Catford Wanderers Sports Club News pages

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20 Jun 2011 : Tennis Open Day - 26th June 2011
Catford Wanderers Tennis Club are proud to announce our OPEN DAY on Sunday 26th June 2011 from 2.00pm onwards.

Take a break from Wimbledon and pit your racquets against some of the top players in the club as well as the unpredictable Ball Machine. Then, at 5.00pm take a break for some well earned afternoon tea although we cannot guarantee the Strawberries and Cream!!

Then - if you join on the day you will qualify for a 20% discount off our membership together with a free 1.5 hour group session with our coaches on a Monday night.

We look forward to welcoming you on Sunday!

CWTC

01 May 2011 : Summer Programme of Tennis
Hi everyone.

Please find attached to this article a Summer Programme for the Tennis Section on a day by day basis.

This gives you an idea of what's happening on each day and when the courts will be free for social play.

Click here to download a copy!

Team CWTC!

29 Apr 2011 : Tennis in the Telegraph!
Hi all.

Congratulations to the Tennis Section that recently won a grant of £1000 from the Daily Telegraph and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The money will go towards funding floodlights for the remaining tennis courts to allow our juniors more opportunity to play on throughout the winter months.

Well done!

Click here to see the article which was published on 27th April 2011 in the Daily Telegraph.

24 Apr 2011 : Easter Time at Catford

FAREWELL FOOTBALL
The Footy season ends this weekend and the Cricket Section get ready for their Kent season. Our football team had a fairly good season and I understand finished in mid table. The pitches are of course let out to other Football Clubs as well. With the Goal posts and nets going into Summer slumber, its time for us to erect our Tennis nets. Courts 1 to 4 are already lined with courts 5 and 6 to come and of course a mini Tennis court for the young children.

OUR CLUB TOURNAMENT
This usually starts around mid May and now is the time to start sorting out a partner for the Mens, Mixed and Ladies Doubles. Simon and Dean are the organisers.

COURTS ARE FREE
There are no Club matches this week end, no Children's coaching and the Courts are free every day and evening. Time to practise those serves.

YOUR SUBSCRIPTONS
Thanks to all those who have paid their subscriptions and to those late stragglers, your subs would be appreciated as soon as possible. All payees will go in our Wimbledon Draw which will be held in early May. To pay your subs, please see Dave or Val Elkins and if they are not around either Jayne or myself will take your money.

LAST WEEKS RESULTS /REPORTS
Mens One lost at Gravesham when Dave Elkins getting a surprise call up from Captain Chris Gilbert. Chris takes up the story "I saw the lad during an Over 70 practise session and was very impressed with his work attitude so I gave him a chance". Dave said he was so taken aback by the call for the first team that he spilt his Ovaltine on his Fireman Sam pyjamas in shock. The rest of the side consisted of Adam Chapman, Nathan Smith, Dean Smith and Andy Hellier. Gravesham are of course the top Mens team in North Kent at present and odds on favourites to retain their title.

Ladies First team made it 3 points from 2 games after a well deserved draw at Sidcup Rec. Our team: Angela Rezki, Kathy Aldridge, Julia Mc Callum and Captain Stephanie James.

Ladies Second team began their season with a 3-1 victory over Knockholt which saw the welcomed return of Janice Reid after a nine months lay off due to injury. Janice and Claudia De Souza won their two games and Sharon Fisher and skipper Sue Rice Vine picked up the other win.

Mens 3 travelled to Oakwood and lost. Side was Steve Hubbard, Steve Owens, Leigh Cole, Tony Barnes, Rob Young and Peter Saunders.

Chris Gilbert represented us in the Mens North Kent Singles and he lost at Hartley.

Finally in a very busy weekend Vets 2 with non playing Captain Clive Birkhamshaw doing a Neil Warnock impression on the touch line, his team of Andy Hellier, Ed Padial, Peter Tombleson and Denis Costelloe drew two all.

On Monday of this week Kevin O'Dwyer made his club debut in the mid week Mixed at Bexley where they lost 3-1. Team: Kevin, Denis, Ruth Owens and Captain Jayne Qureshi. Lovely meal afterwards

NEXT UP
Wednesday April 27th - Over 60 team are home at 10-30 to David Lloyd - Dartford.
Saturday April 30th - Andy and his Mixed 2 are at home at 10am to Sundridge Park 2.
Sunday May 1st - No games and courts free all day.

PUBLICITY
Friday's South London Press carries match reports every week. However I have a lot of cards advertising our club and I would appreciate if you could ask your local Supermarket to advertise our club. These are envelope size cards that do not take up much space and are attractive and brightly coloured. Give me a call 07960 308 886 if you would like some to distribute.

THE  WEDDING
Have you been invited to the Royal wedding next Friday? No? Well neither have I. So why not come to our Wedding Celebration on Friday evening April 29th April at 7pm. Please bring some food and let us celebrate this happy event with disco by DJDeano!

GRASS COURTS PREPARATION
WILL BE IN TOUCH FOR VOLUNTEERS NEXT WEEK TO ERECT THE FENCING AND NETS.


13 Apr 2011 : Lewisham Honours Veteran Tennis Player
Lewisham Honours Veteran Tennis PlayerOn 17th February 2011, Members from Catford Wanderers Tennis Club were invited to the prestigious Lewisham Sports Awards run by Lewisham Council.

We were all very proud and honoured to see Valentine O'Brien receive the award for the Best Sports Veteran of the Year. Val has been a member of CWTC for a number of years, and at the youthful age of 80, is still playing Tennis each week at the club. He is best renowned for the very loud shouts of 'Yours' as he lets the younger players run around the court for him!!!!

A keen table-tennis player too, there is no end to Val's enthusiasm and commitment to the club.

Val - we salute you!

(Information on the Awards for 2010 can be found here)

11 Apr 2011 : It's been a while but we're back!

SUMMER'S HERE
Yes, the first signs of summer, 5 cricketers flew in from somewhere and landed on the Cricket nets.
Jayne's legs appear for the first time and new signing Kevin is wearing Mafia style dark glasses.
Captains are checking out players availability, our first Wednesday Social Tennis saw a great turnout .
Everyone is looking at your shoes - no, not in admiration, but simply to see if you have your new shoe tag. In other words - have you paid your 2011 subs?. Have you?

WIMBLEDON TICKETS
We have now been advised by the Kent LTA of our Club  quota of tickets, 17 pairs overall. The best yet. This includes a pair of tickets for both the Mens and Ladies Finals on the Centre Court which is the first time we have been so fortunate. I recall my one and only Final appearance was when I saw John McEnroe end Borg's remarkable run of victories back in the eighties. To get in the draw, we ask that you renew your membership this month.
Cost is as last year:
Single £180
Couple £285 - Living at the same address
Student £90 - Full time student with some form of Student ID
Juniors £40 - From 3 years up to 18

Cheques payable to Catford Wanderers Sports Club. Please complete your form, write your cheque and hand over to Val on the bar, Dave E, Jayne or Denis.

LAST WEEKS RESULTS
Mens 1 opened their season with a 2-4 loss to Crescent.
Match Verdict - A draw would have been a fairer result.
Early days yet for Captain Chris.

Ladies 1 opened their season where they left off their Winter glory. They beat Hayes 3-1 and have now gone 6 wins in a row. Well done to skipper Stephaine.

Midweek Mixed and Jayne made her debut as Captain, in their 1-3  defeat to Hartley.
Match verdict - glorious sun in Hartley and delicious tea with home made cakes later. Never mind the match.

Mens Over 70 where Catford were at Hayes. The match was delayed after groupies from Age Concern were locked in combat with officials. On discovering Val O'Brien, their pin up Boy was not playing they interrupted play by shouting 'Vob, Vob, Vob' and followed this by throwing support stockings, Beta Blockers and out of date bus passes on to the Courts. Officials moved in after a walking frame was thrown on to the Court. A Dial-a-Ride van and Security Staff were called for and the match went ahead where our boys lost 1-3.
Match Verdict - don’t believe all you read in 70 match reports.

THIS WEEKS MATCHES

Saturday at 10am at Home - Premier League Tennis as our Mixed First Team play Blackheath.

NO JUNIOR COACHING SO COURTS AVAILABLE FROM 1.30PM

Sunday at 1:30pm Away - John Clay takes his Mens 2 to Oakwood and his first season as Captain.

Ladies Vets Cup Match (One court only) - Our Ladies piar take on Shooters Hill at 3pm. Tennis Courts free all day.

Wednesday April 13th - Mens Over 60s (Denis as Captain) play Crescent at 10:30am.

SOCIAL PROGRAMME
Hope to have a calendar of dates for you next week from Dean our Social organiser which will include events where all the family can join in.

NEXT HANDICAP TOURNAMENT IS ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY MAY 30th


11 Oct 2010 : Latest News - October Tennis

OUR AGM
We had a good attendance at our AGM and it was quite a constructive meeting as well. Membership Secretary reported an increase of Adult Membership 84 against 78 and on the Junior side 36 against 16 in 2009. Treasurer showed total Income as £14,420 against £2,496 expenditure and the re-surfacing and re-painting of the hard courts cost us £25,015.25.
The following were elected to serve the club for 2010/2011:
Chairman: Angela R
Secretary and Fixtures Secretary: Denis C
Treasurer: Dave E
Membership Sec: Jayne Q
Exec Rep: Simon Q
Juniors Rep: Steve H
Social Sec: Dean S
Meeting thanked the outgoing Steve Le Comber for his contribution as Chairman. Incidentally the main Sports Club AGM is on Tuesday October 19th and we hope you can attend to show our appreciation for the work our three reps Jayne and Simon Qureshi and Margaret Smith have done for Catford Wdrs Club over the past year.

NORTH KENT PRESENTATION  DANCE
We have a  Mini bus going to the North Kent dance this Saturday which is at the David Llloyd Club Dartford a delightful venue at 7:30. Lots of surprises in store and if you want to go ring Mark S. For Mini-Bus travel ring Dean S. I understand 120 tickets have been sold to Clubs so expect a bumper night.
We have 2 Cups to collect and are among the Clubs in the running for the Club of the Year award.

MONDAY COACHING
Please support this with a fantastic new coach Alex from 7:00pm to 8:30pm and all for a mere £6.

BADMINTON  MORNINGS
Dave Elkins runs Thursday mornings Badminton from 10:00am with coaching, coffee and a chance to meet new friends.

OUR COURTS
With Winter, muddy boots, falling leaves approaching, its essential that we keep our new courts clean, tidy and welcoming. Any sweeping of leaves etc must be carried out by the soft brushes held in the Gents dressing room. No one, apart from players should be allowed on the courts.

RESULTS AND FIXTURES
Mens One opened their Winter programme last Saturday with a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Martin Dene. Like many results of this nature, the game was much closer and naturally all First Division matches feature players of the highest standard. One missed match point at this level can mean success or failure, so no disgrace in losing to this opposition. Our team was Chris, Nathan, Raph and Adam.

WEEK-END FIXTURES
Sue and her Ladies team are, I understand, without 2 regulars as they open their Winter Programme against the powerful Bexley Ladies 2 at 10:00am at home. Sue's team were unbeaten last Winter and in the Summer gone, but are now in a higher Division. Sounds a good game to go along and watch. On Sunday, it's Ladies One and Captain Steph as they travel to David Lloyd Sidcup(2) at 10:30am.

VAL O'BRIEN
Val, our oldest player and oldest Captain at 79 was taken unwell last Sunday whilst playing Social Tennis and is currently in Hospital with a suspected mild heart attack. He is OK from the latest report I have and undergoing a few tests. We will be signing a card for him this Friday, Sat and Sunday to wish him well.

WORKING PARTY – DON’T LET ME DOWN
We are organising a Working Party for Saturday October 16th at 10:00am for the purpose of evening out grass courts 3 and 4. The intention is to hire a machine for this purpose and get rid of the baseline bumps etc, etc while the Autumn re-seeding and growth is still with us. More on this work next week.

PLATE TOURNAMENT
It's  becoming  a major headache to conclude this Plate event. In the Singles could Andy Hellier play Darren OOI this week end or face disqualification – winners then play Andy Robinson and winners of that play Rob in the top half. In the bottom half Angela and James Smith meet.

In the Doubles Eamon and Andy Robinson are in the final where they meet Ruth and Rachel or Rob and Simon – can you play your semi final.

FINALLY
Thank you for voting me Tennis Club Person of the Year and for the beautiful Larry Logan trophy received at the AGM. Really appreciate the honour – thanks.


06 Jul 2010 : Tennis Tournament Finals - UPDATE!
Check out the results by clicking HERE!!

Yes it's time for the Tennis Tournament Final this Saturday (10th July) from 12:00pm onwards.

Promise of an action packed day with quality tennis, Pimms and Strawberries & Cream. All followed by an evening presentation, BBQ and disco. What more could you ask for?


29 Jun 2010 : Latest News - Wimbledon Week 2 and the Sun is Out!

OPEN DAY

Sundays Open day was the most successful to date at least during my 14 years at the club. It was all down to a small band of people who targeted streets and the cars at Homebase with leaflets and those who then spent a very warm afternoon with the ball machine, short tennis court, etc, etc to ensure all visitors were made welcome. Six adults, one student and 12 children joined and paid their membership and there is a promise of one or two more who turned up minus cheque books and who may come back Wednesday to pay. Well done!

CLUB TOURNAMENT

No surprises in the Mens apart from Sai taking a set off Chris who won in three. Two great Ladies games: Sharon coming from one set down to beat Angela and Claudia doing a similar job on Julia in the midday Saturday sunshine.

Other results: Nathan beat Dean and the Mens singles, barring miracles will see the Top 4: Nathan, Adam, Raphael and Chris in opposition. In the Ladies Singles Claudia is in the final for the first time to play the winner of Kathy and Sharon. The Mens Doubles sees Dean and Sai play Nathan and Adam, Denis and Andy play Steve LC and John A. Steve R and Mark play Dave P and Val and finally Raph and Chris play the Smiths. Incidentally Raph and Chris play their North Kent Semi Final this week at Wendover. COME ON THE BOYS!

In the veterans Andy plays Steve R in the Final. In the Ladies Doubles it’s the two Ja(y)nes versus Janice and Claudia. Kath and Steph play Angela and Julia. In the Mixed, Adam and Julia are already in the semis and the Junior Final has Thomas Allen up against Rachel Le Comber.

Organisers: Are you running a Plate event for Singles and Doubles??????  Just thought I would ask. EDITORS NOTE: YES we are - my learned colleague the RT HON Mr Dean Smith has set them all up and should be on the board or you can click here to get them online!

MATCH RESULTS

Ladies One beat Crescent with Angela, Julia, Steph and Kathy
Ladies Two beat Knoll with Claudia, Sue, Janice and Sharon
Mens Three lost to Chislehurst. Team Steve H, Ben, Dave E, Dave P, Ken P and new signing Leigh
Mens Kent beat (WHOOP WHOOP) Shooters Hill. Team Brian G, Ken P, Ben and Sai
Over 60s Team beat David Llloyd with Dave E, Clive R, John C and Denis
Mixed Two lost to Old Wilsonians. Team Andy, John C, Steve LC, Janice, Rachel LC and Kathy
Mixed One beat Meopham. Team Julia, Kathy, Rachel LC, Steve R, Nathan and Adam
Vets One beat Crescent. Team Roberts, Smith, Clay and  Dawbarn

See this Fridays South London Press for match report and Mixed picture

AFTERNOON TEA

Thanks go to Brian G for last Sunday's Tea which compensated for the dismal England over paid stars who didn’t appear to have any fight or will to 'up and at them'. This Sunday our Sunday Come Dine With Me tea will be served by Jayne and Simon.

Thanks for all those who do the Tea Rota and Jayne is still hoping, she tells me, the small few who are not keen may still give it a go. Go on .... one Sunday in 52 is all you are asked and Jayne has a few vacant dates.

COACHING ON MONDAYS

I spotted around 12 or more people at this evenings Coaching which runs from 7.00pm to 8.30pm at a cost of  £6.00. Good value? I'll say it is!

CHRISTMAS ...... WHAT ALREADY?

Yes, believe it or not we need to book the Bromley Court now for our Christmas Dinner and Dance on Saturday December 18th which is always a great social, dancing, gossiping and drinking evening. Mark will need your Money: £40.00 by mid July. Do make an effort to attend. It's Christmas Party Time! Wear that little black number and yes I must get highlights again and get rid of the hair round my ears. Why do us old men grow hair round their ears and lose it on their heads? On a serious note, the Bromley Court bash is always a wonderful evening. Try it and see. We usually get 40 plus people

ROUNDERS  EVENING

How lovely to see young families enjoying themselves at the Rounders and BBQ last Friday - if only we had more of these - if only more people supported the Friday evenings. Call in and see whats on offer one Friday.

CLUB FINALS DAY IS SATURDAY JULY 10th WITH BBQ THAT EVENING

WE WILL ALSO HOLD A RAFFLE AND ANY PRIZES WELCOME ( IAM COLLECTING ).
We hope that as well as bringing your own food for the BBQ you will also bring some eats for others to sample.
It's your club, your evening, give something back!

17 May 2010 : Latest News - It's Good News from Catford!
COURTS PAINTING
Our hard courts are to be painted, starting this Monday morning and will be out of action for 6 to 8 days depending on the weather. The forecast is for warm sunshine next week. We have 4 grass courts up and ready while the work is being carried out. Thanks to Peter Bates, Nathan, Jayne, Angela and David S who carried out the grass court work last Thursday.

GOOD RESULTS
Ladies 1 had a good win at Hayes in their First Division clash. Team Steph(Cpt), Angela, Kathy and Julia.

Mens Over 60 had a 4-0 win at Blackheath with Denis, John C, Clive R and Dave E.

Mens Vets 2 were at Knoll and emerged winners with Steve Roberts, Denis and the two Clives B and R.

Mens 3 played 2 games last week and lost both. You must remember that the purpose of Mens 3 is to 'blood' new players and give all our members an opportunity of playing other clubs. Players included Sai, Richard G, Dave E, Peter T, Ken P, Ben B, John A and Simon Q.

NEXT UP ON THE FIXTURE FRONT
Monday 17th: Ladies 1 are away at Crescent and Mens Vets 1 are away at Bexley - All evening games are at 6:30pm.
Wednesday 19th: Steve Le C's Mens 2 are at Hayes who have floodlights.
Thursday 20th: Vets 1 have their second game in four days - away to Crescent.
Saturday 22th: Stewarts Vets 2 are away at Meopham at 1:00pm.
Friday 23th: Jaynes Ladies 3 are at home on our grasscourts to Meopham.
Sunday 23th: Our Mixed 1 are away to Gravesham at 1:00pm.
Monday 24th: Our Over 60s are at Crescent at 10:00am and our Mens 3 are away to Bromley LTC AT 6:30pm.
Tuesday 25th: Andy Hs Mixed 2 are away at Bexley.
Thursday 27th: Simon's Kent team make their debut away to Bromley LTC.

CONGRATULATIONS
To Mike L and partner on the birth of baby Esme – And to Thomas A who played on the Kent Under 14 Chess Team against Surrey. Next Peter T who is doing a Charity Bicycle ride to Brighton in aid of the British Heart Foundation. He hopes to raise £1,000 and is already half way to this target. Do please sponsor Peter. You can log in to: http://original.justgiving.com/PeterTombleson to suscribe or give your name to me at the club.

And from Simon who ran the London Marathon in aid of PDSA thank you all the sponsors.

CLUB TOURNAMENT
Do please enter our club tournament, simply put your name on the sheets in the Club and have a go. This year Dean and Simon are the Referees and remember if you lose in the first round of the Singles, Mens, Ladies or Doubles, you go into the plate draw. So lots of tennis for all with the following events:
Mens, Ladies and Mixed Doubles and Mens and Ladies Singles
Veterans Singles and Doubles - Vets Men 45 and over – Vets Ladies 40 and over.
Boys and Girls Under 18 Singles and Doubles.
Entry Fee £2 per event.

FURTHER INFORMATION TO FOLLOW EARLY NEXT WEEK.
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 5:00pm, 30th MAY 2010.
BBQ AND ENTERTAINMENT ON THE NIGHT.
Ring Dean or Simon for more info if required.

MORE NEWS
Steve H is running Sessions for our Club Juniors every Wednesday from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.

Lewisham Schools will use our courts on Tuesday 25th May at 2:00pm for their Festival of Tennis. Volunteers needed to
oversee, make tea etc. See Jayne or Denis.

SECURITY SECURITY
Please do not leave the main entrance door unlocked at any time and challenge anyone on the ground you may consider to be an intruder. All Tennis Members
should have a shoe tag.

Late Jim Kiddell
Jim who was Life President of North Kent Tennis died recently. He served as Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Comps Secretary, Social Organiser and overall gave 60, yes 60 years service as an official of North Kent. Jim was a stickler for rules, open and honest finance details from Clubs and the NKLTA and kept meticulous records of players, appearances and results during his term as Results Secretary. I recall burning the midnight oil more than once during meetings on rules and re writing the North Kent Constitution. All in all a lovely little man who loved the game.

OUR COACHES
Uptown Experience who are our coaches offer coaching to all ages and included in their staff are:
Jane Longstaff who played for Surrey Ladies Veterans and also represented GB. Jane is a CCA DCA Level 1 Coach.
Ben Jones who coached in USA, Australia, Dubai,and Portugal and also represented Essex.

For more info on their prices for Coaching you can ring Jane on 07713 778446 or visit their website: www.uptownexperience.co.uk

OTHER SECTIONS
We have three other Sections at our Club: that's Badminton, Football and Cricket.

Football: They finished their season in mid–table - Great Effort!

Badminton: They play in two local Leagues and their Mixed and Mens teams are expected to win their Divisions which are almost at an end. They can boast of having Kent players in their sides. Speaking of Badminton, Dave E runs Classes every Thursday Morning at 10:00am in the hall. Well worth a visit.

Cricket: Their season is just beginning and they field 3 teams, the first eleven in Kent Divison 3 and their Seconds in Kent Division 4. Not sure what their third team plays in as they use an outside pitch On Sundays. They play friendlies. In their squad they have talented Daniel Bell-Drummond who toured India with the England 18 side.