President's Blog - April 2024

THE PRESIDENT’S BLOG – April 2024

It’s been another busy time at the club with the Tennis Courts being resurfaced and lighting installed and the Cricket Nets project on to go. When all the work is completed the area from the back of the Nets to the Clubhouse will be tidied up, made safe under foot and planters installed.

The use of the Pavilion for fitness classes is becoming increasingly popular, we have great quality of instructors and a wonderful place to exercise in. On offer is yoga, body conditioning, Pilates and tai chi. Further information is on the website, you can book through the office or online and non members are welcome if you would like to bring along a friend. Just try a class - its pay as you go.

Our longest standing group of tennis players, The Riff Raff, have published a book on their history, and it’s a very interesting read. There is a lot of information and great photographs spanning back to the early days, including their tours to Spain. This will be sold from the Office if you would like a copy.

The picture below shows Mike Burt (Riff Raff Chairman) presenting me with a book, alongside Ian Normington (R) (who has compiled the information) and Daryl Griffin (L) (A founder member).

International Women’s Day on 8^th March saw a timetable of sports organised by Emma Nokes, and with support from Courtney, Corina, Kat and Paris, women were introduced to Bowls, Croquet, Cardio Tennis, Weightlifting, Self Defence and Tag Rugby. Post sport, there was a glass of wine and delicious cake to boost the energy levels! It was of great importance that the Club recognised this special day. Thank you to all involved.

Sunday lunches at the club have been a great hit. The Mothering Sunday lunch was absolutely spectacular. Club chefs Neil & Tom (Garni) excelled themselves – the food was delicious and plentiful. There were many diners who hadn’t been before, and they were hugely impressed with the high standard of cuisine. Thank you to Courtney, Paris and the team for their excellent service and for being so accommodating.

British Summer Time has begun (although hard to believe with the wet and windy storms we are experiencing) and this coincides with the outside bar being re-sited to the front cricket pitch and opening soon after. Let’s hope we have a good Summer ahead to sit and enjoy a glass of wine, beer or water on the decking with friends.

The Squash First team (below) won the league and the Fifth team, made up of Andrew’s (Club Coach of the Year) Juniors won promotion to the next division

First team L-R. Joe Shill, Graeme Lea-Swain, Cam Lea-Swain, Mark Thomason, Simon Dutton, Rachel Chadwick, Ryan Davies, Jon Hunter

Quiz night continues every other Wednesday, with a chance to win bar credit & free drinks. Dan Wakefield has taken over from Emma as our resident quizmaster. The next date is 17^th April at 8pm.

I would like to mention Marquee Week. You’ll have seen the posters going out on social media already. Don’t leave your ticket buying too late – we have:

Friday Sunset Sounds

Saturday The Marquee Ball - themed Moulin Rouge

Sunday The Proms - with a sporting, Olympic theme and music from the 4 home nations

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Thursday Group has hosted two recent talks from Wardrobe on the Cross in Neston and John Crane from Auctioneers Cato Crane and their weekly Summer Games commence shortly. All information on upcoming events is on the Club Website.

As we dust off racquets and oil bats in anticipation of the new season, I would like to thank the Squash and Hockey committees, coaches, and players for providing great sport at Neston this Winter.

Best Wishes

Deb Mason-Smith

President – The Neston Club