Chairman's Newsletter - 23rd May 2022

Posted 28th May 2022

NEWS - CHAIRMAN STEPPING DOWN 

I have advised the Committee that I shall be standing down as Chairman at the AGM in November. After 12 years in the role, during which there has been a transformation of the club, it is time for someone else to take over, bring fresh ideas and take the club forward to the next stage. 

Anyone who would like to put themselves forward as a candidate for this role should drop Jo Burn an email to owltcsec@gmail.com 

The club is also looking for other new volunteers to get involved - whether as a committee member or as part of the small army of people who quietly get on with things in the background. If you have skills and a bit of time to offer the club, please let us know. Volunteering can be a very rewarding experience. It has led to numerous opportunities and new friendships and I can wholeheartedly recommend getting involved. There is plenty of support available. 

CLUB FACILITIES 

Improving the access path 

As you can see, the work to install the new access path is well under way. This is being partially funded from the money we raised last year from the crowdfunding initiative - so many of you have a significant stake in this. I am hoping the main run alongside the courts will be completed in the next 10 days. After that we plan to create ramps at the bungalow end of the path. Please bear with us during this disruption - it will all be worth it. 

In order to create wider access onto the patio - which is required for our disability tennis programme -we planned to reduce the size of the raised bed garden. But when that work was started, we found the railway sleepers were in poor condition and, after some deliberation, we decided to remove the garden altogether. With the club being very busy at peak times we can actually make good use of that space. 

Adding mini orange lines to courts 5 & 6 

These are due to be installed today, Monday 23rd May. 

Topping up the sand on courts 1-4 

We probably need to gradually add a bit more sand to these courts in order to preserve them for a bit longer. We have a contractor coming to advise us next week - after which we will make decisions about what we will do. 

The MUGA 

The MUGA is currently out of use on health & safety grounds whilst we await the felling of a dangerous tree in the grounds of Ex Blues, next door. 

ADDING TO YOUR WORLD TENNIS NUMBER (WTN) 

As you all know, WTN has replaced the old ratings system. Your WTN will be on a scale of 1 (for professional players) up to 40 (for absolute novices). It is based on the matches you win and lose, and is a comparative scale right across all players. Each player will have a separate WTN for singles and doubles. You can improve your WTN by winning matches and making sure they are recorded. 

The LTA are pleased to announce MyGame+. You are now able to record your own match results in MyGame via the LTA Advantage website. Previously, only results from LTA competitions or those entered by LTA Registered Venues were used to update your WTN*. As you can now enter your own match results, your number will become more accurate. You can also use your WTN to find opponents of a similar standard for an even match. 
 
If you upload results regularly, you may see a 'verified tick' appear next to your WTN. This shows your number is considered accurate! Simply log in to your LTA account and select  MyGame+  you can then enter your results from any singles or doubles match - no matter where, or who you play. 
 
*WTN is only assigned in the year you turn 10 

MyGame+ is your one-stop shop for recording matches, checking your WTN and reviewing your history of tennis stats and results. You can even track your recent form and receive recommendations for improvement! 

Have you played a friendly match in the last two weeks? Enter the result now to make it count! 

CLUB TOURNAMENT 

The tournament will be run largely by Paul Woodward again this year - for which we are all very grateful. Entry will open in a few weeks so please watch out for the "call to action". Finals Day is Saturday 18 September. If you are planning to be away during the tournament, please plan to get as many matches played as early as possible so you do not delay everyone else. 

OWA OPEN DAY 

On Sunday 11 September, there will be an OWA-wide Open Day. All the sports sections will be showcasing their facilities and hoping to recruit a few new faces. Please consider bringing along anyone you think may be interested in joining the Club. There will be a lot more details closer to the event but please reserve the date in your diaries now. 

JACK PETCHEY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - HOW THE CLUB AND PLAYERS BENEFIT 

 During the course of each year, we are able to make awards to three deserving individuals aged between 11 and 25. As well as getting a certificate of achievement, a pin-badge and a letter of congratulations and notes from Sir Jack Petchey, the club receives £250 for each winner to decide how to spend.  The intention is to benefit as many of the 11-25 year olds at the club as possible. 

Over recent months we have received a total of £500 and this has been spent on some equipment, much of it designed to support our youngsters in the disability programme led by Oli Weller.  We have acquired 

• New hoppers - these help youngsters with mobility and flexibility limitations 

• Bean bags - these are great for anyone with poor coordination - and help them start playing tennis in a different way 

• Bigger target cones - these are especially helpful for anyone with a visual impairment 

• Fluff balls - these help children with conditions limiting their strength 

• Ball collectors   

We also purchased a whiteboard to have outside which is brought in each day. That is used for notices - for example, about forthcoming tournaments, coaching term dates, holiday camps etc.  Of course, it can be used by any club member. 

We have also purchased storm-proof units for outside the hut for all this equipment to ensure the hut and pavilion stays tidy and free from clutter. 

 

NIGEL JORDAN 

CHAIRMAN