President's Blog - August 2025
President Debbie Mason-Smith reflects on the Summer season so far.
I hope this report finds you well and soaking up the glorious summer sunshine! It's been such an exciting and vibrant season here at The Neston Club, and I wanted to take a moment to share a quick update with all of you on the fantastic events and activities that have unfolded.
The summer weather has truly been on our side, offering perfect conditions for both practice and play. Whether you're on the courts, on the pitch, enjoying the clubhouse or outside bar with friends, it's been a pleasure to see so many of you out and about, making the most of these warm months. There has definitely been a buzz of energy and enthusiasm that’s lifted the spirit of our club.
The Annual Marquee weekend was an absolute highlight. Congratulations to Craig, Kat, Grace, Paddy, Jack, Paris, Emma, Corinna and all the other participating staff who gave their very best to make it such a huge success.
On Thursday at the Sporting Lunch, 650 guests welcomed Nigel Owens – International Rugby Union Referee, as guest speaker. It was a very entertaining day whilst being served the most exquisite lunch from Horseradish Caterers. Sunset Sounds, held on Friday, attracted so many families and young people to experience local musical talent. The children loved their faces painted and flashing flowery headbands which created a festival vibe. Saturday saw members and guests dressed in splendour at the Glitter Ball. Once again Horseradish served a 5* meal before the band struck up and the dance floor filled until midnight - when we all turned into pumpkins. The finale on Sunday saw us host L’Orchestra dell’Arte at the 11th Annual Parkgate Proms. They entranced the audience whilst we tucked into picnics, laughed with friends and finally danced the afternoon away.
These social gatherings have been just wonderful, it's great to see old friends reconnecting and new bonds forming. We’ve all shared some memorable moments, and it’s those experiences that make being part of the Neston Club family so special. The weekend is also our major fundraiser and we are so grateful to all who supported these events and especially our very generous sponsors, without whom we would be stumped! If you haven’t been able to make any of these events, we’d love to see you there next year. There is something in the weekend calendar for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
Summer Sports Camps have attracted record numbers, proving so popular with our youngsters and keeping Coach Emma and Coach Jack and their helpers on their toes. It is so uplifting to hear and see children having such fun. Emma has also run a very successful summer hockey league, as well as the Hockey Festival at the end of July, where we saw 11 teams compete and have a thoroughly fabulous time camping out on the back field. Both take a huge amount of preparation, responsibility and organisation, so a big hand goes to Emma for her hard work.
This Summer we have introduced two alternative courses “MOVIE MAGIC” and “FUTURE FILMMAKERS”. The first week course has completed and the second course for ages 9-11 runs from 11th-15th August. Children will learn movie making principles, then shoot and direct their own film. Kiran who instructs the course is a media professional with over two decades of experience in broadcasting. She studied production and digital filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. We are so proud that Kiran is investing her time in our Club and we’d love to get your children involved, so for more information on the course or to enrol your child please contact the Club by phone or enquiries@thenestonclub.co.uk
When you are next in the Members Bar, pop onto the balcony and you will see two brand new quality high bar tables with a central bucket space for iced beers or wine, donated by a very kind and generous member. We are very grateful for this generosity, and would like you to take the opportunity to watch some cricket or tennis whilst seated at them with a modicum of libation in hand. The Members Bar room is looking a tad tired and I’m pleased to say it will be decorated in August.
All Sports Stars have finished their cricket and tennis coaching for the Summer and it was a sight to see the Cricket section organising extra matches on Friday evenings and on a Sunday daytime this month. One evening there were approximately 80 children aged 7-9 (all members) competing in teams against each other, urged on by parents, siblings and grandparents. We welcomed Parkgate Chows Food Truck, to feed everyone followed by a Nicholls icecream. Big thanks to Lisa Smylie “Cloud Coffee” who stepped up to the mark to serve pastries, cakes and drinks on a Sunday morning to our young cricketers. It was truly appreciated. September will see the start of the hockey coaching, followed by squash. We really pride ourselves on providing the free coaching sessions of all four main sports for our youngest club members.
Our Fitness Classes continue to prove to be ever popular, individual mens and womens classes, seniors and mixed groups. We were delighted to hear that instructor Ellie gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl and send the family our very best wishes. We have two Instructors covering her classes – Emma for yoga and Bernie for tai chi. Take a look on the website to see times, types of classes and how to book in. £5 is an absolute bargain. I really recommend if you haven’t tried any of them yet, then do! They are so good for body and mind.
The Tea/ Coffee station in the Downstairs Tearoom is completed since the water urn was plumbed in, and this is a reminder that you are all welcome to help yourselves to a tea or coffee when the bar is closed. I’ve put fairy liquid and cloths in the cupboard under the sink and it would be appreciated if you kept the area clean and tidy for the next person coming along. Many thanks.
SECTIONS. There have been great match reports coming through from all sports, especially the eloquent renditions of Ben Holroyd from tennis, which are a joy to read. Equally the commentary by DC of live screening on YouTube of the front pitch cricket matches is entertaining and a pleasure to listen to from home or abroad. Join the sections’ WhatsApp groups on Neston Community to get these links.
Squash continues with their Summer League and there are some fabulous upgrades forthcoming to the squash corridor. Keep eyes peeled!
Neston Ladies’ cricket section is well established now and they are having great fun winning most of their matches, coached by Fin Scullion, but most importantly developing a great team spirit. Whether you’ve played before or not, why not think about having a go next year. The season is coming to a close with a convincing final win this week. The season end is celebrated with the Ladies Cricket Festival on 24th August when we welcome teams from clubs in Wirral and Cheshire. Come down that afternoon and support the Ladies Cricket Section.
The 1st team men’s hockey, who you will remember were promoted last season to the National League, have already started their rigorous training. The first match is at home on Sunday 21st September. It would be fabulous to give them an almighty Neston support. For more information go to the Club website and click on Hockey.
August sees the introduction of Table Tennis. Thursday Group (our Senior members) have some formidable players who take up their bats on a Tuesday morning, but this new venture will see us entering the local league. The matches commence in September but if you feel you could compete in one of the two teams we are entering, then come down on a Monday or Wednesday evening from 7pm to demonstrate your serve, smash and drives.
CLUB MEMBER RECOGNITION
Congratulations to:
Juniors, Harry Founds and Zach Paulson in finishing runners up in their team at the England Hockey Talent Academy Finals in Nottingham
Louise Aldford-Swift, representing Wales O40s hockey, who brings home a European Silver Medal
Will Morrison and Mike Lyness who represented the Royal Navy on hockey tour to New Zealand
Finn Scullion awarded Winner of Young Coach of the Year for Cheshire and Lancashire and received his award at Old Trafford.
Ten year old, Jack Robinson plays in the top 3 of the U11 County Tennis Squad.
All I’m left to ask is for you to register dates for your diary:
Tuesday 23rd September. AGM
Saturday 15th November. President’s Dinner and Awards Evening
Thank you again to all members, volunteers, coaches, committee members, parents and our staff who together make this Club so very special! If you have suggestions or feedback, please reach out to me at any time.
Stay active, stay happy, and I look forward to seeing you around the Club.
Deb x
Deb Mason-Smith – President The Neston Club
