Chairperson's Blog: Welcome to 2010 (April 01, 2010)
It is with great pride that I write this report to highlight the successes of Rainford Tennis Club. As I am sure you are all aware 2009 has got to be considered our Club’s most successful year in its history.
The Club achieved the Tennis Clubmark accreditation which was acknowledged nationally and went some way to our Club being recognised as Lancashire Tennis Club of the Year. With these achievements we entered the St Helens Cultural Awards and we went on to win the St Helens Sports Club of the Year.
These awards have been reported to the media and it is hoped that this publicity will raise the profile of our Club. It will certainly help when we find it necessary to apply for grants and other support that the Club is held in such esteem.
None of these achievements go without enormous efforts that are made on your behalf by the Committee members. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for all the 'back room' work which goes ahead to maintain our successful Tennis Club.
I would especially like to thank Steve Vincent, Chris Pettet and Dave Hillier whose personal efforts helped to achieve the Tennis Clubmark accreditation. This work is still ongoing to help maintain these standards of excellence for our Club.
Last season we tried to improve the social events related to the Club. We held two successful fund raising evenings and held a number of BBQ evenings during the season. Could I ask all members to continue to support these events and especially to join the Social Tennis evenings throughout the season.
More efforts have been made to include both inter club and 'friendly' matches between local clubs. This is an ideal opportunity for persons of any standard to gain both experience in match playing and most importantly to have fun at the club. All members are invited to suggest events which will raise money for the club and improve the Club profile. We would also welcome any assistance that members can provide to the Club and there are always vacancies on the Committee should anyone be interested.
To start our season we ask that volunteers help to prepare the Courts for the new season. We also ask that members attend the Club on the weekend of 10th-11th April at 1.00pm and assist in the cleaning and painting of the Clubhouse. A number of alterations were carried on at the Club last season and the Clubhouse needs a 'facelift' to be worthy of housing our recent awards.
This year we have entered a Men’s Third Team into the Liverpool & District Tennis League. We wish them good luck in the League and hope that they enjoy their challenge.
I would like to make a plea to any female members who would be willing to play for the Ladies Teams. For years we have struggled to field enough members for the two teams and with the Club’s achievements in 2009, which hopefully will encourage additional members. It would be devastating not to be able to fulfil our league fixtures. We would be interested in females of all abilities who would be interested in team selection.
The matches are played usually Tuesday/Wednesday evenings and games begin at 6.30 pm both home and away. Can I further add that any member can be assured of being partnered with a helpful doubles partner who will explain the rules and etiquette of league tennis. It would be great to have you along. Any female member can either show their interest in Coaching Sessions or please contact myself (07783 740 642) and I would be more than happy to introduce you to the other team members.
So it is with great delight that I wish every member a most enjoyable, successful season and if we are to believe the weather forecasters we can also look forward to a fine summer.
Helen Bligh
Chairperson
Rainford Tennis Club
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