Just a few brief notes to update those of you who couldn’t make the AGM on 22nd Jan!
A good turnout of forty members came through the fog to be warmly welcomed by the chairman. After thanking the committee for their hard work over the year, and players for supporting the club so admirably, Guy announced that, on behalf of the Club, he was delighted to award life membership to two long-standing members for their many contributions to HLTC over the years: Pam Walker and Frank Noble.
Treasurer Alan Towersey reported another successful financial year and presented the audited accounts, which were accepted unanimously. This was followed by Captain, John Miller’s, report focussing on the success of teams in both the summer and winter leagues. He particularly noted HLTC’s success in the Wirral Tankard, from which they emerged victorious after a hard fought final against Neston. John also detailed the plans for the forthcoming season: 4 mixed and 2 men’s teams in the Wirral League and a ladies’, a men’s and a mixed team in the Chester League and asked for comments or concerns; there were none. Everyone was sorry to hear that John had decided to stand down from the Captaincy.
Clair Miller is now supported by Trish Beck, as second Welfare Officer. In her other role, as Junior Co-ordinator, Clair reported on the success of the juniors, noting that, by entering 9 teams in the team tennis competition, HLTC entered the most of any Cheshire clubs (except performance centres) and all gave good account of themselves, with U16 boys reaching their final. The coaching programme remains popular and Clair thanked Craig, Chris and Johnny for their enthusiasm, commitment and success in bringing junior members on.
Three new members were voted onto the committee, and were welcomed on board by Guy: Sarah Cottam will be Bar Manager, Karen Hope becomes Social Co-ordinator and Callum Leach is the new Captain.
The Christmas party, organised by Lynda and Moya, was a great success; however, only a couple of weeks beforehand, few tickets had been sold and it was touch and go as to whether to go ahead. Should this event continue? Some people strongly voiced their support for a black tie event and after discussion, the majority of those present voted in favour of a formal catered dinner with a band/disco, but at a different venue and with an early payment incentive.
Dave Cottrell sent his thanks to club members who supported the charity fundraising events for ‘Make it Happen’.
I’ll write up more detailed AGM Minutes as soon as I can and put a copy in the Clubhouse. Thank you to everyone who came to support the committee, or sent their apologies.