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Newsletter July 2010

  • From The Club President

    Over the past 5-10 years we have, as a club, been concerned with diminishing membership and ever increasing costs. These are issues that are faced by most of the traditional sports clubs faced by a proliferation of new sports that inevitably dilutes all clubs potential membership. Increased costs are a fact of life as all governmental bodies appear to follow a cost plus mentality and basic costs such as power and water are now far more significant %s of our operating expenses. We have during the recent period subsidised our income with grants from gaming and lotteries trusts however these are only available for specific projects and are currently in decline. We do enjoy sponsorship from businesses in our community and strongly recommend their services to all members.

    The good news is that “The Oaks” current membership is stronger than at any other time in the last 20 years which is reflected by the level of activity seen on both the squash and tennis courts. This is reaching a point that, particularly for squash, we may have to review our club rules and booking system to ensure there is a fair availability of court time to all members. The squash and executive committees are currently reviewing this situation. It is hard to pinpoint specific reasons for the club’s current popularity, other than the obvious; an energetic, ambitious club manager, and clearly, we as a club offer a package that is attractive and relevant within our community. It is essential we do not sit on our laurels as membership turnover is far more volatile today

    We will shortly be organising a leaflet drop promotion throughout our area and we welcome all
    members to participate in distributing these leaflets.
    Please understand that we are a non profit organisation and the strength of our club is dependent on voluntary input from our members to maintain the standard of our facilities and our teams. This is why in 2009 “The Oak” was voted “Squash Club of the Year” by the Auckland Squash Association.

    I would like to thank and congratulate all the members that have contributed voluntarily to working bees, fundraising activities, junior squash coaching, Tari’s tennis, bar roster, and specifically to Dave Jacobsen, our vice president, who has been the driving force behind the fundraising for the upgrade of our lounge furniture which should be completed in the next few weeks. We also hope to repaint the lounge to complement our new look.


    Go chase those balls

    Peter Longley
    President

  • Squash News

    Super Champs
    Congratulations to the Ladies E Grade team who will be heading off to Cambridge on 8th – 11th September to represent Auckland at the national Super champs.
    The B Grade, C Grade D Grade and E Grade men’s team put in a great effort, with the D grade team just missing out on the final days play after leading their group throughout the 5 days.


    Tournaments
    The Royal Oak Open was a huge success with 190+ entries from club around Auckland, northland and Bay of Plenty. I would like to thank everyone who helped out with tournament control and on the bar and this was the biggest tournament held at the club is a long time and the biggest in Auckland for the last couple of years.


    Referee’s Night
    The club is holding a referee’s night on 30th July. Terry Manuatu (District referee) will be going through the rules and regulations, showing a DVD and taking your question. It will be starting at 7pm and everyone is welcome. Please let Brett or Dinesh know if you would like to attended.


    Internet booking
    Internet booking will be available from 1st April for all squash members. This can be accessed via the club web site. You will need to have a login in number which will be your card number and a password. Please contact Brett or Dinesh in the club office to set up your password.

    Court Booking
    The courts are getting extremely busy at the moment and it is important that everyone has access to them. Please make sure that you are only booking for one 45min session at a time and not making multiple bookings after each other

    Squash Dates 2010

    21st July Royal Oak Women’s 1 day tournament

    July 26th/27th Senior Winter Pennant RD 2 Starts

    September 1st Masters Spring Pennant RD1 Starts

    September 27th/28th Senior Spring Pennant Starts

    October 1-3 Royal Oak B Tournament

    October 6th Masters Spring Pennant RD 2 Starts

    November 16th End of Senior Spring Pennant

    November 22nd Business House Squash Starts

Royal Oak Racquets Club gratefully acknowledges the support of these organisations