After Sheila Burton had stood down as Chairman at the 2003 AGM I was asked by the Committee to take over - an honour I was pleased to accept.
In my first newsletter I said that having spent a lot of money over the past few years on the courts and the patio, the continuation of our ten year plan meant we would now be concentrating on improving the inside of the clubhouse. In the summer of 2004 we put in "new windows and frames to replace the rather worn, tired looking ones, and decorated the kitchen" to comply with health and safety standards.
It was October when all the Chairmen since 1990 got together for this photograph.
In my first newsletter I said that having spent a lot of money over the past few years on the courts and the patio, the continuation of our ten year plan meant we would now be concentrating on improving the inside of the clubhouse. In the summer of 2004 we put in "new windows and frames to replace the rather worn, tired looking ones, and decorated the kitchen" to comply with health and safety standards.
It was October when all the Chairmen since 1990 got together for this photograph.
The Clubs Centenary celebrations started with an over subscribed American Tournament in November 2004 followed by a centenary sit down dinner which was attended by around 100 members. I had put together a collage of attendees who had supplied photos of themselves in their younger days and everyone enjoyed trying to identify their table mates :
In May 2005 by mutual consent, Tony Wilkins stood down as Head Coach and Martin Taylor took over the position. Tony continued to coach as long as his health allowed.
Celebrations peaked and culminated in June 2005 with the 'Centenary Day', held on one of the hottest days of the year. Dozens of members helped organise and set everything up. The courts were surrounded by bunting and a huge white marquee covered both the top two hard courts. Mike Probert and Liam Adams were on guard duty at the Club overnight to watch for any would-be vandals or thieves.
There were displays of memorabilia, organised tennis, ploughmans lunches and afternoon teas. In the evening we held a thrilling barn dance with a professional caller together with a huge barbecue to feed everyone.
We estimated that, throughout the day, we shared the celebrations with over 350 past and present members and friends of the Club. A function to end all functions !
Charles Allistone who had joined the committee in 1956 sadly died in 2005. He had been Chairman of the Club throughout the 1980s and was instrumental in overseeing the work done to upgrade the courts.
John Allen, treasurer on and off for 29 years, stepped down at the 2005 AGM.
There were displays of memorabilia, organised tennis, ploughmans lunches and afternoon teas. In the evening we held a thrilling barn dance with a professional caller together with a huge barbecue to feed everyone.
We estimated that, throughout the day, we shared the celebrations with over 350 past and present members and friends of the Club. A function to end all functions !
Charles Allistone who had joined the committee in 1956 sadly died in 2005. He had been Chairman of the Club throughout the 1980s and was instrumental in overseeing the work done to upgrade the courts.
John Allen, treasurer on and off for 29 years, stepped down at the 2005 AGM.
Over many years (since 1994) I had been running "Simon's Super Quiz" raising money for both the club and a local charity providing trips to disabled children and their siblings. Many thousands of pounds were raised over the years (I wish I had kept count) and the April Fools Quiz in 2006 was no exception - "St Albans Junior PHAB got raffle monies of £232 which was put towards the cost of a canal trip in the summer for twenty kids" and the Club profited by £500 which was used to fund a new barbeque.
In one of the newsletters I explained a little about what my quizzes involved and said I had "been writing and presenting the Tennis Club quizzes for well over 10 years and I am pleased to say that you all keep coming back for more. For those who don’t know, my quizzes are different from the norm as I try to avoid questions where intelligence is involved. In the nicest sense, I believe you are there to have fun - not for a mentally challenging examination. Watch out for my Double Russian Roulette and Killer rounds which you will not find on other quizzes."
In one of the newsletters I explained a little about what my quizzes involved and said I had "been writing and presenting the Tennis Club quizzes for well over 10 years and I am pleased to say that you all keep coming back for more. For those who don’t know, my quizzes are different from the norm as I try to avoid questions where intelligence is involved. In the nicest sense, I believe you are there to have fun - not for a mentally challenging examination. Watch out for my Double Russian Roulette and Killer rounds which you will not find on other quizzes."
2006 was another good season. We held a number of American Tournaments during the summer including "the World Cup Tournament where we all wore football shirts from various countries at the time football fever had hit the country. It was a very colourful event held on the hottest day of the year".
Despite organising a pre-AGM American Tournament, which was well attended, and offering a free glass of wine, only 17 members, including committee, attended the AGM. I was always of the opinion that nobody voluntarily wanted to attend an AGM and the lower the numbers the better we must be doing.
Despite organising a pre-AGM American Tournament, which was well attended, and offering a free glass of wine, only 17 members, including committee, attended the AGM. I was always of the opinion that nobody voluntarily wanted to attend an AGM and the lower the numbers the better we must be doing.
The 2006 AGM reported that a small sub committee were looking at ways in which to reinvigorate the clubhouse. On a relatively small budget this was partly accomplished in 2007 with a much more comfortable and modern looking small bar area.
The next stage in this rejuvenation programme was the complete renovation of the kitchen area which was completed in early 2009.
In October 2009 a remarkable £1,250 was raised by members for charity over one weekend. On the Saturday, my Super Quiz raised £615 for Star Scope and was used to purchase some much needed equipment for a local disabled child. The following afternoon, a massive £642 was raised for Children in Need after we held an American Tournament held in memory of Mike Probert who had tragically died while skiing.
The next stage in this rejuvenation programme was the complete renovation of the kitchen area which was completed in early 2009.
In October 2009 a remarkable £1,250 was raised by members for charity over one weekend. On the Saturday, my Super Quiz raised £615 for Star Scope and was used to purchase some much needed equipment for a local disabled child. The following afternoon, a massive £642 was raised for Children in Need after we held an American Tournament held in memory of Mike Probert who had tragically died while skiing.
At the AGM a few weeks later I stood down and handed over the reins to new blood. In my retirement statement I said "This has been a very difficult decision to make as we are such a good team and the club is buzzing with first rate facilities and a rising record membership. All the goals we set in 1998 have been achieved. However, 14 years is a long time and I think the time is right to step down".
I must say, even now, 7 years later, how much pleasure it gives me to think of the changes we were able to bring to the Club over this period - although I am the first to say that it was done as a team effort and everyone concerned should be equally proud of their contribution.
I must say, even now, 7 years later, how much pleasure it gives me to think of the changes we were able to bring to the Club over this period - although I am the first to say that it was done as a team effort and everyone concerned should be equally proud of their contribution.