, the organisers are keeping everything crossed for yet another uninterrupted day of entertaining and competitive tennis.

WISH YOU WERE HERE!! A member's account of the Wimbledon Men's Singles Final 2008

2008-07-15T11:39:00.003+01:00

It’s Wimbledon finals day and Richard and I are late. Can u believe it? we've missed the first 3 games. It's 2-1 Roger when we finally get to our seats. Wow man! This is unreal, I’ve been to the Olympics and big sporting occasions but this is a dream come true, we've got the Best seats in the house, right on the service line 12 rows up right behind Roger. Centre court is packed. Richard look over there Bjorn Borg and... Brad Gilbert and 'him with the blonde hair' points out Richard, Boris Johnson. La crème de la crème are here and so are we, I’m in heaven.
Game on, I’m still soaking up the ambience as Rafa takes the first set. Roger had his chances but Rafa would have none of it. The second set goes with serve until Roger breaks, he’s 4-2 up. He's going to win this one I say, Richard agrees. NO! says Rafa and he seals it with a 'vamos'
We're in shock, how could this be? Roger was 2 sets down and we feared it could be over in straight sets. The tennis had been great but nothing compared to what was about to come.
First rain break. We go for a sandwich. ‘Look it's Michael Stich!'. We follow him into the gents. Richard asks ' So Michael who's your money on?’
‘I said roger at the start I’ll stick with Roger’, says Michael.
Back on court the tension is mounting, 3rd set goes with serve; Rafa has his tactic spot on, play Roger's back hand. Roger has been missing it down the line. My brain has gone numb I can't remember when the 1st match point came, but Rafa keeps to his game plan and attacks the back hand. This time Roger nails it, a screamer of a back hand down the line. The crowd goes wild. Chants of Roger! Roger! Roger! echo around centre court and he wins the 3rd on the breaker. We all want it to go the distance, well, I do anyway. The 4th goes to a tie break the tennis is awesome winners from every angle Roger's forehand is travelling at warp speed Rafa's top spin is hitting every line. The 2 best players in the world by far are playing the best tennis the planet as ever seen on the most prestigious court in the world.
Suddenly It all goes quiet! 4th set tie break, Roger is 5-2 down. My heart is in my mouth my all body is shaking I look up to the sky and say’ please don't let it end here' it's over in a flash, Rafa double faults and Roger hits 2 winning serves and wins the set. It's madness. I missed a point somewhere but who cares. It’s 2 sets all. We are sure Roger is going to go on and win it from here. His serve had kept him in the game but we fear that if he was to loose it, it would be game over. He was twice 0-30 and served is way out of trouble.
Text messages are flying in from friends and colleagues’ take me with you next year'
'This is better then the world cup final' 'send me a pic.' 2 all deuce in the 5th. Second rain delay. Quick lets get a coffee
No time, covers are off, we rush back just in time to see Roger serve 2 aces. 3-2 Roger. I had been on the edge of my seat since we sat down but now I was like a yo-yo. The couple on my right had cracked open a bottle of champagne and were high on bubbly, the man next to Richard who missed the two aces cause he came back late thought I was a total nutter. Half the crowd was shouting Roger including me the other half Rafa. It sounded like Ro-fa Ro-fa. The woman in front of me, she couldn't shout! she had a mouth full of strawberries and cream. Surely Roger was going to do it now, he's going to rewrite the history books.
The tennis hits a new level, both players are inventing new shots in each rally, The speed and agility is mind boggling. 3 all, Roger... Rafa chants the crowd... 4-3 Roger. If he breaks now he can serve for the match ... New balls please! Roger gets a new racket, I shout ' get the magic wand Roger' but the body language says it all. Rafa came back after the last rain break really pumped up, his biceps looking bigger then ever and the balls were begging for mercy every time he hit one. 4 all ...5 all... 6all... 7all. It’s 9.05 pm, it's getting dark now, how can they see the ball? I got to hand it to Rafa, I wanted Roger to win so he could make history but Rafa is the man. He was the best player, he took everything Roger threw at him and then broke him. The expectation of history was too much for Roger.He looked tired. 7 all, Roger's first serve has deserted him. I've got my hands over my ears and my head between my knees.
I can't watch...I Miss some points. Roger hits one of his trademark forehand half way up the net, he's in trouble, Rafa then hits a cross court back hand at double warp speed+1 it's a screamer. Roger's head drops Rafa punches the air with a 'si'. Roger hits another forehand in the net exact same shot as the previous one, Rafa has the break. He's the man... really! He could even play another set in total darkness and still hit winners. He serves for the crown. I'm getting my camera ready the end is near, I miss 2 points. Rafa's game plan has been serve the back hand. This time he surprises Roger and hits a 115 mph on the forehand in near total darkness, Roger frames it. Championship point. Rafa serves to the backhand, Roger nails it down the line Rafa just gets it back over the net, Roger comes in like an express train but the ball is so close to the net he doesn't get the top spin to clear it.
It's all over! The king of clay has done it. The once invincible maestro, the man with the magic wand has finally been beaten, not by brute force, but by optimum power under control. Rafa is rolling on the grass, centre court is lit up with flash lights. I take my picture just as the lady with the strawberries stands up, nice pic. Got the back of her head!!!!
Rafa... You are such a beast on court and so humble and respectful in the interview.' rai verri rappy I win'. Yes Rafa u are now amongst the all time greats of tennis. Hail king Rafa! and thank you Rafa, this was one of the best moment of my life. It's been 3 days now and I’m still buzzing.

Patrick Robert

Club Closed Tournament Finals Day

2008-07-14T16:59:00.003+01:00

I am delighted to inform you that Finals Day on Saturday was a huge success, largely because the weather was kind which meant that we were able to witness almost uninterrupted quality tennis the whole day long. Indeed the last match only finished @ 7.30pm!!

The spectators were not disappointed and the majority found it hard to leave as support for Kieran Muir (18yrs) to make club history gathered momentum. Having struck his first ball of the competition at 9.40am and his last, at almost 7.30pm, Kieran remained 'on fire' 'til the end and must be congratulated for being the first member of the club to be in 5 finals (the maximum he was eligible for) and be victorious in all. His attitude & commitment, let alone the quality of his tennis was exemplary. His partners in the doubles events should also be applauded as the weight of responsibility on their shoulders not to 'slip up' must have been enormous.

There were the usual epic battles in the Veterans' matches as 'old war horses' refused to lie down.

It takes a special kind of attitude to play your opponent in a singles final and lose only to have to partner them in a doubles event as was the case in both the boys U18 singles final (Kieran M & Ben Smith) & the ladies singles (Asa Thoren & Juliet Ball).

All in all it was a real celebration of tennis for both young & old and it was a pleasure to witness.
The evening presentations was a more relaxed affair and a fitting end to the day where the winners could revel in the limelight a little longer and accept the congratulations of their fellow members and families.
With the firepits on the terrace and the subtle sounds of the piano wafting through the air the evening stretched ahead into the night. With good humour the evening reluctantly ended and I am sure that there were a few sore heads on Sunday.
Renette Connolly (Club President) accompanied by Dick Van Den Bergh presented trophies to the winners including the annual award to the most improved Junior - Luke Hughes. John Lumley was awarded the junior award for 'Good Sportsmanship'.
Flowers were presented to Helen Miles & Suni McWalter as a special thanks for organising the tournament so well.

Congratulations to all of those who took part in the competition as a whole.

Information about the 'handicap' tournament due to start in September will be issued shortly.

WLTC Club Closed Finals 12.07.08 Results

U16 Girls Singles Tara Lumley (played 04.07.08) 6-2/6-0

U14 Boys Singles George Irwin 6-0/6-1

U18 Boys Singles Kieran Muir 6-0/6-0

Boys Doubles Kieran Muir/Ben Smith 6-7/6-4/6-1

Ladies Singles Juliet Ball 6-2/5-7/7-5

Gentleman’s Singles Kieran Muir 6-3/7-5

Ladies Doubles Tracey & Alison Fordyce 7-5/4-6/6-1

Men’s Doubles Kieran Muir & Ben Smith 6-1/7-5

Mixed Doubles Susan Humphreys/Kieran Muir 6-2/6-4

Veteran Men’s Singles Paul Heckford 5-7/7-5/6-2

Veteran Ladies Doubles Jenny Miles/Marnie Watson 4-6/6-1/6-2

Veteran Men’s Doubles Robin Halliday/Christopher Hewlett 6-3/6-3

Veteran Mixed Doubles Lynn & Paul Heckford 6-1/6-3

Windsor Junior Open 2008

2008-06-12T10:19:00.002+01:00

The Junior Open Entry Form for 2008 is available to download.
Please click on the Junior page and follow the link.

Wimbledon Draw 2008

2008-05-19T12:09:00.001+01:00

There was as usual an air of excited expectation in the Windsor Club lounge on the 6th May ,not because we were expecting any prominent royal visitor to arrive at any moment, no , much more important than that it was the Wimbledon draw !!!!!

The one obvious difference from other years was the reduced number of members present , most likely due to many member`s inability to attend the AGM which disqualified them from this year`s draw . This gave the remaining members greatly reduced odds for coming up trumps for tickets.

I took up my usual place at the bar ordered the delicious food and a beer, and before I could take my first sip ,I heard a familiar voice calling out my name WHAT ,first out of the hat , couldn`t be true .Great balls of fire I thought to myself I really made it this year.And then the dilemma (in previous years the choice was limited , but now the whole of Wimbledon was at my feet) eventually after much soul searching I went for the 2nd Thursday,which also happens to be my birthday aaaah nice eh? then of course the painful bit ,paying for the tickets,pricy, but worth every penny, it`s just such a great day out . I hung around the bar for another hour or so commiserating with those who didn`t get any tickets & comparing notes with those who did, it was a well organized evening , with everyone enjoying the atmosphere in the newly refurbished clubhouse.

Martin J Morris

Planning Permission Granted

2008-05-16T17:01:00.002+01:00

Planning permission for the proposed redevelopment of the function room & therapy room was granted on 14th April 2008.The integration of these two ground floor areas along with some additional space behind court three will give way to a suite of self contained physiotherapy consulting rooms with a seperate entrance from the car park.The work is currently out for tender and will be awarded by the end of next week.It is envisaged that the redevelopment work will commence early June with an expected completion by the end of July in time for the new tenants to take occupancy.Utilisation of the integrated space will not only provide a steady source of income for the club but will hopefully be of use to members 'on the doorstep'. Revised plans will be on display soon in the Mustill Lounge.

Tinsel Tennis Tournament by David Oldcorn

2007-12-18T16:39:00.000Z

On Sunday the 16th December eight keen enthusiasts took part in the Tinsel Tennis Tournament. Those who played enjoyed some good tennis, all playing seven lots of 5 games, with different partners and opponents each time. Most matches were very close, a 3 to 2 result being the norm, but ultimately Peter Chambers and Lucy Henning were declared worthy winners and received a fine bottle of wine each, whilst the second best scores were obtained by Charles Winterton and Sukie Bhart who each received a new can of tennis balls. Perhaps the highlight of the afternoon, however, was the appetising reward for all, of scrumptious mince pies and a glass of wine, all consumed with much seasonal chatter.

Junior Christmas Party

2007-12-18T16:26:00.000Z

The juniors have had a very successful year ending with a fantastic Christmas Party.We had 13 under 10s and 17 over tens who attended a fun and games party. The under tens also had a surprise visit from SANTA. Katarina was fantastic and helped set up. Hazel Oakes and Avril Hewlett also came along and lent a helping hand. Thank you again to all who attended and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all...hope you've been good and SANTA does visit.

Important Notice Regarding Wimbledon Draw

2007-12-14T12:18:00.000Z

14 December 2007

Dear Member

One of the challenges of member clubs such as WLTC is to ensure the proper involvement of its membership in both setting the direction of the club and in its operation. All too often, activities can be over-influenced by engaged small groups, unrepresentative of the membership as a whole. At the same time, there is a Management Committee, elected by the members, but invariably having to act without any feeling of membership engagement.

One of the privileges of being a full member is entitlement to participate in the ballot for the Club’s allocation of Wimbledon tickets. One approach adopted by some tennis clubs is to tie this privilege to members’ ‘participation’ in Club affairs. If you like, rights bring responsibilities. The particular mechanism applied is participation in the AGM.

Your Management Committee had decided to amend Club rules to the effect that only those members attending or voting at the AGM will, from 2008, be entitled to participate in the Wimbledon ballot. To ensure absolute clarity about this, only those full and eligible members attending the AGM on 23 January 2008 will qualify for the 2008 Wimbledon draw. Those unable to attend due to travel commitments etc, can apply for a proxy vote and once registered (including submission of their voting forms) will also qualify for the draw.

Let me emphasise that this measure is designed to benefit the Club in the way it is managed.

You will also be aware that the LTA is looking to impose its own comparable conditions through the direct involvement of members in British Tennis, rather than through the Club’s affiliation.

These will be clarified in the coming months.
So, if you want to qualify for next year’s Wimbledon draw, make sure that 23 January is in your diary.

Season’s Greetings

Richard van den Bergh
For WLTC Management Committee

Ladies Christmas Tournament

2007-12-06T13:49:00.000Z

Santa’s helpers and fairies, a turkey and a snowman, and even a twinkling tree took to the courts on Wednesday 5th December during the Ladies Social Group Christmas Tournament, leaving behind them just a small sprinkling of tinsel! Competitive and fun doubles was played on all three indoor courts, pairing up with different partners against different opposition to produce an overall winner on each court. Our congratulations go to Amy Laird, Gill Bendel and Hazel Oakes on their successful wins. Whilst tennis was played Santa’s elves (Katarina and Greg) set about transforming the Mustill Lounge into a Christmas Grotto ready for lunch, catered by Maggie Smith, and a mysterious benefactor donated the wine – our thanks to him! An impartial judge had a tough time deciding on a fancy dress winner but could not resist the sexy Santa, Emma Sharman. A fantastic festive morning enjoyed by 30 ladies. If you were not there you missed a treat – so join us next year.

Handicap Finals Day / End of Season Party

2007-10-17T10:55:00.000+01:00

The day was Saturday the 13th October 2007. It began cloudy but by 1pm the there was not a cloud in sight. The weather was marvelous for the day of play. The players and spectators started arriving and were all very eager to get the matches underway. Play started around 1 pm with the last match finishing around 630pm. All players had an exhausting day especially after some very long three setters but none the less all enjoyed the competition.

The day ended with a Halloween theme party dinner and disco. Vampires and witches started arriving around 730pm. The Rugby World Cup was first on the agenda followed by Halloween punch and a delicious 3 course meal. A presentation was held and then the party began on the dance floor with all guests dancing the night away.

A very successful and fun day thoroughly enjoyed by all and a big thank you to the organisers and all those who attended.

Handicap Finals Results

2007-10-16T14:04:00.000+01:00

The Handicap Finals results are now available to view.

results.doc

Handicap Finals Order Of Play

2007-10-12T13:47:00.000+01:00

The Handicap Tournament Finals order of play is now available to view!Order%20of%20play.doc