Latest News from BLTSC

Julie Bailey ran into some unusual company during her recent tennis lesson with Sam…. Here’s her story…

There was a high pitched animal squeal from the tall trees and suddenly a very young vulnerable squirrel appeared on the tennis courts! He needed no coaching to hop into my hands where he stayed.  We returned him back through the fence into the wooded area many times but he insisted on running back to myself or Sam who was coaching my tennis lesson.

As the lesson was coming to an end on an exceptionally warm Friday morning, and the squirrel was very tame and quite comfortably sitting on the top of my head to the amusement of Club staff,  I did not feel it safe to leave him and decided to remove him from Bromley Lawn Tennis Club and drive him home and consider the next course of action.

Once home, I kept him warm in the conservatory for an hour where he was ‘checked out’ by our pet dog Bella, We named the squirrel Bertie as he was very male and let her lay with Bella for a while.  If fact, Bertie must have thought she was his mother as he tried to feed from her (that’s a male thing!).  I made no attempt to feed him, just keep him very warm, in fact 80 degrees is recommended. 

After studying the internet and yellow pages I finally found a rescue centre and transported Bertie to The Wildlife Lodge in Foxgrove Road Vets, Beckenham where he will be professionally attended and taken to a squirrel sanctuary once he is older and thankfully no worse for his experience.

It was a most delightful moment for myself and tennis colleagues to appreciate another wonder of nature and certainly took me off my daily agenda!

Julie Bailey

Next Tuesday April 28th will be our first 2009 Summer Club night!

Summer Club night is a social doubles session from 6.30pm, just turn up and play!

Depending on numbers, which I hope will be huge(!!), play will be on the artificial grass and acrylic courts. We haven’t had a week-night club session for a few years so, with the summer teasing us already, now is the time to mark Tuesdays as ‘Tennis’ in your diaries and come and play.

As far as standard goes, this session will not be suitable for the novice/ beginner. I’m talking to Jason about what group coaching could be run alongside the session so we can have as many of us as possible enjoying Tuesdays- watch for news on this shortly.

Also, to reward you for leaving work on time and having fun, during May there will be also be a Happy Hour in the bar from 9-10pm: Mary will certainly be Happy and there will be big discounts on tap beer, wine, mojitos  (well maybe mojitos).

See you next week!

Rachel Payne

Chairman, BLTSC

It is with regret that we announce Trevor Holley passed away last Friday 17th April.  Trevor was a longstanding member of BLTC and up until recently was a Trustee of the club. 

For those of you that didn’t know him, Trevor was a former BLTC Mens Champion and his picture is on display in the bar.

For details of the funeral arrangements, please contact the office.

Some places remain for tomorrows American Tournament- it’s not too late to get yourself a spot, you need only call Martin Rands (07896 235 472) to get in the starting line up.

Play is open to all from age 16 up and kicks off at 1.45

The Management Committee have arranged for the sun to be out, so what’s stopping you?!

… that BLTC sell a range of K Swiss tennis shoes at discounted prices?

There are some styles on display in our Office, but if you already know the model and the size you want, just call and place an order! The full range can be seen on www.kswiss.com

Wearing the right footwear for tennis is important for prevention of injury, and providing support and stability.  

Correct footwear is also important to keep our playing surfaces at their best- tennis shoes should have soles that are non- marking and have low indentation.

With Summer about to arrive, why not treat yourself?

Some essential maintenance work will take place on our indoor courts around the August Bank holiday: we’re taking this opportunity to change the colour of the courts…

The new colour scheme will be along the lines of the recent ATP event in Miami- green surround and purple within.

Whilst it sounds rather racy, the darker court colour should enhance the overall effect of the lighting system and maybe even improve some of those dodgy line calls!

Our Men’s teams are playing a self styled ‘Davis Cup’ style event on Monday 13th April…

With 16 team players competing in both singles and doubles rounds, please be aware that court space will be limited on Bank Holiday Monday 

The courts will be used as follows-

Acrylic 1,2,3&4 9.30am- 3.30pm

Artificial grass 5,6,7,11&12 9.30am- 2pm

This is a great opportunity for our Men to have lots of fun and hone their tennis skills before the Summer match season gets into full swing! The Club recognises it’s lot of court time on a Bank Holiday, but hopes that this doesn’t inconvenience other members.

To re-iterate: Club afternoon play from 2pm will not be affected

Good luck to all the teams competing: especially Team UK of course!

Acrylic 1-4 will are reserved for our Mixed Generation tournament on Sunday between 10-1pm

8 pairs will be competing on the four courts- good luck!

Our AGM took place yesterday and I’m pleased to report that attendance by members was good. Thanks to all those that were able to make it, and to Margaret for the free afternoon teas!

Just in case you were unable to attend, here are some of the discussion points that were raised by members-

• Suggestion that a bubble be investigated alongside floodlighting proposals
• Weekend session for novices to be considered
• How might the quality of club afternoon balls be improved
• Idea of a court booking system was raised by the Coaches, as summer looms
• Court webcam!
• Front gate and BLTC sign in need of replacement
• Mens and Ladies shower areas need attention
• Squash membership drive required in 2009
• BLTC to apply for ‘Satellite’ status to further support the junior programme

This is a great event for our mini-orange players or above to play with their parents or some of our older juniors in this fun doubles event…

Only one of you needs to be a member so you can get Mum or Dad to be your partner even if they don’t play!

Sunday 5th April is the date from 10-1pm

Entry is £8 for Adults and £7 for children

Please contact Sam Tyler for details about how to enter on 07855 409 711