New members have been growing quickly over the last three months and we now have a membership in excess of 420. The focus on reinvigorating the Friday night junior programmes has seen junior numbers grow rapidly, and in the process these nights have become a social focus for parents that is establishing Friday evenings at the club as a fun, family-friendly destination that should only become more attractive over longer summer evenings.
We have two new squash professionals coaching at our club, have introduced a pilates instructor, have increased our popular tennis themed club-run events, and have an increased number of teams participating in tennis summer interclub, plus our top men's team are competing in Caro Bowl.
We have expanded the range of products in our bar and continue to have a strong group of volunteers who generously donate their time as bar staff. We have also been running a gourmet kitchen on Friday nights, which has also been catering for our squash interclub and private events.
As part of a drive to simplify membership options we are making some changes to visitors fees and membership categories. Visitor fees are increasing from $10 to $20 per visit (capped at $40 for one court session). These are payable at the bar, in the honesty box, or can be invoiced by Jacqui in the office prior to court use. The full senior membership remains unchanged, and the pay-as-you-go monthly membership option of $52 per month remains with no term commitment required. We think the increase in visitor fee is a more equitable rate for non-member use of club facilities and will make the monthly rate an attractive option to entice visitors and casual users to convert to full membership.
30 September saw the club’s financial year end, with our accounts payable under control, our loan repayments continuing to the Auckland City Council, and progress underway towards raising funds for maintenance and other initiatives around the facilities. These fund raising activities and increased junior participation will hopefully put us in a good position to get grant contributions in the future.
We have welcomed new sponsors and supporters, DispenseWorX, Wilson Partners, Whaley & Garnett, Langton Hundson Butcher Lawyers and a new membership offer from Barfoot & Thompson Ponsonby. We look forward to introducing more exciting initiatives to the club and as always welcome your feedback and suggestions.
We are particularly looking forward to seeing you all at our High Rolla Casino fundraising night on 27 October. If you have not yet purchased your tickets, please get in quickly as less than 10 are remaining!
Margaret Schot Memorial postponed to 29 October
To accommodate a request from the tournament sponsor we are having to reschedule the annual Margaret Schot Memorial women's doubles tournament from the scheduled date this Sunday to the rain date in two weeks' time, on Sunday, 29 October, so please diary that date to come down and watch our biggest annual club-hosted women's doubles tournament. As a result Sunday senior club day runs as normal this weekend.
Thursday night club night from 6.30pm.
Friday juniors night 4.30-6.30: will resume after the school holidays on 20 October.
Saturday: Senior interclub continues, Open Men's 3 play West Harbour at home, and Open Men's 5 are away to Papatoetoe. See new link on right-hand side of the club website for senior interclub draws and points tables.
Sunday: Senior club day runs from 1pm.
Junior tennis term programme: Junior coaching programmes begin Monday, 16 October. Classes run from 3.15 to 6pm Monday to Thursday and Saturday 8.15am to 10am. To book please contact David Mustard on 021476606 or mustardtennis@xtra.co.nz.
Thursday night club night from 6.30pm Priscilla Wildsmith will be running club night each week with organised game play.
The Women in Squash Coaching Program offered by Squash Auckland and Foundation North is now sold out. If you are interested please contact Jacqui in the office on 376 0681 or via email at service@hernebayrackets.co.nz to join the next group, which will run either directly after or on another day/time TBA.
Herne Bay Ponsonby Rackets Club will host the 2017 Squash Auckland Excellence Awards on Saturday, 11 November from 5–7pm at the clubhouse.
This is where we recognise outstanding achievement, performance, and service in the Auckland squash community over the past 12 months (between 1 October 2016–30 September 2017).
Our web site: www.hernebayrackets.co.nz/
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Additional Info:
DM Tennis: www.mustardtennis.co.nz
