Chief Executive’s Message
Dear Member,
Autumn seems to be fast approaching as the weather has turned cold and damp once more. We are trying to complete our tennis grass court renovations before the soil temperature drops too low to restrict new grass growth and on the other hand, we are still trimming the rough on the golf course on a weekly basis as that is still growing strong as many golfers will testify.
Many Members have spoken to me in glowing terms of how wonderful it is to be back using all our facilities and how well the new padel courts have been received. Many other Clubs have asked to visit to see how well our padel courts have been presented and how well they blend into the Club’s country club environment. They also really like the way we have glazed in the Bandstand next door and provided tables, chairs and vending for the family.
While returning to sports use has been a success, returning to social use has been trickier. We had to cancel our live Music Night this week as the musician’s partner tested positive for Covid 19 which is a timely reminder that the disease has not disappeared, and we must continue to take every precaution.
If you feel unwell or are showing any symptoms whatsoever, please don’t come into the Club. We want to keep the Club as a safe haven for Members and staff this winter when inevitably Covid will raise its ugly head again. Staff will continue to wear face coverings indoors and we urge Members to do so as well.
Two new events to quickly sign up for as places are limited are:
Magic Carvery
We are pleased to welcome back this very popular event for the whole family. Delicious food by Chef Arnaud combined with intriguing magic by a top magician. Book at Reception or give them a call on 020 8480 4200. Click here for more information.
Walking Tour – Royalty and Rock in Richmond
Join a guided walk around Richmond with Club Member and Blue Badge Guide Robert Woolf, and hear about its royal past, its rock stars and many other characters who have left their mark on this riverside town. Book at Reception or give them a call on 020 8480 4200. Click here for more information.
One event that did go ahead very successfully recently was the Club’s celebration of Joe Salisbury’s amazing achievement of winning two Grand Slam titles at the US Open. Over a hundred Members came to pay tribute to him along with Davis Cup Captain Leon Smith, and his coaches Louis Caher and Justin Sherring.
Paul Mendelson questioned Joe on his multiple successes this year in his own entertaining individual way. Joe reciprocated by presenting Paul with his Honorary Member certificate from one Honorary Member to another which was lovely to see.
Click here for the pictures from the evening – by photographer Andy Hiseman
Finally with the clocks changing back at the end of October to finally signal autumn is changing into winter we will be keeping the Outdoor Pool open until 7pm through the winter with a short closure in December for maintenance.
Many Members love their early morning dip and after work swim under the lights in the heated pool. If you are more comfortable changing outdoors before and after your swim, we have provided a gazebo as well for the very hardy.
Best wishes
Marc