July newsletter – all that’s new at FTC this summer

Dear FTC member

Your tennis club committee hopes you are well and have been enjoying some brilliant tennis weather. Here’s a brief rundown on the latest at FTC…


What changes at FTC after Monday 19 July?
As we know, this is the date the Government has decreed Covid restrictions can be lifted. The club welcomes this step back to normality but urges all members to remain cautious and stick by the Hands, Face, Space mantra we have learnt to live with.
This is what will be different from Monday:

  • The clubhouse will be open to members
  • Club balls will be provided for club sessions
  • Non-members will again be allowed to book the courts (3 and 4 only)
  • To ensure correct track and trace procedure is followed, when you book a court online in the future you will be asked to enter a phone number and address (but only on the first time you book)

And do not forget these club rules
For everyone’s well-being, all FTC members must agree to the
following:

  • Please continue to Sign-In using the book provided on the pavilion bench
  • Do not come to the club if feeling unwell, self-isolating or having tested positive
  • Masks are recommended to be worn when inside the clubhouse
  • Courts and especially the clubhouse MUST be locked up and windows closed at the end of each session: we are all collectively responsible for this
  • No dogs are allowed on court
  • Correct sports shoes must be worn on court at all times

Ball machine proving a big hit
Have you tried the club’s new automatic ball-feeding machine yet?

Those who have say it is a wonderful piece of kit, and suitable for players of all ages and abilities. It is battery powered and portable, and stored in the clubhouse for use only by members.
The machine can only be used on court 2. When you book online there is an option to select the machine with a slide button.
The cost is £4 an hour, paid for online.
[email protected], Debbie [email protected], or Reece [email protected] to arrange an appointment.
After use, the machine must be re-filled with balls and re-charged by plugging it in to the one hour timer provided in the pavilion.
Fishbourne Centre bar open for business

The bar is open at the following times, serving drinks on its sunny new terrace: Fridays 5pm-11pm, with fish and chips available between 5.30-8.30pm; Saturdays 12-11pm; Sundays 12-9pm.
The Centre has asked us to point out to all members that when the bar is open, only alcohol purchased at the Centre can be consumed in the grounds.

Remember to pay your guest fees!
It is great to have members playing with their guests, but PLEASE remember to pay to pay your guest fees.

The guest fee is £3 per hour per guest or £6 with floodlights, capped at £6 (£12 with lights) so it is never more expensive than the public
rate. Payment should be made by the host member online to the usual bank details:
  • Sort Code     09 01 53
  • Account No. 33095480
  • Quote your surname/guest as reference

Court Cancellation

For the benefit of other members, if you are unable to make use of a court booking please cancel it. You can cancel or amend a booking as long as there is at least an hour before the original booking time.

Simply go to our website at https://fishbournetennisclub.org.uk/online-booking/, select the Book Tab and in the drop-down list select Check, amend or cancel your booking https://fishbournetennisclub.org.uk/check-amend-or-cancel-your-booking/ , click View next to the relevant booking and then you will have options to amend booking time, or cancel booking (minimum one hour notice needed).
Social Events Diary
Just a few dates for your diaries. Full details and booking information will be published nearer the events.
  • Saturday 4 September         – Club Championships Finals Day and BBQ
  • Sunday 3 October                – Fun American Tournament
  • Sunday 7 November            – Full American Tournament with Social Lunch
  • Saturday 4 December          – FTC Christmas Party
  • Saturday 18 December        – Christmas Festive Fun Tennis, with mulled wine, savoury snacks and sweet treats
Mixed Vets Tournament Sunday 5th September
We have the mixed Vets all day tournament on Sunday 5th September.
Ideally, players should find a partner and enter as a pair. We will endeavour to find partners for players who can’t find a partner.
Entrants must be over 60 years of age. Deadline for entries is 22nd August.
The day will consist of Round Robin group matches followed by semi finals and a final. There will be a BBQ later.
There is a standard charge of £5 to cover all entries. Players who entered the main competition will not need to pay again. Players who only enter the vets will need to pay the £5 to the usual FTC account:
Sort Code     09 01 53.
Account No. 33095480
Quote your surname/Vets as reference
To enter, please register with Jazz at [email protected] .
Best wishes from the FTC committee