Chair’s Message
Dear Member,
I’m delighted to welcome everyone back after an amazing summer of events and, of course, glorious weather. The course, courts, lawns and grounds looked their absolute best. We are privileged to enjoy 105 acres in Zone 2, a legacy from generations of members. My thanks to our executive and grounds teams for maintaining everything to such a high standard, even through periods of water shortage.
On the sporting side, our sections remain exceptionally active, with club championships and national team competitions across many disciplines. Member participation – social and competitive – continues to be very strong. While that can create occasional pressures, it remains one of the Club’s great strengths.
We have now completed major refurbishments of the Members’ Bar, Function Rooms and Terrace. For many, the Club is a second home, and these upgrades were designed to refresh the décor and ambience of our social spaces. After three significant projects in three years (Club Café, Kitchens and related works, and now the Bar, Terrace and Function Rooms) we will pause further works in the Clubhouse to minimise disruption.
Member feedback on these projects has been extremely positive. I’m confident the investment will pay dividends over the long term. We’re already seeing increased usage and stronger appeal among younger Members and families – both healthy signs for the Club’s future.
We’re also enhancing social engagement with the new spaces. Two Racquets Club Nights were very well attended; we plan to continue and expand these. The large screen in the Piazza was also warmly received – we intend to repeat this next year and further develop the attractiveness of that area.
At our AGM on Monday 30th June, we transacted statutory business and heard short presentations from the Chief Executive on the revised Masterplan 2035 and from the Chair of Finance on our current financial position. Esther van der Pette was elected to the Board, replacing Joy Stevens, who was thanked for her six years of service on the Board. The new committees and section liaison directors are listed on the notice boards, and we look forward to their contributions.
Masterplan 2035 — Current Projects
We remain committed to clear medium-term goals and continuous Member feedback. This investment programme supports both maintenance and the alleviation of future bottlenecks. Member surveys and Committee input have been invaluable in refining priorities and evidencing progress.
Indoor Golf Centre (IGC)
In late 2024, Wandsworth Council approved our planning application for the IGC. Following tender pricing, the Board decided against a two-tier design due to cost. A single-tier design goes to tender at the end of September. By the end of October we expect firm pricing; the Board will then assess affordability. As promised consistently throughout this process, we will consult all adult members before a final Board decision.
Please note: If the project is approved works must commence by 2027 as the 2024 planning permission lasts three years.
Padel and Pickleball Hubs — Working Group
The working group is evaluating suitable locations for a combined hub – or, if necessary, separate areas. Two potential locations (previously discussed with planning officers) are nearly ready for pre-application meetings. Design concepts have been prepared for both covered and uncovered options.
Potential Future Clubhouse Developments (post this three-year plan)
Some ask why we continue to invest in infrastructure. To rebuild our Clubhouse today would likely cost around £40m; site depreciation alone is £1.7m per year. Even to maintain what we have requires steady investment. Much of the Clubhouse plant dates from its opening 55 years ago and some systems still need replacement. In the future we expect to consider the Reception area, changing rooms and the front elevation – but only after a period of consolidation.
Membership
The Board is reassessing membership levels in light of historical trends and the 2024 AGM commitment to maintain flat numbers: 5,000 active sporting members (approximately 4,000 Adults and 1,000 Juniors).
We are seeing a notable increase in Absent Members and those becoming Honorary Members (after 50 years of continuous adult membership). Given rising average usage per Member, we will review overall numbers. Any reduction would likely lengthen waiting times and impact cash flows; we will consider options to offset this before any decision is made.
Financial Wellbeing
The Club remains financially strong, though political and economic uncertainties persist. As at end-August 2025, even after significant recent investments, we remain in a net positive cash position – reflecting the long-standing financial and risk planning in place.
Predicting the future rate of inflation is challenging. While we expect it to stabilise after recent rises, core costs – wages, energy and food – remain elevated. The Board will therefore set 2026 subscription levels to address these pressures and to safeguard the Club’s financial security.
Leadership and Thanks
I want to thank my fellow Board members for their dedication to the Club’s goals. Marc Newey has announced his intention to retire in 2026, and we have begun the process to appoint a successor. A Succession Committee is working with a search firm; the process has commenced publicly and we will keep Members informed as appropriate. Given necessary confidentiality, details will be limited, but we are confident the role will attract a broad and talented field. The past 17 years have seen the Club transformed under Marc’s leadership, and we intend to maintain that momentum.
Finally, my sincere thanks to my family, friends and fellow Members for your support, encouragement and feedback.
Warm regards,
Michael Hill
Chair of the Board of Directors
September 2025