The new Dome was put up on 2nd October and will now provide us with 3 covered courts for indoor tennis throughout the winter. Last January our old Dome was torn from its moorings by a freak tornado during one of the wettest winters on record.

Courts in the Indoor Tennis Centre may be booked at Reception or by phoning
01243 785664.
THE FUTURE

We are now embarking on a new and exciting phase in the Club’s history. At the Annual General Meeting on 8th October, the membership endorsed the decision to change the name of the Club and to become a Limited Company by Guarantee.

We will shortly be known as Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club, to reflect the diversity of activities now taking place here. Over the next few months members will see changes around the Clubhouse and grounds, as we improve and upgrade our premises and the services we offer.

CLUB TENNIS PORTUGAL TRIP
30 September – 7 October 2007

This year saw our second, very successful coaching holiday at the Val de Lobo Tennis Academy. A contingent of Chichester players with our coach Justin Pollard, and players from Lee on Solent Club with coach Chris Wilkinson, met at Chichester and left by coach, which very nearly broke down on the way to Gatwick and with the driver requiring directions!

At the Academy we had two hour coaching sessions every morning, covering everything from groundstrokes, volleys, and service, to lobs and rallies, helped by Justin's warming up sessions beforehand. Several afternoon tournaments, including an epic American one lasting three and a half hours in hot sunshine, brought the winners magnums of champagne, which were rapidly consumed between everyone.

Rain stopped play for a morning, but otherwise clear skies, hot sun and balmy evenings were the order of play.

Social events in a busy week included meals at Monty's bar, Vilamoura Marina, a Chinese feast and the now infamous BBQ and Karaoke evening at the Club. It is amazing how some unexpected members lose their inhibitions and excel at this!

We spent a much needed afternoon at the beach resting weary limbs, and enjoyed swimming at both the Club and the apartments we stayed in. Hopefully we are putting all the coaching we learnt to good use now we are back in Chichester. If you want a fun packed holiday with exercise, laughter, sun, great food and good companionship, book next year's trip now - already planned for 6 October 2008.

Annie Evans