October traditionally marks the end of our playing season and whilst the nights are drawing in there are still a few hardy types playing on a Tuesday and Thursday in the gathering gloom, so why not start a little earlier and make the most of what’s left of the daylight. The hardier players continue through the winter months (conditions permitting) on a Sunday morning, so if you are packing away the tennis shorts and skirts, then why not dig out the hats and mittens instead!
Our LTA League campaigns also finished in September, with some notable success. Firstly, congratulations to our Ladies Vets team, captained by Gillian Brennan, for finishing third in their division, which is the second year in a row that they have been pushing for promotion. The Kinghorn ladies also took 2 of the top 3 places in terms of the player statistics, which in a pool of 50 players in their division is testament to just how strong our ladies team is. The Mens Vets, captained by Henry Murray, started well in their division and then came up against stronger opposition in their last few matches, ending up middle of the table, which is still an improvement on last year’s results. Finally, the Summer Social Mixed Doubles team similarly ended up mid-table, although with a disappointingly high cancellation rate by the opposition. The role of Team Captain for these league matches is something of a thankless task, so well done Gillian and Henry for persevering in ensuring Kinghorn always put a team out. These League matches are important in terms of enhancing the playing reputation of the club and it has been particularly pleasing to hear visiting clubs remark on the quality of our facilities here in Kinghorn.
Our internal competitions have been a little disrupted recently due to poor weather, but hopefully will be concluded by the time the clocks change in October. The final competition is the Mixed Doubles, which will be held on Sunday 25th October, weather permitting – see the noticeboard in the clubhouse for more details.
The junior coaching returns indoors at the Community Centre after the October holidays, starting Sunday 1st November (other than the oldest juniors who shall remain outside at the courts). Note that the times of the various sessions have changed as a result, so if in doubt please check with Gillian. We have also taken an additional session at the community centre on a Sunday evening from 6pm to 7pm; this for club seniors (max 4 players) and will operate on a rota basis as follows:
Sunday 1st November – LTA League players (contact Henry for a place)
Sunday 8th November – Mixed Anyone (contact John for a place)
Sunday 15th November – Mixed Beginners (contact Gillian for a place)
Sunday 22nd November – LTA League Players (contact Henry for a place)
Sunday 29th November – Mixed Anyone (contact John for a place)
Sunday 6th December – Mixed Beginners (contact Gillian for a place)
Sunday 13th December – Mixed Anyone (contact John for a place)
The cost for the club senior session will be £2.50 per person, which is subsidised by the Club on a trial basis. If all places are not taken up one week prior to the session, then the named contact will look to fill places from outwith the prioritised group. Hopefully this trial will provide an alternative to playing outdoors over the winter and I would encourage as many as possible to try it out and feedback to a committee member. If a success we will continue with the booking into the New Year.
We said a sad farewell last week to our good friend Duncan Clark, who passed away quite suddenly at the end of September. Duncan was a keen supporter of the Club, turning out to watch the occasional match, attending functions and, most notably, being quizmaster at our annual Quiz Night. Duncan always played to a packed clubhouse on Quiz Nights and his professionalism in preparing his material, his tremendous general knowledge, his infectious sense of fun and his easy-going approach to making everyone feel included, always made for an evening to look forward to. We have a lasting reminder of Duncan in one the photographs in the clubhouse – it was taken at a 2nd January “Silly Christmas Hat” fun day and it will come as no surprise to those that knew him that he has a big smile on his face in the photograph! He was a true friend to Kinghorn Tennis Club and will be sadly missed by all.
And finally, a reminder that our end of season dinner will be held at The Ship on Friday 30th October. If you fancy attending and haven’t already given your name to Henry, please do so by 11th October.
John Brennan - Club President
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