News from the Chair
Dear Member,
The beginning of 2025 finds Old College LTC in good shape and ready to tackle the big project of the Clubhouse. Please do join us on 25 February for the presentation on this – it will affect you all and we want your support for what we are planning. We will email everyone with the link to join by video nearer the time.
2025/26 Subscriptions
Whilst the September 2024 CPI was 2.6%, the Bank of England expects CPI inflation to increase to around 2.75% by the second half of 2025. There may be specific expenses that increase more than that. Therefore, it is proposed to increase subscriptions by 3.5% and, for certain categories, where fees are lower, we round subscription rates up. As much as anything this is to cover the administration costs that are the same irrespective of the amount of subscription. This means that although the increases for some categories are greater than the September 2024 CPI, they are significantly less than the Subscription Cap of September CPI plus 3% (5.75%). Payment notices will be sent in March.
Suspension or Refunding of Subscriptions.
We occasionally get requests for a refund or suspension of subscriptions. Similarly, we also receive requests from members to pay in instalments. While we understand that there are occasions when these are justified they are difficult and costly to administer. We have therefore adopted a policy to set out clearly when we are prepared to consider such requests. This is attached and will be on the website in the Members’ Area.
Clubhouse Maintenance
While we await the redevelopment of the Clubhouse there is a certain amount of essential repair work being undertaken to ensure that the building remains operational and does not deteriorate and add to the cost of the project. So, the doors have been repainted and John Barton has done miracles to get both Women’s and Men’s showers working again.
The Vending Machine
You may have noticed that this has gone! It had become increasingly difficult to keep going and in the end we decided to sell it – at a profit to the Club of £90! We do not intend to replace it. We have had a conscience for some time about supplying our junior members with sugary foods and drinks. We did try muesli bars but they didn’t sell. So it is now up to juniors and their parents to supply refreshments of their own choice.
Mid-week Club Play
The recent excellent Tennis Committee newsletter encouraged attendance at the many Club Play sessions. Two of these, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings are largely frequented by older members .But they are still open sessions and younger players are very welcome to join them.
Sweeping the Clay Courts.
That newsletter also exhorted members to be sure to sweep the clay courts after playing. I want to repeat that request. Sweeping should be the norm, even if the courts are wet. It is an essential courtesy to the courts to do this. Thank you.
Women’s Monthly Socials
Manjit asks that you lookout for the women’s monthly social link. There are 16 place available for tennis, followed by food & drink afterwards. If you want to show case your culinary skills , please contact Manjit or Anna.- all abilities welcome!
Annual General Meeting
A reminder that this is on 11 March at 7.30pm in the Clubhouse. Do please come along. This is your club and it can only thrive if members participate in its management. See you there!!
Best wishes
Nigel
Nigel Thorpe
Chair, Old College LTC Committee