CLUBLIFE – October 2023



Poraflex Courts  The Poraflex Courts were back open for bookings after the professional cleaning and painting.
A slower grip paint was used this time which we feel has made a big improvement for play.  We’re delighted with the outcome and hope you enjoy playing on them!
Please note that court allocation may change during school holidays/tournaments or due to matches/events The clubhouse may be closed or have restricted hours on Bank Holidays, however members can play on the outdoor courts on these days, at their own risk but no floodlighting will operate. If you want to play in the Wednesday and Friday Club sessions – please email tennismanager@wltc.co.uk and the group organiser will get in touch with availability and information. For Team Practice (your captain will email you with a rota for this session if you play team tennis) U13 Booking Rules:
U13 members can play with a “non-member parent” between 7am-5pm. Outdoor Courts — must select “u13 with Non-Member Parent” as the playing partner/opponent Indoor Courts — must select the adult guest fee (and pay £4 per 30 minutes) as the playing partner/opponent.. Junior rates (for u13 & u18) are available at off-peak times only The committee have reviewed the rules and the reasoning is it over impacts on full paying members and was originally introduced to help U13 use quiet time with a non-member parent if they had no one else to hit with. Also the club is currently full and we have a long waiting list with pressure on courts, especially at certain times, being immense. Extending Indoor Court Opening Hours:
We have been working towards setting up additional indoor court access for members, for when the clubhouse is closed ie Sunday evenings, bank holidays and holiday periods. The fire door (on court 1) is currently being upgraded and once completed will allow members access through with a pin entry. This will be completed in the coming weeks, and the extended hours will be available to book via MYCOURTS. Instructions how to access the courts when the clubhouse is closed will be sent in due course. No-Shows:
We monitor no-shows at all times. We kindly remind ALL members to cancel any unwanted courts to allow another member to take the booking.
Where possible, please aim to avoid cancelling courts at the last minute as this makes it very difficult for another member to re-book the court. We are aware last-minute changes to the weather can impact but still request all courts are cancelled as early as possible. Bike Theft 
Please be aware there have been several recent reports of bike theft with thieves operating in this area.

We have been alerted to suspicious individuals checking the bike rack on our site so please be aware if you leave your bike there it is at your own risk.

We will continue to monitor closely and if you spot anything suspicious, please speak to our staff immediately.
  Job Alert | BAR ASSISTANT

We are looking for an experienced individual to work shifts, as required:
Wednesday 5pm-11pm
Thursday 3pm-11pm
Saturday 8.30am-6.30pm

We will require additional cover at various times, so flexibility is desirable.

Role Responsibilities:
– Preparing and serving food (ie sandwiches, Toasties and Panini’s) And drinks.
– Ensuring the work area is adequately stocked
– Keeping the bar area and lounge tidy.
– Assisting with member & customer enquiries efficiently

Skills Required:
– Experience in hospitality, preferred but not essential.
– Ability to work on your own and part of a team
– Excellent customer service, time-keeping and professional manner

Start date: ASAP

If you’re interested and would like to discuss further, please email our Bar Manager Laura on bar@wltc.co.uk Follow WLTC on Instagram



 


UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS
Dear Players,

We are excited to announce that entries for the Mini Club Championships on Sunday 5th November are now OPEN! Please use the link below to sign up (entries are £2 per player per event):

https://competitions.lta.org.uk/tournament/C6759A8A-DB1D-469E-8B85-1722147303F0

What is it?

The mini club championships is a competition aimed specifically for junior members of WLTC. We will be running 3 competitions, 8&U (sponge ball, for players born in 2015, 2016, 2017 or 2018), 9&U (orange ball, for players born in 2014 or 2015) 10&U (green ball, for players born in 2013 or 2014).

Each competition should last no more than a few hours (timings will be confirmed once the list of entries has been established).

When is it?

SUNDAY 5TH NOVEMBER

8&U – Morning (roughly 9am-11:30am)
9&U – Early Afternoon (roughly 11:30pm-2:30pm)
10&U – Mid-late Afternoon (roughly 2:30pm-5:30pm)

Timings will be confirmed once we have an idea of numbers

Who should enter?

Any players who meet the above criteria with regards to age, and who have a basic understanding of the game. Players must be able to rally, serve (underarm is fine), and understand the scoring system (9&U/10&U only – 8&U will have scorers for every match).

If you are having lessons, please speak to your coach and ask their advice if you are not sure.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Beci at competitions@active-tennis.co.uk

Kind regards

WLTC Competition Organisers Waves For Wishes – 26th November
This year will be the 8th annual Waves for Wishes tournament, being held on Sunday 26th November at WLTC.

Even if you are not playing come down to the club for a very tempting Tombola and bake sale.

As always, Andy Mustill and his coaching team have donated 1:1 coaching lessons.

Many unique and interesting prizes – including a signed Andy Murray Castore worn kit – perfect for Christmas gifts!

Waves is a doubles based game, which is coach fed, with no serving involved! Players will be paired together so there is no need to enter with a partner.

TIMINGS AND ENTRY FEES:

2pm-4pm – Waves Tournament – (Adults only) – £15 for members, £17.50 for non-members
(please sign up and pay at the bar)
2pm-4.30pm – Tombola & Bake Sale

We very much hope you can join us for a fun afternoon in support of a great Charity which is very close to our hearts. If you are able to donate a prize for the tombola, please drop it into the bar before the tournament.
We look forward to see you there

Waves for Wishes Organisers

Photos from 2022..
 


  RECENT TOURNAMENTS
Thank you for all who attended our coffee morning and tournament for Macmillan, on 29th September. WLTC raised £379.50 for Macmillan charity. Thanks for all the support.
 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Christmas Party 2023


REMINDER: Tickets are selling FAST for our Christmas Party, at the Castle Hotel Windsor, 9th December. Don’t miss out – purchase your tickets today from the club bar, or call 01753 830820.

REMINDER: 
We would like to remind those who have paid the deposit for Tickets, the balance outstanding is now due:

Balance due: £50 per person
Deposit paid: £25 per person

To pay the remainder of your balance, please visit the bar, or you can make payment over the phone on 01753 830820. Full Xmas Party details below: As you may be aware, in December we organise a Christmas Party for the Club. For the past two years we have had a marquee attached to the club lounge to allow more space for tables and a dance floor, and we were obviously delighted that when tickets went on sale last year we not only sold out in a matter of days, but we also had a long waiting list! In order to give more members, family and friends the opportunity to join in the festivities for Christmas 2023, we have taken a rather bold step (and quite a scary one) in seeking an alternative and larger venue. We are therefore very excited to announce that this year’s party will be held on Saturday, 9th December 2023 at The Castle Hotel – www.castlehotelwindsor.com – which is located in the centre of the town, opposite the Windsor Guildhall. Tickets will include: • Welcome Drink • Four Course Festive Meal (menu attached) • Half Bottle of Wine per person • Dancing until Midnight Parking is available on a first-come first-served basis, and we have negotiated a discounted overnight bed and breakfast rate, with a double room reduced from £238 to £149 – please advise us if you’re interested in making a room booking. Tickets are priced at just £75 per person and are on sale now from the Club Bar or by calling 01753 830820. Tables can accommodate up to 10 guests. Please see attached sample festive menu – there is no need to make your selection now. If you would like to sit with friends please advise us at the time of booking or simply book a table! We do hope that you will be able to join us. Best wishes The Social Team
Email: social@wltc.co.uk

RECENT EVENTS
Comedy Evening – 6th October
with Kevin McCarthy




 
A big thank-you to all of you who came to the SOLD OUT comedy show!  We hope you enjoyed the evening and if you have any suggestions for other events, please do let us know.
 
Best wishes
The Social Team
 
Social@wltc.co.uk WLTC Golf Day
Millride GC 6th October 2023
 
We had a fantastic golf day at the very long, narrow and watery Mill ride GC, Ascot not least because the course and weather was so good. Scoring is never easy off 6,500 yards with the course being soft and greens very fast.
 
Our overall winner of the Individual Stapleford was Rupert Gransden and runner up James Lever. The longest drive went to Raman Daga and the Nearest the Pin to Andy Mustill.
 
Many thanks to all who took part and it proved so enjoyable that everyone agreed we should make it an annual event with Raman Daga offering to host at his club, Denham GC, next year.
 
Many thanks to all for taking part.
Mark Player








  Struggling to get what you learn in coaching into play? 
 
We all know it can be  difficult it is to replicate what you learn in your coaching sessions, in your everyday play. Whether working on a new or improving shot, or on how and when to use that shot to give yourself an advantage, it’s all so easy with the coaches calm instructions and the delivery of perfectly fed balls, but then what? How do you practice without destroying a good hit with friends, or risking points in a match? 
 
Well this is where the slinger ball machine can come in. If you use it to follow on from your coaching, you can practice what you’ve learnt, as often as you need, with balls fed over and over again at the right height, speed and direction, without disrupting your social or match tennis. You’ll soon consolidate what you’ve learnt and get your shot to a place where you can try it out in play. Of course it’s worth checking back with your coach again at some point to make sure you’ve got it absolutely right before it becomes embedded, but this combination is a great way to learn, practice and speed up the process of getting that shot into your every day play.
I do it – why not give it go? 
 
Gráinne  
Ladies 2nd team captain. 

If you would like to hire the Slinger Ball Machine – see the details below: 


One Health Physiotherapy are sadly losing Cath to retirement. She has worked for One Health for 20 years and will be sorely missed.
This creates a job opportunity. We are looking for a part time job share (2 days per week) receptionist/administrative staff to join us.
If interested please contact for more info : onehealthphysio@aol.com
01753 864664

Exclusive WLTC offer at Vi Personal Training – 25% off Vi Introductory Trial:
Unlimited small group personal training + 1-2-1 Induction (and free coffee!)for 30 days.
Just £150 for Tennis Club Members.
 
Strength training is the perfect complement to tennis.
 
To book in for a chat to see the space and get a feel for Vi – click HERE
To book in for a free taster class – click HERE
To buy a 30 day trial at 25% off, use code “WLTCLovesVi” – click HERE (valid ’till 31/12/23)
 
To speak to Sam @ Vi – email sam@vitraininggym.co.uk or WhatsApp: 07457 402963
Website HERE for more info.
   
Ladies Team Updates:

The winter season has just begun and if there are any players of any standard who would like to join the teams and play competitive matches we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact Gráinne Leyton-Smith 07740764625 or Sarah Runnicles 07581 116572 who are the overall captains.

Mens Team Updates:

The Berkshire Winter League starts on 1st October. We have 6 teams entered. if you would like to play, please reach out to one of the Captains:

1st – Richard Brugrabber (richard.bruggraber@googlemail.com)
2nd – Christian Balmes (balmesc@yahoo.com)
3rd – Bikram Chopra (bikramchopra@googlemail.com)
4th – Rick Harrison (rickharrison@btinternet.com)
5th – Russell Connor (rconnor2091@gmail.com)
6th – Artem Tsvilii (tsviliy@gmail.com)
If you are unsure where your level sits feel free to reach out to ben.c.hawker@gmail.com. Junior member Arnav was runner-up at Central & East Tour – Wargrave Lawn Tennis Club – 30-9-2023, 11U BS grade 4.

 

October – Half Term, Camps – 23rd-27th
https://www.active-tennis.co.uk/holiday-camps


 
Contact Ross & Molly on info@allthingstennis.co.uk or visit www.allthingstennis.co.uk  
PLEASE KEEP RECYCLING YOUR OLD TENNIS BALLS


  Update on our Tennis Ball Recycling Scheme: 

What they do.. 
Company – Recycaball™ work closely with hundreds of clubs, coaches and players across the UK, offering the chance to recycle used tennis balls. So many tennis balls end up in landfill once they’ve been used in competitions, and yet for most there’s a perfectly good application for them in other areas once the match is won. We collect hundreds of used tennis balls every week, and arrange for their redistribution into other industries and applications.  Clubs don’t have to worry about disposal, and we pay for the collection, courier service and the actual balls themselves. How it works.. Clubs, players & coaches contact us and request a recycling sack. Once the club has collected enough used balls to fill a sack, we arrange courier collection from your preferred address.  We receive the balls, which are hand processed, graded, repackaged and redistributed. Assuming the used balls meet our published standards, the club get paid for the balls that you’ve sent. Charitable donations.. From some of the proceeds of the balls recycaball collect, they make regular donations to a wide variety of charities and good causes all across the UK. These beneficiaries are chosen in main by the clubs, our network of suppliers, clubs & coaches. Clubs can also elect to donate your ball proceeds directly to a charity, which we happily do on their behalf.  In addition, they donate some balls directly to local animal shelters, kennels and dog groups. We post regular updates on our website, detailing the latest beneficiaries and any other news.  
Reminder:
If you are involved, please ensure you are checking the Box Leagues via your MYCOURTS account, and playing your matches.

More rounds will be added after each is completed, keep an eye out, and if you’re keen to get involved in future rounds, please contact Matt Welsh matt_welsh1018@hotmail.com WLTC Court Etiquette – Updated 2023

Please see the Court Etiquette and Club Rules recently reviewed and updated by the committee. 

COURT ETIQUETTE & CONDUCT
– If you have a court booked but there are players on it and it is past the start time of your session, please signal politely to the players on court that you have booked and are waiting and the players must then vacate the court. 

– If your ball goes onto another court, wait until they stop playing until you either ask for the ball, or fetch it.
 
– Always go round the net, not over it. 

– If you need to cross a court to get to another court, wait until the game has finished or the people playing on the court signal for you to cross – do not walk behind junior or adult players or a coaching session if they are playing a point. 

– Spectators should consider players’ feelings and not offer advice, adverse comments or call out during games. Speak quietly if you have to use your phone near the courts. 

– Players should not shout or swear on court.  Please act professionally and do not shout out during rallies. 

– If there is a match (team players representing WLTC only) and they have not finished in time, unfortunately you will not be able to play on the court. The club allocates court time to matches but on occasion they can overrun. Please go the bar and ask a member of staff for help you book a different court (depending on availability).

BOOKINGS
– All court bookings MUST be made via your MYCOURTS member account, and your playing partner/s MUST be tagged in your booking – maximum number of 4 per court. 

– All guests MUST be tagged to your booking when you select a playing partner and payment made at the point of booking – by selecting ‘guest’.

CLOTHING
– Tennis wear and tennis shoes are the only clothing permitted on court.
NO – vests, jeans, dresses, football kits, shoes which leave marks, or playing topless.

FOOD & DRINKS
– Only sports drinks or water, in sealed containers (no glass), are allowed on court, together with sports snacks. 

– No gum should be chewed on court. 
  Upcoming Fixtures & Events – 2023      Mini Club Competition Sunday 05 November (all day)
Indoor Courts 1-3 Waves for Wishes Sunday 26 November 14.00-16.30
Indoor Courts 1-3 Tinsel Tennis Tournament Friday 01 December 10.00-12.00
Indoor Courts 1-3 Christmas Party December 09 19.00 Castle Hotel Windsor
Key:     Red = Tennis Staff
            Blue = Social Team
 
Keep an eye out for more fixtures and events added throughout the year. 

Our social team are finalising plans and dates for some exciting events to look forward to in 2023 – more information in due course!
   
 WLTC Car Park Notice

 
Club Contacts: 
If you need any assistance or have any questions to do with the club, tennis or bar, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Club & Membership Enquiries:
Jack Allan, Club Manager – tennismanager@wltc.co.uk 

Bar Enquiries:
Laura Pritchard, Bar Manager – bar@wltc.co.uk 

Tennis & Coaching Enquiries:
Andy Mustill, Head Coach – andy.mustill@active-tennis.co.uk