Newsletter
March 2025
Courts 4-6 Renovation
Things are really moving along with the Courts 4–6 renovation! We’ve had several sports ground construction companies visit the club (and crossed a fair few off the list too). The good news is we’ve now received all the quotes in for levelling and resurfacing, and narrowed them down to a final shortlist. Exciting times ahead! 🎾✨
As part of this project, we’ve taken the opportunity to take a fresh look at different surfaces and decided that the Matchplay II surface on courts 1-3 is the still best choice for our club. Matchplay II is an all weather, British manufactured, high performance tennis surface that offers maximum comfort underfoot.
Our beautiful Matchplay II courts 1-3 at sunset
There are two things remaining before we can press the go button. These are:
- Finding the remaining funding needed. The expected and planned costs were doubled when the sub-structure was examined and shown to be in need of refurbishment. This means we have approximately one quarter of the funding still to find.
- We need to decide the best time of year to start the works.
If you have any experience of this type of project and/or funding options using community grants etc., then please do get in touch.
Rachel Gillingham is leading the charge on this one and has been doing a fantastic job keeping things moving. You can contact her via club@southbournetennisclub.co.uk
Club Championships
Congratulations to all our winners of the Club Championships 2024 Event. In the unfortunate absence of being able to run a finals day, thanks to all players for completing their matches.
Our 2024 Champions
| 🥇 Ladies Singles | Natalie Carter |
| 🥇 Ladies Singles 40+ | Jo Coole |
| 🥇 Men's Singles | Patrick Browne |
| 🥇 Men's Singles 45+ | Patrick Browne |
| 🥇 Boys U18's Singles | Monty Redman |
| 🥇 Ladies Doubles | Natalie Carter & Melanie Castagna |
| 🥇 Ladies Doubles 40+ | Melanie Castagna & Kate Harris |
| 🥇 Men's Doubles | Daniel Mackley & Charlie Lesser |
| 🥇 Men's Doubles 60+ | Nigel Carter & Graham Lockyer |
| 🥇 Mixed Doubles | Natalie Carter & Nigel Carter |
| 🥇 Mixed 45+ Doubles | Paul Best & Rachel Best |
Club Champs 2025
You should have recently received an email with full details of how to enter our 2025 Club Championships and the rules & regulations. Please reach out to tournament referee Zoltan (zolko282@yahoo.co.uk) with any questions on how to enter. The rules & regulations provide all relevant information on entry and how the tournament will be run.
Upcoming Events
On Saturday 14th June, Southbourne Tennis Club will host the second Dorset Volunteers Day. This event is held to celebrate tennis volunteers and share good practice across the tennis community.
We are very proud to announce that the LTA President, Sandi Proctor, will be taking time out of her packed schedule to visit on the day.
Lucy Shuker, Paralympic multi-medallist will also be on court helping Dave Sanger with disability tennis.
If you would like any further information, please reach out to us at club@southbournetennisclub.co.uk.
2025 AGM
The 2025 AGM will take place on Monday 28th April at 7pm, please join us where we will discuss Committee changes and re-elections, Chair and Committee pillar reports with some nibbles and wine.
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
Committee Pillars & Leads
Interested in getting involved?
Reach out to a committee member or email us at club@southbournetennisclub.co.uk
The Chatter-box
BAGGMUCK! …Ikea Item …or Swear Word ?
Another fun and challenge-packed night hosted by Stewart and Carolyn. If you haven’t been to a club quiz night then get along to the next one, you won’t regret it.
The winning team, "Out Of The Woods"
COMPETITION UPDATE
Men's 45+ team celebrating their first-ever Division 1 championship victory!
WINTER SEASON SUCCESS!
As the Winter season is drawing to a close we have much to celebrate as a club, with success across a number of our teams:
- Mens 45+ – Div 1
- Ladies 60+ – Div 1
- Mens 3 – Promotion to Div 4
- Ladies 2 – Promotion to Div 1
Meet Noemi From Vitalcare Physiotherapy
You may have seen Noemi at the club or been treated by her already. Here is a little bit about Noemi:
My name is Noemi, I’m a fully qualified physiotherapist and personal trainer and I’m here to help you prevent injuries, improve mobility, and strengthen key muscle groups to boost your game. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or aiming to sharpen your competitive edge, I’ll support you with personalised plans designed to meet your goals. Step onto the court feeling stronger, more agile, and ready to play your best!
Services Offered: Physiotherapy, Fitness Classes, Personal Training, Assisted Stretching
MAINTENANCE
If you are interested in helping with odd jobs and ongoing maintenance at the club, the committee have collated a list at the below link which is a live list being updated by the committee as jobs are identified or completed:
https://tinyurl.com/STC-facilities-todo
If you can pickup any of these jobs, please let us know.
If you are interested in the Facilities role on the Committee please register your interest by sending an email to club@southbournetennisclub.com.
COURT SIDE NEWS
Updated Championship Boards
The Committee have been hard at work updating the Championship boards in the clubhouse. Installation is underway, and you’ll now spot some of our 2024 winners already featured, though the updates are still in progress. Be sure to check them out next time you’re in the clubhouse!
Court Brushing
Courts 1-3 were recently re-sanded, therefore please ensure you use the brushes by Court 1 to brush the courts before and/or after you play, this will ensure the sand remains evenly distributed across the courts and helps protect the surface from uneven wear.
Use of Club Balls
When using the Courts outside of designated club session play, please ensure you are using your own tennis balls. Club balls should only be utilised for designated club sessions and club matches.
'OUT!'
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…
To get an idea of numbers, let us know if you are intending to come to this years AGM on Monday 28th April at 7pm,