Newsletter
February 2025
Meet Your 2025 Committee
Richard Henshaw
Chairman
I have been a dedicated tennis player for 50 years and joined Southbourne in 1996, playing over 500 matches and actively participating in social tennis. As Club Chairman (1998–2003), I oversaw court reconstruction, new lighting, and membership growth, particularly by revitalising the junior section.
I later served as Dorset LTA Secretary and Chairman, also representing the County on the LTA Council for 15 years, where I played a key role in structural reforms. Tennis has been a lifelong passion, and I enjoy helping others benefit from the sport. My wife, Helen, was also an active member until a knee injury, and our sons learned to play at the club.
Lloyd Harkcom
Vice Chairman
I have been a member for almost 15 years and started as a rusty racket playing the Wednesday evening session before graduating through the levels and now being Mens 1 Captain.
I take great pride in representing the club in matches and the friendships and camaraderie that I have experienced in all my time playing at STC.
Celia Barron
Match Secretary
I have been a member of STC for almost 30 yrs & have served on the Committee for a total of about 12 yrs, 8 of them in my present capacities as Match Secretary and Safeguarding Officer. At present I am also captain of the Ladies 60+ team, though seldom play in matches.
I play most of my tennis now in fixed 4s, but before Covid I played mainly in the morning club sessions, therefore I have got to know many of our club members. This is important to me as a Committee member as I feel it helps to keep members in the loop with what is happening in the club.
Claire Mackley
Membership Secretary
I am the Membership Secretary at Southbourne Tennis Club helping to make sure everything runs smoothly for all members.
I have enjoyed supporting my children in their tennis journeys and my husband, who is an active team player at the club.
I truly value being part of the club’s welcoming and vibrant community.
Carolyn Day
Treasurer
I have been a member at the club for over 10 years and enjoy playing socially. I have also got involved in Pickleball and hope to see this becoming more popular at the club.
I am currently the Treasurer, having been recruited by Susie G (previous Chairperson) due to my experience as a chartered accountant, although now retired.
Colin Gilbey
Committee Member
I have been a member for 16 years, starting in 2009. Since 2012 I have been involved in committee work, starting with odd maintenance jobs around the club. I was then responsible for all membership matters from 2017 to last summer, whilst also doing and overseeing maintenance work for a large part of that time.
I have enjoyed seeing the development of the club’s facilities, such as improved car parking, court surfaces and LED Floodlighting.
I am pleased to be part of a club that maintains such a friendly and welcoming environment – something mentioned by so many of our new members.
Dan Light
Club Secretary
I’ve been a member of the club since 2016 or 2017 (I cannot remember!) when I decided to start playing again – in search of exercise. I’ve been Club Secretary for most of that time.
I also captain the mixed 3rd team and can generally be found playing either on a Monday, Tuesday or Friday evening with occasional cardio tennis appearances on a Saturday morning.
Kirsty Holmes
Club Captain
I have been playing tennis since I can remember and have been a member of Southbourne TC for about 22 years now. I play for ladies 1 and mixed 1 which I captain.
My role on the committee is to help Celia with the team and match organisation.
Rachel
Gillingham
Committee Member
I joined the committee in 2024 and currently working on sourcing funding and contractors for the resurfacing of courts 4 to 6. I’ve hosted a number of tennis court surfacing companies getting quotes in readiness for later this year.
I also work with the learning difficulty groups and hold the Food Hygiene certificate for the club.
Dave Sanger
Head Coach
I’ve been a tennis coach in Bournemouth for over 20 years, starting after a four-year career as a professional player. I became Head Coach at Homefield Tennis Academy in 2003 before moving to Southbourne Tennis Club in 2005, where I’ve coached players of all ages and skill levels.
I’ve worked with aspiring talents from Dorset and Hampshire, helping many reach national championships, university scholarships, and county titles.
I also enjoy organizing charity events for causes like Children in Need, Julia’s House, and Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline.
A New Committee Structure..
...For A New Year
We’ve divided up the running of the club into different areas, each led by one or two committee members. Other volunteers, whether short-term or long-term, can pitch in too. Since everyone on the committee is a volunteer, this helps share the load, reduces anyone having to do it all alone, and keeps things flexible. Plus, hopefully, it makes things fun!
Our facilities team is currently looking for help! If you’re interested in getting involved with this or any other part of the club, just have a chat with a committee member or drop us an email at: club@southbournetennisclub.co.uk
We’d love to hear from you!
Upcoming Events
Quiz Night with Fish and Chips
Date and Time: Sat, 22 Mar 2025 (18:45 – 21:45)
Venue: Southbourne Tennis Club
Price: £15
Please reach out to Carolyn for further details: hurnway47@googlemail.com / 07981 627679
We Are Southbourne Tennis Club
Iford Lane, Bournemouth, Dorset BH6 5NF
club@southbournetennisclub.co.uk
Telephone: 01202 434044
Please note this phone isn’t always manned so please leave a message and we will get back to you.
Charity Number: 1185919
Company no: 00841056
The Chatter-box
CHRISTMAS PARTY
61 party-goers attended our annual Christmas Party at Christchurch Sailing Club (for the 2nd year running) on December 14th. We believe that everyone had a great time, & the only negative comment (that we heard) seemed to be that it didn’t last long enough!
As far as the atmosphere & food were concerned, we think the staff at the Sailing Club did us proud and it was great to see ‘regulars’ as well as new members attending. Any feedback (good or bad!) would be appreciated in preparation for next year. (celiabarron@yahoo.com)
COMPETITION UPDATE
Team Players Enjoying The New Tuesday Evening Team Practice Session
As a club we have a very good reputation within the Dorset League with 12 teams entered each season. At the moment we have 4 teams in their respective Division 1s.
We have recently started a well-organised and very popular Team Practice Night on a Tuesday night, so that team players can participate in a high-standard practice session; this also gives new or improving members a chance to be considered for Match play.
If you do not attend these practice nights, but feel your standard may be good enough for League matches, please contact Lloyd Harkcom (lloyd_harkcom@hotmail.co.uk) or Neil Mackley (nmackley@mail.com).
IT’S FENCE-ATIONAL!
You may have already noticed the new fence at the front of the club. The old fence was identified as a health and safety hazard during a safety tour of the club. Colin got onto it and we now have a sturdy new fence that not only keeps things safe, but also makes the club look great from the road.
Thank you Colin, you nailed it!
New Front Fence
SAFEGUARDING
At STC we strive to ensure that all children, and any young people and adults at risk, are not subjected to any form of abuse, and have a really enjoyable experience at the Club.
If anyone ever has any concerns regarding the welfare of any member would you please inform the Safeguarding Officer, Celia Barron (celiabarron@yahoo.com) or the Head Coach, David Sanger (davesanger@gmail.com)
HAVE YOUR SAY
As a committee, we strive to run the club the best way we can, within the practical boundaries of volunteer time available. This is a club run by the members and as such we always welcome feedback and suggestions, or offers of help.
With that in mind…
Let us know what you think of this new newsletter format: