Chief Executive’s Message
Dear Member,
The Board met yesterday and gave approval for Airhall Two to proceed based on the budget proposed by the contractor Trevor May Ltd. Work will commence at the beginning of July and will involve some disruption to the grass court block (19-24) as the delivery lorries will need to access the works via that route. Mitigation works to reduce noise and disruption to tennis, croquet players, golfers as well as access to the Club via Priory Lane are being planned. The works will be completed ,all being well, at the end of October with the Airhall ready for use from November. Airhall One will be in use from the beginning of October.
Health Club, Clubhouse Changing Rooms and Sports Hall
The Board also approved capital expenditure for the construction of a lobby from the indoor to the outdoor pools. This airtight lobby will prevent cold rushes of air into the indoor pool hall at the shallow end. Conversion of the small store next to the steam room into a changing room for families was approved. Both sets of works will start in and finish in July. Approval was also given to undertake immediate repairs to the steam room to prevent water being trapped behind the walls. The steam room will be out of action for a few weeks unfortunately.
Summer Golf Arrangements
The Directors were also briefed on the Golf Committee’s proposals for summer golf. It is mindful that many Members like to now play 9-hole golf and were reassured that the new arrangements allowed 9-hole play throughout the week mixing in with 18 holes. It noted that Members just wishing to play 9 holes should book after 10.30am each day. It also saw the value of designating Thursdays as a two ball day for internal and external matches to be booked on and for Members to enjoy two ball golf for pairs and foursomes. Full details will be sent to Golfers via IntelligentGolf.
Golf Gold Cup on 9th April
The prestigious Gold Challenge Cup returns on Saturday 9th April after at two-year enforced absence. Come and support the excellence of the amateur and professional women golfers as they strive to add their name to the long list of notable winners.
New Coffee Suppliers
The House Committee has chosen a new Club coffee supplier – Coffee Bay, based in Surbiton, and Members are invited to come and taste the new blend on offer on Monday 28th March. Free samples will be given out in the Club Café. The Committee was very impressed with the quality of the beans , the support service and the training to be given to staff to serve a high grade coffee. The Committee has also approved that a trial takeaway service can go ahead at the Halfway House by Dropshot Coffee ,three days a week, for golfers to enjoy while not slowing down the pace of play. Member Ed Savitt will be heading up this service and starts on Sunday 10th April looking after the Men’s Centenary Putter competition and other golfers.
Squash Section Success
Congratulations to our men’s and women’s squash teams as they have won their respective London Club leagues. The Women retained the Queens Cup easily winning their division and the Men ‘s 1st team won the 1st Division of the Bath Cup for the first time finally relegating Lansdowne Club to 2nd place. Our Men’s 2nd Team won Division 2 as well to cap off a wonderful winter – click here to read the reports.
Covid-19
Lastly a cautionary message to remind Members that the Covid pandemic hasn’t gone away. Cases are rising again and its affecting both staff and Members. If you feel unwell please refrain from coming to the Club. Please test yourself regularly as staff are doing to protect Members and themselves. If you test positive, please stay away from the Club until you test negative for two consecutive days. Please help us to protect all Members and staff. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Marc