You may have thought that the hockey season was over but the last weekend in April saw the u10 boys finish 2nd in the North West Finals, scoring 14 goals and only conceding 1 in 5 matches . The U12 Boys are through to the ‘In2hockey’ National Finals. The U12 Girls lost in the semi finals 1-0 and the U14 boys beat Brooklands 3-0 to go through to the National Finals of the Supra League. The Adult Mixed Team are at Semi-final stage of the EH Cup Competition, not knowing yet where their next match is, but supporters would be greatly appreciated, I’m sure! What great achievements these are for the players and a massive thanks must go to all the coaches, managers and parents - without whom this success would not be possible.
President's Blog - May 2025
President Debbie Mason-Smith updates us on what's been happening in the build up to summer.
A great start to the Summer with over 200 children from age 3 upwards attending Neston All Sports Stars (NASSA) last Friday. We begin with free cricket coaching for 5 weeks, before changing over to tennis. With so many children we rely on the generosity of our members to volunteer to help on these evenings. This year for the first time one of our original NASSAs, who is now aged 10, returned to volunteer with the 3-5 year old session. What a great success this has been, not only in attracting more junior members, but also their parents who have joined as either social or playing members. Moving up the ages our junior teams, in cricket and hockey specifically, have grown as a result of the natural progression from NASSAs. This puts the Club in a very positive place for the future.
Cricket and tennis are off to a great start. We might not be winning all the matches but the sound of both sports being played whilst the sun is shining and the outside bar is open, always lifts the heart. It’s a bit early for an update but I’ll do so in my next Blog. Andrew Evans is doing a fine job coaching our juniors and seniors in squash and in addition the summer leagues have commenced.
There has been an upgrade of the downstairs Cafe Bar Tearoom. You will see a small kitchen for members to make tea and coffee when the bars are closed. In addition, we have much needed storage space, a second function room and a scorers room facing the pitch. The hard flooring has been matched throughout the room and it actually gives the appearance of being a much bigger space.
If you have ventured out onto the balcony you may have noticed we have a nest of hatched Collared Doves above one of the wall heaters. The parents have been fastidious in caring for their young and soon they will have fled. Please bear with us until that time.
Ellie, our Yoga and Tai Chi instructor will be reducing her classes soon in preparation of becoming a mother. We have several instructors who have been highly recommended by Ellie to stand in whilst she is on maternity leave, so keep booking the classes and benefit from the fitness and flexibility this offers. As a reminder, we also run Body Conditioning and Pilates classes at just £5. The timetable is on the website and on the outside of the Pavilion.
Bar prices: I thought it might be interesting for you to know about the average 20 - 30% savings on drinks which you get as members. On pints of beer, G&T's and other drinks members are saving around £1.20 to £1.30 per drink. On prosecco, members save £2!
House Associate membership is just £12.00/ month, so the £2 saving on each small bottle of Prosecco x6 in a month pays for that. It might be well worth mentioning to family and friends who frequent the Club that they might like to join as members for this reason alone. In addition they will get a members price of just £5 for all fitness classes.
We said goodbye recently to Nick Morrison who was with us for about 10 years. He has taken up post at the Red Lion as General Manager and we wish him good luck in the new role. We are sure he will do very well and settle in quickly. Recruitment for his post is underway.
The Thursday Group ran a very successful fund raising event in the Cranston for Motor Neurone Disease this week. It was sold out with 100 people attending, and they raised £1,500 for the charity which does an incredible job in supporting those suffering with MND and their carers. Hilda Duff and her team of helpers put on a wonderful day and Pam Garner headed up the event. Thursday Group is an ever growing and important section of the Club offering social events, games and friendship for our senior members.
All that leaves me to say is that I wish you all happy summer sport on the spectacular grounds we have. Scooby and Tom are doing a magnificent job. Thanks to Craig, Kat, Paddy, Grace, Corina, Paris and Emma for all the work they do in running our thriving club. In two months time they have their biggest yearly challenge – The Marquee Week. But remember, they still have 100 other jobs to do!
All best wishes
Deb x
Debbie Mason-Smith.
