Notice of Upcoming AGM

Dear Members',

Please be advised that St. Anthony’s Tennis Club will hold its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday the 13th of March 2024 in the club rooms commencing at 7:00pm.

All members are encouraged to attend. The club is also looking for like minded keen tennis players who wish to be nominated for the committee and take an active part in this thriving club. All positions are open for financial members to nominate.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Regards

Anthony Straford

President STATC

February Newsletter


Dear Members,

We hope you have enjoyed the summer of Tennis and a new Australian Open Champion in Jannick Sinner.  Judging by the number of court bookings you are all making the most of the great weather and inspiration from the champions playing in our backyard. As there are so many members keen to play, please make sure you are turning up for your booking on time and should your circumstances change, please make sure you cancel your booking even if it is at the last minute in order to allow other members the opportunity to book or those that are playing to stay on longer.  As we are seeing heavy bookings of the courts by our members, we are not taking any casual bookings from non members, however should you wish to bring a non member along to play, please ensure you pay the $10 per person visitor fee into the club bank account before you play.  This will be monitored to ensure members are doing the right thing by their fellow members.

  

2024/25 Renewal Notices

As February 1st is the start of the club's financial year all members should have received their renewal notice.   The club is very aware of the financial burdens faced by the community and in an effort to alleviate this pressure the club has decided not to increase the subscription for this year.  We hope this will assist those who are finding things financially difficult at this time.  As always should you have any difficulties with your renewal, please feel free to reach out to me or a member of the committee, so that we can discuss your options or a payment plan. If you have not received yours as yet please check your spam or let us know. As of Sunday the 18th of February unfinancial members will no longer be able to make bookings and the gate code will also be changed on this date. 

Club Security

Over the last few months there have been a number of occasions where the courts and clubhouse have been left unlocked.  It is each member's responsibility to ensure that both the clubhouse and courts are properly locked before they leave.  This is to protect your club and its assets.   

Clubhouse 

The club has a financial plan in place to continue to improve the facilities for all members and is slowly upgrading the facilities in accordance with that plan.  We do ask that all members using the clubhouse be respectful of others, that they clean up after themselves, clean and put away any dishes and be careful with the table tennis balls and bats when using them. We also ask that you turn off all lights when you leave, especially checking the toilet lights as these have often been left on.  All these items cost the club money and will only mean we need to charge the members more in the future. Should you notice the clubhouse in an untidy state, or any damage please report that to me immediately on 0419 530 159 or a committee member as soon as possible.

Court Lights

As many of you would be aware the club has upgraded the court lights to LED and they are magnificent to play under.  We encourage all members to use the lights and we believe that at $15 per hour that is an extremely cheap option when wanting to play at night.  Should you wish to play under the lights all you need to do is put that in your booking and we will arrange for the lights to be turned on for you once you have paid the nominated amount into the clubs bank account.  If you are making the booking on the day or at the last minute please text me on 0419 530 159 to let me know as I may not see your booking come through.  Please do not ask our coaches or another member to turn on the lights for you as we have requested them not to and told them to get the member to contact one of the committee.  If you are bringing guests along you will also be required to pay the $10 guest fee per guest prior to play.

Social Tennis

The club continues to run social on a Tuesday night for intermediate players and a Thursday night for more advanced or competition players.  Both nights start at 7:30pm and all members and non members are welcome to attend.  The cost for members is $18 per night or $55 for the whole month if paying at the start of the month.  For non-members the cost is $25 per night.

Saturday Competition

The club has two teams entered into the Bayside Regional Tennis Association Saturday competition for the 2023/24 Spring/Summer season.  Both teams are working hard to make the finals with the section 5 team sitting in 4th place, while the section 8 team is sitting in 7th however they are only one win outside the top 4.  We wish both teams much success in the coming weeks and hope to see another pennant on the wall soon.  This season will conclude at the end of March and nominations are open for the winter season.  Winter competition will start in Mid April and goes through to September and is played each saturday excluding school holidays from 1:00pm until approximately 5:30pm. If any members are interested in representing the club please contact me on 0419530159 to discuss.

We hope you are enjoying your facilities, look forward to receiving your renewal, and seeing you around the club.

Regards

Anthony Straford

On behalf of the STATC Committee

Welcome Ben Wood - STATC New Club Professional

Dear Members,

After an extensive search the St. Anthony’s Tennis Club Committee, is extremely excited to announce the appointment of Ben Wood as the next Club Professional at St. Anthony’s Tennis Club.

Ben is a Tennis Australia, Club Professional Qualified coach, who comes to us with extensive experience with all ages and levels of coaching.  

He has been a Tennis Coaches Association of Victoria Advanced Junior Program Coach, a Tennis Victoria Talent Identification Coach, a senior coach at Tennis World Albert Park and a Junior High Performance Coach at Melbourne Park, where he trained junior ranked players 12-16 years of age. He has 20+ years of experience in developing hot shots, club level and elite level players, as well as running group, cardio and private lessons for all ages and levels.

Ben has accepted a long term contract with the club to build our junior programs, with the aim to be entering competitive teams on a weekend and to one day bolster the senior sides at the club.  Ben is also keen to build up our adult programs particularly cardio sessions and women in tennis programs.

Ben will be available to commence coaching at St. Anthony’s starting on Monday the 19th of September and commence after school coaching from the beginning of Term 4 on Monday the 3rd of October.  

For all coaching enquiries please contact Ben directly on 0434 291 864. 

We hope you will all make Ben feel very welcome to the club and he looks forward to offering all members and guests an opportunity to develop their game. 

Regards

Anthony Straford

President STATC

Member Update Monday 08/08/2022

Dear Members,

 

The STATC Committee wishes to inform all members and coaching students that our club coach, Patti Katz, has advised the club that she does not wish to extend her coaching contract beyond the end of this year, and furthermore would like to depart as soon as the club can find a suitable replacement.

 

Patti has offered to continue coaching until the end of Term 3, 2022, unless we are able to replace her sooner.  She is also committed to working with her successful replacement  to ensure a smooth transition for all parties.

 

The club is working as quickly as possible to support Patti's wishes, however we must ensure we carry out our due diligence and conduct a thorough search for the best candidate.  This will enable the club to build on the great foundation Patti has established, for the long term success of the club.  

 

As we near the final stages of our search, the STATC committee looks forward to announcing the successful applicant by the end of this week, with the aim for all members and coaching students to be able to book their lessons for Term 4 and continue their tennis journey at St. Anthony's Tennis Club.

 

We extend our sincere thanks to Patti for her service to the club over the last three years and for successfully growing the coaching programs at St. Anthony's.  We wish Patti all the very best of health in her well deserved retirement.  We look forward to celebrating her retirement with her in the not too distant future.

 

For any further information on the coaching appointment please feel free to contact me on my mobile on 0419 530 159.

 

Regards,

Anthony Straford

President STATC

On behalf of the STATC Committee

January Update

January 2022

Dear Members,

As the Australian Open winds up and the weather cools, I hope you have all been inspired by Ash Barty’s win, to pick up your racquet and get back on the courts.  With the recent rains the courts are playing beautifully and the long warm evenings make it a perfect time to get out there and play.

As we are coming to the end of the 2020/21 financial year, you will shortly be receiving your renewal notices from the club.  Whilst 2020 and 2021 weren’t the greatest of years, it would appear that we are now learning to live with the virus and progressing without the need to close again.  

Whilst we put a hold on increases to your membership fees last year, the club does rely heavily on your continued support.  We have reduced costs wherever we can, including relying on volunteers for the upkeep, maintenance, and cleaning of the courts and clubhouse, and the finance committee have developed a financial plan for the long term viability of the club.

Our objective is to continue to improve the facilities for all members, whilst maintaining a cash reserve in case of future impacts of COVID, to ensure we are able to maintain our facilities into the future.  

We hope that you understand the need for the increase, and we look forward to not only receiving your membership payment but seeing you enjoying the facilities the club has to offer.

Once you have received your invoice, please forward your payment to the clubs' Bendigo Bank account by Sunday the 13th of February as the gate code will change and access to the booking system will only be available to financial members after that date.

Naturally, we are always keen to assist any members experiencing any financial hardship as a result of the pandemic and in line with previous offers we are open to applications for those requiring financial support.


Caring For Your Club and Fellow Members:

At St. Anthony's we have taken measures to ensure the safety of our members, by requiring all members to be fully vaccinated and establishing contact tracing through both the booking system and QR code at the club. We pride ourselves on not having had to shut down, and undergo a deep clean, due to a COVID outbreak, and we would like to continue this excellent record.

Therefore we kindly ask all members:

- to refrain from attending the club if they or a close contact are feeling unwell.

- to please record the name and contact details of those they are playing with, in the title of their booking, in the booking system

- to ensure they register via the QR code upon arrival at the club

- to provide the club with the vaccination certificates of their guests before attending the club

- ensure they have paid the $10 per person, guests fee, into the club bank account prior to attending the club

- to please ensure you lock the gate upon leaving


As you are all aware, the clubhouse is accessible to all members for use of the toilets, kitchen and table tennis table, however it is the responsibility of all members to clean up after themselves and ensure all clubhouse lights are turned off prior to leaving. These are your facilities and we expect you to look after them.

Social continues to run on a Tuesday night from 7:30pm, and competition play on a Thursday night. For further details on either night please contact Anthony Straford on 0419 530 159. The Court Lights are always available for use by all members upon request when making your court booking and the fee of $15 per hour is paid into the club bank account prior to play.


On behalf of the St. Anthony’s Tennis Club committee, I would like to thank all of our members for their continued support and understanding as we strive to provide the best facilities we possibly can.


Regards,

Anthony Straford

President STATC

On behalf of the STATC Committee

STATC Update - 17/10/2021 - Easing Of Restrictions

Sunday 17 October 2021

Dear Members,

As you may be aware, from this Friday the 22 October, 2021, (predicted date) the government will announce their intention to move into the next phase of opening the state up, including the removal of the travel restrictions, the removal of the 9:00pm curfew, and an increase in numbers allowed in homes. In line with this, the club will also be able to open the clubhouse, increase play under lights until 10:00pm, allow doubles play from multiple households, and resume normal social activities. (Please refer to the clubs website for booking procedures and the use of lights).

With the further opening up of the club on 22 October (predicted date) it is expected that it will be mandatory for all members to be fully vaccinated in order to attend the club and play. In line with this stipulated mandate, the Club requests that those members who have submitted single dose vaccination certificates, provide an updated certificate showing proof of their double vaccination by 21 October. Any members yet to provide any certificate will be required to now show proof of their double vaccination.

Members who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons (refer to this link for valid medical reasons https://www.health.gov.au) should contact the committee to discuss this. The committee may request additional supporting information prior to making any determination on such matters.

We appreciate the fact that the majority of members have already provided certificates showing they are already fully vaccinated, and their booking access will remain. Accordingly, this notice does not apply to them.

If the Club has not received an updated certificate from single dose members by 21 October 2021 access to the booking system will be removed until such time as proof of vaccination is provided.

For contact tracing purposes, the club will still require you to add the names of the players you are playing with on your booking. Should members fail to add the name of the players they are playing with on their booking, the booking will be removed.

As we continue to see a high increase in COVID infections in the community, we will be guided by all government requirements to ensure we can remain open in a safe manner. We will continue to keep members informed of any changes as they occur.

Members are reminded that they should not attend the club at any time if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19, or received a positive COVID-19 result. It is also important that if you receive a COVID-19 positive result, you contact the club immediately.

For the time being the club will still only be open to members who have provided their double vaccination certificates, therefore no guests or casual court hire will be accepted.

You may ask: "What is the club's process for dealing with a positive COVID-19 case?"

Firstly it is vitally important that members contact the Club immediately if they receive a positive result for COVID-19. This allows the Club to act swiftly and commence our contact tracing.

The first part of the process is to review the booking system, and coaching timetable. Any member who has been in 'direct' contact with a COVID-19 positive member can be easily identified and will be notified immediately. 

The second part of the process is to review any 'indirect' contacts. Any member who has been an 'indirect' contact with the COVID-19 positive member will also be identified and notified immediately. 

The last part of the process is to contact DHHS to advise them of the positive case and to seek any additional advice. This ensures that we are following all the correct processes. 

Our number one priority is to manage any cases should they arise and ensure we provide a safe environment for members at the club at all times.

We wish to thank all our members for their support during this period of transition and look forward to seeing you all at the Club.

Regards

Anthony Straford

President STATC

Club Opening Restrictions

It is with great delight that St. Anthony's is finally able to announce that we will be opening once again. With the state governments announcement of its road map to freedom and in consultation with the committee, we are able to announce the reopening of the club, with the following conditions in place:

- The courts will be open for tennis only, when 80% of the state has received the first does, (this is expected on or before 26th September)

- Anyone attending the club will need to have at least one vaccination dose (exemptions for valid medical conditions and young members who are still ineligible)

- Bookings will be closed to all Members until the club has received a email with their proof of vaccination or valid medical exemption

- Everyone attending the club MUST book via the clubs booking system, including the name of all those they are playing with

- At this stage we are unable to welcome any visitors to the club

- Everyone attending the club MUST SIGN IN using the "QR" code next to the main gate

- The clubhouse will be closed to members (toilet facilities will still be able to be accessed)

- Full vaccinations will be required when the next phase of opening occurs, (this is expected to be on or before 26th October)

- Conditions may be amended at any time, subject to health directives or other pertinent matters

Conditions of Play - (in conjunction with government guidelines)

- Bookings as per previously will be for a maximum of 1.5 hours, on one (1) court

- Play will be limited to four players per court

- No more than two households may occupy a court at any one time

- Members may book the lights as per the above conditions, must stipulate in their booking they would like the lights turned on and pay the

$15 per hour booking fee before play

- There will be no formal social tennis on Tuesday or Thursday night however those interested please contact the club and we will endeavour

to organise you some tennis

Members will be aware that the government roadmap is framed around the concept of vaccination targets being reached in a phased approach to easing lockdown restrictions. This impacts us all in various ways, including who can and cannot visit the club.

Where a member has a formal and valid medical certificate, exempting them from being vaccinated, they may present this to the committee, to confirm whether an exemption can be applied.

Like most of you, we wish to see a return to some normality for our club and our members as soon as possible and believe this is the first important step towards achieving that goal.

Throughout this pandemic the need to provide a safe environment for members and guests has been of the utmost importance to the committee. Our duty of care applies to everyone who attends the Club and as we now look to reopen, with COVID-19 and the new Delta strain active in the community, the committee has decided that a "No Jab, No Play" policy is both necessary and appropriate.

There will be an ongoing process of review, and amendments may need to be considered as Government guidelines and legislation changes. We will continue to update members of any changes as and when they are required.

Aus Open Social Day 21 Feb

Super exciting to announce the Aus Open Social Day will run at St Anthony’s Tennis Club on 21st Feb 2021.

The day will commence at 10am with an all ages under 16 junior event at followed by a $5 sausage sizzle!

At 2pm, we will kick off the adult event.

No partners required as this is a mix around doubles event.

The evening offers a $25 BBQ dinner and the Aus Open Men’s Final on the new big screen in the clubhouse.

We would love everyone to come along and play and to help to cater for everyone, please RSVP via email to statcglenhuntly@gmail.com.

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We Are Back In Action!

Dear Members

 Following the positive announcement from the Premier today, we can now return to tennis and our beloved club. Such was the excitement, bookings were made within minutes of the easing of restrictions and with a touch up this afternoon the courts are in pristine condition awaiting your return.  

Despite the positive announcement, there are still restrictions in place for all tennis clubs and conditions for reopening apply.  We ask members to please familiarise themselves with the following information prior to booking and attending the club.

From midnight tonight the follow conditions will apply for all members using the club:

1)     All members must use the booking system to confirm their play, and the 1.5 hour limit on bookings will remain, to ensure all members have an equal opportunity to play

2)     Members must include their name and any other players who they are playing with including contact phone numbers on their booking

3)     The wearing of a mask is still compulsory whilst entering and leaving the club, however, may be removed whilst playing

4)     A maximum of four (4) players from no more than two (2) households may occupy a court at any one time

5)     We request that there are no other family members or onlookers waiting around the courts whilst you are playing 

6)     All players are required to maintain the 1.5 metre distance from each other unless from the same household

7)     The clubhouse will remain closed; however, you may use the key in the lockbox to access the toilets. Please ensure you replace the key immediately, scramble the lock, and pull the door closed upon leaving. 

8)     It is preferred that members bring their own hand sanitiser, however for those using the bathrooms there is some located just inside the door.

9)     The gate code has been reinstated. Please ensure you scramble the code on the lock after you open the courts, and scramble the code upon leaving.  

 

Please be aware that we are only allowed up to ten (10) people from two (2) households at the facility at any one time, therefore should you arrive early for your court booking please remain in your car or away from the entrance until your allocated time.  

Unfortunately, given the limitations on the number of players and households, the club is unable to offer social at this stage.  We hope that further easing of restrictions on the 1st of November will allow us to resume our normal programs.

Naturally, should you have any flu like symptoms, or been in contact with anyone who has returned a positive COVID test, please refrain from attending the club. Should you or anyone you have been in contact with contract the virus please notify the club immediately.

Our Club Professional, Patti Katz, is eager to get started coaching again, so should you be keen to recommence your lessons, or wish to brush up on your skills, you can contact her directly on 0411 277 348 to arrange a time.

We hope you are as excited as we are to return to playing, and look forward to seeing you around the club.

 Regards

Anthony Straford

President STATC

On behalf of the STATC Committee

Club Closure

Dear Members,

Following the recent announcement from the Premier, Daniel Andrews, a "State of Disaster" has been declared in Victoria and stage 4 restrictions will be in place from 6:00pm today.

This effectively means that the club will be closed for a six week period, until the 13th of September, unless we are advised otherwise.  The gate code will be changed and we ask members to respect the committee's decision and the State Government's desire for us to stay at home to reduce the community spread.

I know this is an incredibly difficult time for many in our community, and is going to be a tough six weeks, however hopefully these latest restrictions will enable the State to curtail the spread of the virus and enable us to reopen the club and get us all back to playing tennis again.

In the meantime stay home, stay safe, and take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Regards 

Anthony Straford

President STATC

On behalf of St. Anthony's Tennis Club Committee

Covid1- Update - Club Closure

Following advice from The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and Tennis Australia, STATC Committee has made the unfortunate but necessary decision to close the clubhouse and courts.

This action has been taken to ensure the safety of our members and the greater community. We as a committee and a club feel we have a social responsibility to ensure we do everything we can to reduce the spread of this virus and get back to normal as soon as possible.

We will continue to monitor the situation, keep you up to date on the circumstances and as soon as it is deemed safe and we are given the go ahead, we will reopen the club. We wish to thank you for your understanding and patience in these circumstances, and I look forward to seeing everyone enjoying the courts in the not to distant future.

Regards

Anthony Straford

President STATC

On Behalf of the Committee STATC

OPEN DAY 2020 - 10am - 12pm

The first Open Day for St Anthony’s Tennis Club will run on Feb 1 from 10am-12pm.

Come along with friends or family and have a hit on the courts, check out the clubhouse and meet the great members of our Club. There will be a BBQ and plenty of on court action with our Coach Patti Katz. 

If you are interested in Membership, Social, Competition or Coaching, we will all be on hand to answer any questions. We look forward to meeting you all!

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Our courts are officially open!

It was a terrific day that saw us officially open the new synthetic courts to our members and wider community.

We are very proud to honour Kevin Dempster who has been an integral part of STATC, who over the years has held every position on the committee, every hose on the court, repaired every net and hole, and played in almost every team.

Kevin is a life member of the club and we were delighted to name Court One in his honour for his generosity and tireless work to the club. Congratulations Kevin!

STATC President Anthony Straford and Kevin Dempster

STATC President Anthony Straford and Kevin Dempster

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Grand Opening 20th October

After a mini hiatus for construction, we are really excited to announce we have set a date for the Grand Opening of two new synthetic grass courts. On Sunday 20th October, we will be holding an official opening at 12.30pm and following this we offer the opportunity to have a hit on the new courts! This marks the next phase of tennis at STATC and we are looking forward to a summer of tennis with you all. See you on the 20th!

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Memberships Renewal 2017/18

St.Anthony's tennis Club Glen Huntly is accepting Membership Renewals for the coming 2017/18 season.

Download a Membership Renewal form here. Payment can be made via direct deposit as per form.

The tennis club fees remain unchanged from last year and offers low cost option for those seeking casual tennis with family and friends.

The courts are in great condition at present with line repairs, regular maintenance and general tidying up around the courts having taken place over the last twelve months.

Over the coming twelve months the tennis club plans to continue these improvements to both courts and the club rooms/Parish Centre.

Social tennis continues on Tuesday nights and has been great success through out the year with minimal interruptions from poor weather. It is a terrific way to keep warm and fit during the colder months. Members $10 and non-members $15 7pm - 10pm includes nibbles afterwards.

Our coaching program continues, details here

Any enquiries email us here statcglenhuntly@gmail.com or here