TICKETS GOING FAST

Tickets for this years Burns Night Supper are being rapidly snapped up and we only have 30% left for the night. If you were planning on attending this great club night it is advised to let Gregg or Iain know asap to ensure yourself  of a seat.

There is plenty to look forward to with great in-house entertainment delivered by our own members.

Don't miss out and confirm your place. Please contact Iain Coventry (07825138967) or Gregg McGeoch (07740986449)

NO 'Wee Quiz @ Christmas' This Year

Just a short note to advise that due to other commitments and hall booking we are unable to run this popular little event.  It has however been put into the diary already for next year where I promise I will try and make it double as much fun..... Thanks for the email slooking for info on this event and sorry to disappoint.

Iain

Friday Junior Matchplay Cancelled due to Weather

Unfortunately the junior match play scheduled for today (Friday 13th Nov) has had to be suspended once again due to the poor weather. If conditions allow, it will return next Friday.

Free Saturday Junior Coaching

Free coaching for today (Sat 7th) is cancelled due to weather.

Friday Afternoon Junior Matchplay Cancelled

Due to the poor weather the matchplay this afternoon 4pm-6-30pm has been cancelled. It shall return next Friday. Apologies for late notice.

Under 12 Boys 1st Team - Division 2B Champs!

A massive well done to all the boys for winning Division 2B this Autumn. It came down to the last game game played between Titwood And Giffnock with the result going in our favour!

Boys 1st Team Squad:

Daniel Armstrong
Jack Beaton
Jack Boyle
Findlay MacKenzie
& Sean Miller

Each boy played all but one match and it was a real team effort from all!

Considering the quality of the teams our boys played, holding their nerve so many times in tie breaks was the vital difference.

Well done to everyone, and well done to Daniel Armstrong for finishing the second highest ranked player in the league (out of a pool of 37), and Jack Boyle at 7th place as well.

Neil Miller
Team Captain

Friday Nights - Winter Doubles

Our very popular ‘Friday Winter Doubles League’ is BACK!!

 

 Josh Hahn has once again agreed to oversee the ‘Friday Night Doubles League’ which will start back for its' fifth year on Friday 30th October 2015. In Josh’s absence, Craig Beaton or Colin Scott will deputise.

 

This is a social ‘league’, open to all adult players of all standards, and juniors who regularly attend Wednesday club night and/or play in senior teams. Just come down to the club on Friday nights at any time from 7pm through the winter weeks (weather dependent of course!).

 

Play as few or as many sets as you like.  Play the Fridays that suit, or every week! The emphasis is on fun & laughs with tennis friends and keeping us all ticking over during the winter. Why not consider taking part on Fridays when you are free? You get points for simply playing a set and with a new playing partner each set is a great leveller & keeps it very fair!

 

• Mixing: Cannot play with the same partner twice on the same night (numbers allowing of course).  First four or next four available players play a set. Pairs decided by spinning rackets
• Set Format: 1st to 6 games (max 11 games). 1st deuce point played normally and then 2nd deuce point concludes the game - receivers choice on deciding point
• Scoring: 3 points per set won & 1 point each per set lost. You can play as many sets as you like, but only your best 3 set results count towards your evening’s accumulated points total (e.g. 4 sets won and 2 lost = maximum of 9 points, you cannot claim all 14 points!) Only set results recorded on the night will be added to the table
• Cost: £1 per night (to cover lights). Individual results will not be counted if player has not paid
• League Table: The results will be updated on the website: http://www.clarkstonbtc.org.uk/doublesleague.html

 

Any queries to Craig: craigbeaton1970@aol.com

 

Consider joining in when you can, and supporting this great event!

Bridge Afternoon Club Fundraiser Thursday November 19

Our very talented Bowling Ladies are hosting a Bridge afternoon on Thursday 19th Novemeber @ 1.30pm.  Please consider supporting this event (all funds to the club!).

The tickets are  £7 each (4 at a table). This covers Bridge for the afternoon and tea and cakes will be served mid way through the afternoon. The raffle draw will also be held at this point and Bridge will recommence until 4.30pm.

This will be a very sociable and fun afternoon for all. Please contact Betty at jimandbetty44@gmail.com for more info and for tickets.

New Coaching Blocks

A new  6 week block of coaching will open on Monday 19th October until Saturday 28th November.

Classes available for boys and girls at all ages and levels, including Tots. There is currently no planned Tennis Xpress course for adults, however, if there is a demand we may be able to deliver this course.

Cost is £30 for members and £50 for non members.

For more information contact Carol Milne at cazcoaching@gmail.com.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Southside Interclub 2015

Today, Friday 14^th August, we received notice from Tennis West that Clarkston’s courts (4, 5 & 6) are again required for this year’s Southside Interclub competition.

The Interclub will be played on Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th & Friday 22^nd of August. The courts will be in use from 4pm until late.

All Interclub matches will be played on courts 4, 5 & 6 from 4pm.

Our coaching programme will continue as scheduled during this week.

Any member seeking to play a Club Championship tie can do so on courts 1, 2 & 3 on cessation of coaching.

Any member seeking social play can do so on courts 1, 2 & 3 on cessation of coaching. Members are respectfully reminded to adhere to the 30 minute rule for social play if other members are waiting.

We offer our apologies to members for this very, very short notice of this event, but it was due to a very late confirmation from Tennis West.

Craig Beaton
Tennis Captain

All Coaching Blocks Start Saturday August 15th

Autumn Coaching Block will kick off from Saturday 15th August. 

It is an 8 week block providing coaching from Tots to Adults. 

Contact the Coaching Team for More Information: cazcoaching@gmail.com

and visit the Coaching page to see the timetable of classes

Book now to secure your place!

Gents 1st Team Gains Promotion

A huge congratulations to the 1st team who, on Friday evening,
managed to gain promotion back to the 1st division.  After relegation
last year, its great news to see them return after only 1 season
playing in division 2.  In their last match, he team won the 6 sets that they required against Bishopton to finish as CHAMPIONS!!

Congrats to the main 5 guys who played in most matches, Andrew Raitt,
Euan Smith, Scott Bolling, Mark Weir and David Evans.  Thanks also to
those players who stepped in and played either 1 or 2 matches.....
Derek Walker, Nick Renier, Keir Campbell, Eric Marginson, Nicol Smylie,
Peter Stewart, Peter Robinson, and Gregg McGeoch.

Great achievement led by their captain Scott Bolling.

Club APP updated for New Season

Please take a moment to look at our updated Clarkston Tennis Team App for 2015. Other additional new features will be added in the days ahead. You can access the APP via iphone, android, tablet and the web. Instructions about how to download the APP are available at the top of this web-site's home page or contact Craig Beaton for details on craigbeaton1970@aol.com

You can access the web based version of the APP right now by going to:

https://clarkstontennis.teamapp.com/

Adult Coaching Returns to Clarkston

Our hugely popular Tennis Express course is an adult coaching programme designed for beginners to our sport and returners who fancy getting back into tennis.

It is a fun course that suits all standards and will have you serving up aces in no time.  Kicks off this Sunday @ 10.30 - 12noon.

Contact Coach Carol for more info on: cazcoaching@gmail.com 🎾🎾

Exciting New Initiative for Girls!

‘Miss-Hits’ is designed to introduce girls aged 5-8 to tennis in a fun, lively, all-girl environment where they can develop their coordination, get to know all the strokes and learn about the game through the Miss-Hits characters. All lessons will be indoors. Find out more at www.mis-hits.co.uk. The course will run on Tuesday 19th May 4.30-5.30pm for 6 weeks. Please contact Carol at cazcoaching@gmail.com for more information.

 

New Season Served Up!

Monday 20th April

A good home win in the 1st round of the Scottish Cup against Queens Park.  A few 1st team players unavailable, so thanks to Nick Renier, Peter Stewart , John Slack and of course myself for stepping up to the plate and bringing home the win along with Scott Bolling and Dave Evans.  Next round match, Monday 27th April away to Kirkhill.   Good luck guys.

 

Tuesday 21st April

The 1st league match of the summer saw a great win for Jon Wilkie and his 4th team away to Hillhead 2.  Captains report - Ian cov, and Graham Hood narrowly losing 2-1 at 1st couple and both John Wlike, Mark McDermott and Ian Smith and Justin Notley winning 2-1  to secure a tightly contested 5-4 win.  I believe that if any other team are playing away to Hillead this season, you can enjoy excellent home backing in a posh restaurant.  (Eds note – John Wilkie are you really easily pleased and great to get off to a winning start)

 

Friday 24th April

After being relegated last season, it was imperative that the 1st team got off a quick start which they duly did in an away match v Drumchapel.    Captains report – I feel that I am taking the place of Bill Leckie.  Dark, wet and overcast night.  Must be the start of the tennis leagues.  First major shock of the night, Nicol Smylie turned up not only on time but early.  A Clarkston 6-3 away win to Drumchapel.  All sets one at 2nd and 3rd couple, well done to Andrew Raitt and Nicol, and David Evans and Derek walker.  3rd couple played a match in darkness due to no floodlights.  With the help of passing car headlights, they did well to battle for a 3 set win.  A triumphant and welcome return to 1st team tennis, Derek Walker. (Eds notes – great start guys and that was without our club champion)

 

3rd team – Captains report

On a damp evening, we the 3rd team really now know that we have stepped up a level with a narrow 9-0 loss!!!!  Thorn Park 2nds were a very strong team and will no doubt be strong promotion contenders and have a very young team with an average age under 25.  Gregg and I (Jon Slack) were up against one of the club coaches and a player who is in the top 5 in Scotland for his age group.  Outclassed!  William Steven and Ross McWhiter managed to win 1 less game when compared to Jon and Gregg and yet were on court for 20 minutes longer so proof enough that they put in a battling performance.  Thanks also to Graham Hood and Mark McDermott for stepping.  Onwards and Upwards. (Eds note – after securing promotion last season, this season will mean a battle for every game and set to ensure survival)

 

6th Team – Captains report
A 6-3 loss at home to Whitecraigs 6th team despite a battling performance from all 3 couples.  Great to see one of our new recruits winning at 1st couple, Micheal Glennon alongside the ever reliable Kenny Hunter and securing a 2 sets to 1 win after losing the 1st set.  Little and Large (Alan King and Jaspar Lages) suffering a 2-1 sets loss although was a hard fought match and Ross McGhee and Callum Steel losing 3-0 in sets although again battled well and lost 6-3, 6-3 7-5.  Better luck next time guys.

Gregg McGeoch

Just a reminder that we are having an Open Morning with Coaching from our very own Commonwealth representative Ali Shan.

The fun starts at  this Saturday at 10am and is open to everybody who would like to give it a go.

This sport really is for everybody and what could be better than enjoying a game with family or friends with a drink from the bar whilst the children run themselves ragged on the tennis court.

Everything will be provided to let you have a 'Bowl' on the green....so put aside the stereotypes you may have and come down and be part of one of Clarkstons oldest and best community sports facilities.

Come along and try tennis!

Coaching from Our Own Commonwealth Bowlers!

Club Night Wednesday 18th Feb

Notice to members that Gents Team Tactics training will have a trial run this night and next week during Club Night. Many of the 12 participants in coaching session are Club Night regulars and it was felt it unnecessary to move our regular social night to a Friday; however, this will be monitored by the Tennis Committee and if this new initiative does conflict with our social tennis evening we will not hesitate to accommodate Club Night on a Friday from 7pm -10pm. If any members have concerns, please contact the committee to discuss.  

Craig Beaton

Tennis Captain

On behalf of the Tennis Committee

Courts Reserved this Saturday

Members, please be aware that courts 1, 2, 4 & 5 are reserved on Sat 14th Feb between 1pm and 4pm.

This is for a Boys Under 14 Challenge event.

CB&TC BURNS NIGHT SUPPER
One to Remember

Saturday Night saw our 4th Annual Burns Supper where over 100 members, friends and family enjoyed another great club night.  The hall was bedecked with tens of Saltires and Lion Rampants, the tables laid with Royal blue table covers, candles table flags and bunting topped off the decoration. Even the odd English and South African flag could be spotted as a nod to our foreign guests (a mans a man for all that) 

Entertainment for the night was provided from withing the  bosom of the club.  Betty Patrick led us of with the Selkirk Grace before Gavin Doodson  gave us his unique version of the  Toast to the Haggis.  With dinner out of the way it was time for the big guns.   Jim McDevitt confidently delivered a masterpiece that showed the values of Robert Burns with an Immortal memory that showed just how highly Burns should be rated against the likes of  Shakespeare or Tennison.  This was followed by a stunning rendition of "Ae Fond Kiss" by Adele Beaton and her friend Julie Walker. There was not a dry eye in the house by the time they finish. Next up Mr Gregg McGeoch recited Tam'o'shanter. Recited underplays the superb comedic effort and theatrics brought to the performance,  never-mind the volume of drink consumed during his time on stage.

After a short break to recharge our drinks  Adele and Julie again entertained with a beautiful rendition of 'Caledonia'. These girls really brought something special to the night.  After the beauty came the beast. Iain Coventry managed to lower the tone completely with his Toast to the lassies and left many of the women and men mentally scarred as he finished his speech half naked during his touching melody "show them to me".  With the bar set the last speaker of the night did not disappoint and if anything managed took it higher higher. Sharon Mitchell's  hilarious reply fro the lassies hit the mark and delivered a magic finale.

Thanks for the evening was expressed by Mary Gow  and after a rendition of Auld Lang Syne (where the second verse was a bit iffy) so ended another fantastic club night

This was a CB&TC club night and was only made possible thanks to the significant efforts of club members.

Stuart Law, Mark Weir, Katy McFarlane, Iain Coventry & Gregg McGeoch spent much of Friday night and Saturday restoring  the club from a building site into the Haven of scottishness suitable for such a night

Justin, Euan and James Notley for providing the extra tables and chairs, kindly borrowed from the 91st Scout Troop in Netherlee.

Claire Coventry, Stuart & Susan Law & Craig Beaton for there assistance before and during the evening

To our speakers who overcame nerves and made the night the success it was 

To Mark Weir for holding the night together as our confident host.

Finally  the biggest thanks should go to Mr Gregg McGeoch and maybe myself (Iain Coventry) for pulling the whole night together.   Nights like Saturday don't happen without significant consideration and the efforts in organising the night hopefully were proven to be worth it for everybody who attended.

When CB&TC work together like we did on Saturday night we are probably the best little club in the West of Scotland.

See you all night year..... as always if you would like to do a turn next year all offers would be appreciated.

Coaching Programme Starts Feb 16

Contact Head Coach Carol Milne for info at speedbird_uk@yahoo.com 

 

 download registration form here:

 

http://www.clarkstonbtc.org.uk/doc/Clubmark/Section3/3.1/3.1.9%20%20Coaching%20Registration%20Form.pdf

 

 

PLEASE READ THIS MESSAGE BELOW

Dear Member. Please read this urgent message from Craig Beaton, Tennis Captain.

We need your help.

We emailed recently requesting that ALL our members opt in to the Wimbledon Ticket Ballot for 2015. However, some emails have gone to SPAM folders. The email is reprinted below:

It appears there is some confusion about what this actually means.

We have put this Q & A together to answer concerns. Please read the info below:

Q1: What is the point of opting in? I have no interest in tickets.
A1: The number of tickets Clarkston receive for Wimbledon is based on the number of our members who 'opt-in' to the ballot. If all members do this we will receive approximately 20 pairs of tickets, if fifty members opt-in we are likely to be given only 4 pairs. Currently we have only 79 members who have ‘opted in’ out of 212 that are eligible to do so.

Q2: If I opt in to the Wimbledon Ballot, does that not mean I could end up with tickets I don't want?
A2: No, opting in does not mean you could end up with tickets. However, only those ‘opting in’ will be given the opportunity to be entered in the ballot for Clarkston’s allocation of  tickets.

Q3: Okay, that's a relief! I am happy to support the club! Can all members opt in?
A3: All members from age 9 and over can opt in. Parents or carers should opt in on behalf of Junior members.

Q4: How do I opt in then?
A4:  Go to this link: https://www.lta.org.uk/Members-Area/Ballot-Administrator/British-Tennis-Members/

and log in with your username and password.

Q5: Oh dear, I cannot remember those details, what do I do now?
A5: Like all online log-ins there is a password retrieval service. You can click on that and follow their instructions. They will email your details straight back.

Q6: I can't remember any login details though, I never log in to the LTA website.
A6: Hey, not a problem, either find an email from British Tennis and this may have your username on it or call the LTA on this number: 0208 487 7000 and they will help you.

Q7: This has been helpful but I am still a wee bit confused about all this ballot stuff, is there someone I can talk to at the club?
A7: Absolutley! Call Craig Beaton, Justin Notley or Carol Milne on any of the numbers below and they will help you through this.

Craig 0781 282 9401
Justin 0771 130 0327
Carol 0797 166 0125

The deadline for opting in has been extended to February 14th. Please help out your club by opting in and giving as many of Clarkston's members as possible a chance of a Wimbledon ticket.

Many thanks in advance!

Craig Beaton
Tennis Captain

Snow on Courts - No Play

For your saftey and protection of the courts, members are reminded that play is prohibited when there is ice or snow on our courts. Please do not attempt to clear court surface as this can damage the surfaces.

Safety Notice to Members

Dear Members,

Please be advised that as of Monday 12th January we have contractors on site who are carrying out internal refurbishment of the Ladies & Gents Changing and WC facilities off the main hall.

For your safety and comfort, these areas will not be accessible to members for the duration of the work. Ladies can access changing/WC facilities in the upper floor changing area accessed from the corridor at the rear of the tennis lounge. Gents have access to the facilities adjacent to the bar area.

We will advise all members when the project is complete and these newly refurbished areas can be accessed. The Tennis Committee and Club Management would like to thank you in anticipation of your patience and understanding at this time.

Craig Beaton
Tennis Captain

Important Request to ALL MEMBERS

Dear Member,

The Tennis Committee at Clarkston hope you had a wonderful time over the festive period and wish you all the best for the year ahead. We appreciate that everyone is busy at this time of year with all our young ones returning to school and others returning to work after the holiday period. But, we would ask you to take a moment to read this important notice and action the request below.

Many of you will already have received an email directly from British Tennis addressed to yourself or for a junior or mini member in your household. It will have requested that you to consider opting in to the Wimbledon Ballot for 2015.

This is a new system for 2015. In the past, the club has received its allocation of tickets based on the number of BTMs we have. These are British Tennis Members and this is the unique number allocated to you by the LTA when you joined Clarkston.

However, the LTA have decided to ask individual members to opt in through their online system. We are requesting that ALL members of the club OPT IN to the Wimbledon Ballot.  By agreeing to opt in it does NOT mean you will be offered tickets whether you want them or not; what it does mean is Clarkston's allocation of tickets will be larger and more of our members will have the wonderful opportunity of attending the Finals in June at SW19.

The deadline for opting in is January 31st. The number of tickets that our club is allocated will be decided after the deadline. The more opt-ins - the more tickets we are able to distribute to our members. These tickets are very much sought after and we would appreciate your support in maximizing the number.

If you have not yet processed your opt-in please go to this link and after a few clicks you will have contributed to our ticket allocation:

http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Wimbledon/Ballots/

If you have any queries please get in touch. Many thanks in advance on behalf of all at the club!

Regards,

Craig Beaton
Tennis Captain