Court Booking Thoughts

Your understanding and patience during the Coronavirus crisis has been much appreciated and has enabled us, the tennis committee, to formulate plans for the future without undue stress. The feedback regarding the court booking system has been predominantly positive, despite a few teething problems at the start, but, of course, such a restrictive system doesn’t suit everybody; so we are working on a medium-term solution whilst the country eases tentatively out of lockdown. Rest assured that all views will be taken into account, but at no point will the fundamental DNA of Brondesbury change. We are an inclusive club and have, since 2008, been working hard to create a ‘family’ of club members and coaches who know, like and respect each other. The transition from 100% booking to the total freedom of days gone by may be a rocky road, and, of course, all compromises will be considered, but our ethos is different to institutions such as a David Lloyd Centre, where booking is the only possible option and, as a result, club spirit completely absent. This Brondesbury spirit is often remarked upon when we play away matches, or when visitors come to us. One of the men’s teams regularly travels abroad to spread an equal mixture of camaraderie and mediocre tennis to the citizens of Mallorca. These friendship groups would never have developed under an exclusive booking scheme. Similarly, two of our coaches joined the club as little boys and, although their educational paths were separate, the Brondesbury bond and the access to better players, brought them back full circle to continue the evolution of the next generation.
So please bear with us whilst we ponder these divergent views, and try to remember the club you joined: we pride ourselves on our social cohesion; the co-operative ethos of the volunteers who work hard on your behalf; the professionalism and decency of the coaching team; and, above all, the sheer luxury of hitting a ball with friends in such fabulous surroundings. For some people, the lockdown has been a lonely and traumatic experience - let’s appreciate our good fortune during this unforgettable time and look forward to a summer of good health and great tennis.