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2022-12-31-accounts

Annual report and Accounts

for the year ended 31 December 2022

Passionate in providing tennis for everyone in the community Totnes Community Tennis Club ~ annual report year ended 31 December 2022

www.totnestennisclub.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 1169109 1

Welcome from Francis Porter, Chair

It’s with great plesure that I welcome you to the Totnes Community Tennis Club’s annual report for 2022.

It has been another wonderfully vibrant uplifting year at the club with so many highlights but just as we completed this annual report we became an award-winning tennis club that showcased everything that is great about our club! We have been awarded the Devon Tennis 2022 ‘Tennis For All’ award in recognition of our outstanding disability programme with the local special education schools.

The vision for the special education programme started with, and has been driven by, the hard-working committee – they continue to guide the club so expertly in all aspects. Our location in Borough Park is very important for the students as it provides a safe, peaceful, welcoming space – something hopefully all our members and guests can also appreciate. The coaching sessions couldn’t run without our wonderful members volunteering to help, and this year we have seen more and more members offering their help in the day-to-day running of the club – the club is so busy that we have needed support with maintenance, tennis events and other tasks. In speaking with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and other clubs they are all surprised at how we manage to get such fantastic support from our members!

The coaching is run by the excellent Tonia who has coached so many members at the club and local families, and it is very special seeing how she cares for and guides the special needs students.

With such a great location, vibrant membership and facilities that are in excellent condition it is no surprise that we have seen a huge demand to join the club which brings its challenges but we are determined to keep providing tennis for everyone in the local community.

We have continued to have an excellent relationship with South Hams District Council who fully understand our vision to provide sport and well-being to the local community.

Looking ahead to 2023 we are excited to build on last year’s very successful Club Championships and make this a summer celebration of the club. The landscaping project to enhance our club and Borough Park is now underway with Lifeworks College students and I trust that our club will continue to offer all its members and visitors a peaceful environment to exercise, socialise and ‘take a break’ from the challenging times we are all facing.

Thank you to everyone for helping to make Totnes Community Tennis Club the success that it is.

Francis Porter Club Chair

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Totnes Community Tennis Club ~ annual report year ended 31 December 2022

Trustees

Francis Porter Graham Hayman Jackie Clayton

Sara Widdicombe John Callaway Paul Thomas

The Trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Membershi p

Adults

Due to the amount of interest in joining the club, the membership capacity for the year was increased to 160, which meant that the club was able to accommodate those on the waiting list who were still interested in joining.

It was decided to maintain the 160 cap on numbers for the remainder of the 2022/2023 season, with a view to reviewing the situation prior to the start of the new tennis year in April 2023. All people expressing an interest in joining throughout the year have been added to a waiting list for decision at that time.

The annual fee for 2022/2023 was increased to £130 from £120. There was no winter membership or monthly reduction, as the club was full within the first month.

Due to the excellent maintenance and upkeep programme for the courts, the playing surface is still reported as being a huge attraction to potential members, as is the vibrant, friendly and helpful ambience among the membership and committee.

The membership figures for the 2022/2023 tennis year are as follows:

2022/2023 2021/2022
Female Male Total Female Male Total
Adults 62 101 163 51 84 135
Students 1 3 4 1 3 4

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Teams, Club Tennis and Tournaments

Teams Overview

Representative teams traditionally compete in the South Devon Summer Tennis League. Following the disruption forced by the Covid restrictions the club again fielded 5 teams across the various divisions. There was healthy interest from our adult members to represent the club in competitive tennis.

Two men’s teams, two mixed teams and a ladies team enjoyed the opportunity to take on traditional local rivals. Each team captain rotated their squads, once again allowing many members to take part, some for the first time.

Mens A: Played: 10; Points: 61; Won: 8; Drawn: 2; Lost: 0 – Champions Division 1

The strength of the Men’s teams was evident throughout the season. The A team captained by Rud Sawers enjoyed an unbeaten run of 10 matches winning 8 and drawing 2 to claim the Division 1 championship. Their total of 61 sets was 15 above their closest opponents, Ipplepen.

Mens B: Played: 7; Points: 52; Won: 7; Drawn: 0; Lost: 0 – Champions Division 2

The excellent captaincy of Paul Clayton ensured that our B team ran away with the Division 2 title in another unbeaten season. The rotation of the squad demonstrated the genuine strength in depth with a 100% winning season. Next season will see men’s A versus men’s B competing in the same league following the B’s promotion. Book early for tickets!

Ladies: Played: 6; Points: 29; Won: 3; Drawn: 0; Lost: 3 – Runners Up Division 1

Our ladies squad, once again captained by Della Joint was runner-up in the Ladies Division 1. Avon Vale winning the title in an unbeaten season. The ladies pushed Avon Vale to the final game decider, losing on the grass to the eventual champions.

Mixed A: Played: 12; Points: 30; Won: 2; Drawn: 1; Lost: 9

The Mixed A team captained by Kim Litchfield faced the prospect of a very competitive top division. Many opponents fielding experienced, regular pairings. It was a creditable performance to avoid relegation recording notable success later in the season.

Mixed B: Played: 11; Points: 41; Won: 4; Drawn: 2; Lost: 5

The Mixed B team captained by Jacqui Merrington fielded a blend of experienced veterans with relative newcomers. This resulted in a mid table finish reflecting some great wins alongside frustrating points dropped.

A big thank-you to all team captains for their selfless management of the squads and to all players who represented the club during the season.

Thanks also to Abi Hawman who has revived interest in the South Devon Winter league. The club is once again represented in this competition, bravely taking to the courts in all weathers.

Facebook

Many thanks to Abi Hawman who has been adding some excellent team reports on Facebook during the summer and winter leagues. These are an important addition to our club communications so: please take a look at our club Facebook page: www.facebook.com/totnestennisclub

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Club Sessions

The ever-popular club sessions continue to run throughout the year. The 3 sessions organised weekly during the weekend, afternoon and evening are planned to maximize the opportunity for all adult members to attend. Timings have been extended on Thurday afternoon, likewise on Sunday mornings. This offsets the frustration of our limited court capacity.

The inclusive atmosphere warmly welcomes all adult members regardless of ability or experience. Sadly we cannot accommodate friends from other clubs. The convivial, but competitive tennis combines with a lovely social atmosphere off-court. Discussion frequently involves the quality of biscuits as much as the dodgy line-calls!

Thanks go to Peter Daly, Jackie Clayton, Barry Barber, Abi Hawman and Kim Litchfield for their willingness to manage these sessions. It is a considerable commitment and much valued by all at TCTC.

A special thank you to Jackie Clayton who is stepping down from Thurday sessions. Often seen with a racket in one hand and Henry the Hoover in the other, Jackie’s contribution is always greatly appreciated.

Tournaments

Club Closed Tournament

The club organised its first-ever closed club tournament with an impressive number of adult members registering to compete. Unfortunately the ladies singles event was not contested. Played throughout September with a finals day in early October.

The doubles events caused much discussion over who would make the strongest pairings and take the various titles. The unseeded draw provoked even more debate on the various paths to the final. Whilst the more experienced team players tended to win through, it was fantastic to hear so many express their satisfaction at taking on the stronger players and learning from the experience.

As ever the autumn weather was a challenge with a series of very wet semi-finals. Nevertheless, finals day progressed as scheduled. Well supported by an enthusiastic crowd, enjoying a high standard of fantastic tennis. Nearly all matches were exciting and closely fought. The men’s singles and ladies doubles requiring match tie breaks to decide the outcome.

It was agreed that the tournament was a great addition to our club calendar

Finals Day Results

MENS SINGLES

Rud Sawers bt Dave Hamilton 3-6, 6-3, 10-5

LADIES DOUBLES

Abi Hawman & Emma Croft bt Helen Paley & Jacqui Merrington 6-2, 4-6, 10-5

MIXED DOUBLES

Abi Hawman & Dave Hamilton bt Velma Smith & Sean Farris 6-2, 6-0

MENS DOUBLES

Jon Whiley & Francis Porter bt Rud Sawers & Sam Cook 6-4, 6-4

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Rud Sawers Jon Whiley & Francis Porter Dave Hamilton & Abi Hawman

Wood And Whites Tournament

Following the enforced break the popular Wood And Whites tournament returned to our courts in the middle of Wimbledon fortnight. As always, it was fun and fashion combining with outdated technology to make for a great day. Wooden rackets and resplendent “Persil” white clothing allowed the ladies to rediscover their inner Evert’s, while the gentlemen became Bjorn again for a few hours!

In true SW19 tradition the weather gods favoured us, allowing play to begin on time for the 16 mixed pairings. Winners of each group progressing to semi-finals leading to a closely fought final between Jo Gibson and Rud Sawers v Abi Hawman and Miles Kevin. Jo and Rud taking the single set final 6-4.

The day was completed with a social BBQ.

Thanks to Don Chalcraft and Punate for their al fresco catering skills.

Jane Chalcraft Mixed Doubles Tournament

The annual mixed doubles tournament was originally scheduled for autumn. Sadly, the rain arrived as the 12 mixed pairs were warming up. The competition had to be abandoned and rescheduled for later in the year. Unfortunately, winter storms returned to force another postponement.

It is planned to run the 2022 tournament early in the new season.

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Disability Programme

We are well into our second year of the disability programme and it continues to be a huge success for Bidwell Brook, Lifeworks and all the volunteer helpers. It is wonderful to see the progression from the children from the school, continuing through to when they move on to college. We are hoping the opportunity to play tennis can be extended this spring to young adults in the community who have left college. A huge thanks must go to Tonia who adapts her coaching to suit the varying needs and abilities and to the amazing volunteers without whom the programme would be impossible to run. Proof of its success and how rewarding it can be to be involved is reflected in the following:

Bidwell Brook feedback

Richard Monaghan, class teacher, Bidwell Brook School

Lifeworks College Feedback

The students are excited to be able to collaborate with Totnes Community Tennis Club in renovating the garden outside of the centre. The students have been busy planning ways in which to create a calming, sensory space for the community to enjoy. Where possible, they will assist with the renovation and undertake regular maintenance work to ensure that the gardens continue to flourish in forthcoming months and years.” Emma Pindard, Deputy Head of Lifeworks College

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Volunteers feedback

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LTA Level 4 accredited tennis coach Tonia Gooderham’s feedback on the programme

The IPlay30 programme has been made possible by a great team effort from the school, college, the club and all our volunteers. Personally, I love leading the sessions and feel very uplifted when teaching these students. I look forward to the continuation of the programme in 2023.”

Garden Project

One of the spin offs from the disability programme has been a collaborative garden project with Totnes Community Tennis Club and Lifeworks College. The short term plan is for the students to design and establish a sensory garden space with seating adjacent to court 4. The College are very excited about this project which they will be able to use as part of their Duke of Ediburgh award. Totnes Town Council have donated £2000 of funding to get the project started which we hope will be supported by community organisations ParkLife SW and Incredible Edibles. In the long term we hope that the college will be able to maintain the area as part of their horticulture work experience.

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Coaching Report – Tonia Gooderham

Disability Programme Coaching

The students have brought an amazing energy to the club twice a week and to teach them is hugely rewarding – I have commented further in the IPlay 30 information on page 9 in this annual report.

Adult Groups

The small adult groups are proving to be very effective, all have seen great progress and had lots of fun! Many of the players at these groups are playing competitively either in club teams, the box leagues or club sessions – it’s been very enjoyable helping with technical, tactical and mental factors relating to performance in matchplay. It’s fantastic to see many players from the coached groups organising their own social sessions.

Totnes Junior Tennis Programme

The junior coaching programme continues to thrive.

I am seeing many students now reaping the rewards of their continuous efforts over their primary school years - our early teen players are looking particularly accomplished on court – it’s a real joy to see the fun they’re having on the court amidst ongoing new achievements.

New students continue to filter into the programme from 4-5 years old. We focus on improving the balance, agility and co-ordination of the younger players through fun games while learning the basics of the game.

The number of girls playing in our programme continues to be well above the national average. These girls are all great role models for prospective players and our younger players.

During the Summer term Rob and myself visited a number of primary schools establishing a club school link. These visits were well received and enjoyable.

A number of our students aged 10-16 have been helping out in groups with younger players –some do this as the voluntary section of their Duke of Edinburgh’s (D of E) awards. Assistant coach volunteering helps students to build new skills and confidence and is very rewarding. The volunteer students have had a very positive impact on the classes – a big thank you to them all!

Congratulations to Amy and Finn who achieved their LTA Level 1 coaching qualification in 2022. Amy helps in a number of sessions during the week and Finn helps out on Saturday mornings as part of his D of E gold award. They both love helping out in the sessions, the juniors love working with them and we’re very grateful to them!

Category Age (years) 2022 2021
Blue 3-7 52
Red 5-8 71
Orange 8-10 44 25
Green 9-11 54 12
Yellow 11+ 46
Total 150 154

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Individual Lessons

I’m working with a number of players of all ages and stages on their wide-ranging personal goals.

Coaching Conference 2023

I recently attended a coaching conference. Speakers amongst others included the head of LTA Coach Development and Emma Raducanu’s strength and conditioning coach from when she was a junior. A number of fun and useful things were learnt and are now being introduced into the programme.

Thanks to...

I look forward to another great year on court in 2023!

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Courts and Maintenance

Public Use Of Courts

We remain committed to keeping the courts open for public hire on a Pay & Play basis and feel it is important to encourage as many people as possible to play tennis. The health benefits of tennis are well known and it is gratifying to see the courts are being used by a wide range of people.

Income from public and non-member court hire was £3,846 in 2022 (2021: £5,259). The charge for the courts remains at £8 per hour.

Court bookings are made via the club’s website using the ClubSpark booking system and access to the courts is controlled with combination locks. Thanks to Graham Hayman for changing this and communicating with the membership.

Court Surface

The artificial turf court surface on court numbers 1-3 remains popular and is in general wearing and playing very well. First Serve effected a repair on the advantage line of the near side of court 1 which was mentioned in last year’s report. This has been effective.

Court 4 remains the principal coaching court and is wearing well.

Floodlights

The lights on court numbers 1-3 are excellent. We are grateful to South Hams District Council for the use of a cherrypicker and the expertise of the electrician team to replace the broken lighting unit on court 3.

We installed “Tweener” lights on court 4 during 2021. These are LED strip lights, mounted on the fencing on the sides of the court and therefore avoids the costly instalment of light bearing posts.

The Tweener lights have been repaired and we have come up with a solution to prevent players on the other courts being dazzled. The low tech solution of strategically placed banners works well and looks good too!!

South Hams District Council repairing LED floodlight

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Maintenance

The maintenance team were kept busy during the year, carrying out both routine and improvement tasks:

The committee has commissioned a three year maintenance arrangement with First Serve Ltd, the company who installed the courts, to cover maintenance issues beyond the scope of the maintenance team such as, power-washing, moss treatment and technical advice on matters such as surface repairs and optimum surface performance. This work was done in the late summer and we were commended on the condition of the courts by First Serve.

Storage remains a problem and we have acquired a lockable trunk that sits in the clubhouse to house coaching equipment.

A huge thank you to Maintenance Officer, Paul Thomas, and everyone who has helped with the numerous maintenance tasks during the year. Your help is massively appreciated and is reflected in the superb play and appearance of the courts.

If any members have the time and inclination to help with the weekly tractor drag and any maintenance tasks pleae contact Paul on paul.thomas2910@gmail.com

Paul Thomas and John Callaway digging a trench for the court 4 LED lights wiring

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Fundraising and Sponsorship

Fundraising

Jackpot Club

Now in its 7th year, the Jackpot Club continues to be an integral part of the club’s fund raising efforts

50% of revenue generated is returned to Jackpot members in monthly cash prizes. 50% contributes to the club sinking fund for facilities upkeep and development. The Jackpot Club with over 50 members from TCTC, together with support from families and friends raises over £1,000 annually and awards over £1,000 in prizes . All members will be invited to join as the spring approaches. Entry remains at £1 per week.

Clubhouse Fundraising Event at Meadowbrook, Dartington

Thank you everyone who came along to our ‘Let’s Party’ event – it was a huge success! Matt Harvey was fantastic performing some of his tennis writings – hilarious! The excellent Little Big Band ‘rocked on’ and got the audience dancing, DJ James played some brilliant sounds; and all backed up by the wonderful staff at New Lion Brewery and their magic fundraising brew – ‘You Cannot Be Serious’!! – and Pizzalogica’s super-tasty pizzas! Perfection!

Matt Harvey

Nearly £600 was raised for our new clubhouse, thanks everyone for making it such a memorable evening.

Totnes Town Council

TCTC was successful in its application for a Community Grant, being awarded the maximum £2,000 funding . This is directed towards expanding our community support for those with learning difficulties. Specifically focusing on a gardening project to enhance the aesthetics of the Borough Park within a valuable holistic project for the students.

Thanks are expressed to the Totnes Town Council.

Totnes & Dartington FC

Thanks are also expressed to the local football club for donating a disability grant of £1,000 to support our growing disability tennis programme.

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Sponsorship

We are delighted to continue our relationship with Miles Kevin & Chartsedge, the independent estate agent based in Totnes, marketing homes in Devon and Cornwall.

Likewise, we are grateful for the continuing support provided by Mark Annear at The Cott Inn, Dartington.

We thank them both for their enthusiastic contribution to the club during these challenging times.

While the Cott Inn and Chartsedge remain our principle sponsors, TCTC would like to acknowledge the contribution made by club members who have sponsored the club via the advertising banners along courts 1, 2 & 3. These provide a useful screen to the court 4 lighting whilst highlighting these excellent local businesses.

Sara Edwards: Arbow Garage

Rud Sawers: Rud Sawers Architects Paul Hailey: Pro Shop: Racket Sales & Stringing Services Nigel Jones: The East Gate Bookshop

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Social Events

Christmas Party

Over 80 members and friends danced the night away to the brilliant Little Big Band. A massive shout out to our hosts The New Lion Brewery and to Pizzalogica for turning out their delicious pizzas. Thanks again to all the members who supported the event which raised almost £300 towards funds.

Cricket Match with Harberton Cricket Club

The annual cricket match v Harberton Cricket Club took place on a beautiful late Friday afternoon. A stunning location at Harberton was witness to a wonderful match – our very part-time cricketers really excelled themselves as they very narrowly lost by just 6 runs - Harberton scored 134 and TCTC 129!! We had a perfect blend of youth and experience! Our ‘youngsters’ Ed O’Brien, Sam Miller and Josh Orell charged around the ground saving runs, taking wickets and then smashing boundaries! But they were brilliantly backed up by the rest of team who all contributed to really challenge HCC – our team was wonderfully marshalled by Captain Jeff Cornish.

Huge thanks to everyone involved – including the rowdy spectators! Unfortunately a chance to seek revenge with a return tennis match had to be cancelled due to bad weather.

Bowls Social Match

At the end of September our neighbours Totnes Bowls Club hosted a bowls taster session for the Tennis Club members. It was great to relax and enjoy the game and learn the rules and the skills involved. Hopefully we will be able to repeat this at the start of

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their season in April.

Financial Review

The year ended 31 December 2022 resulted in a surplus of £23,367, (2021: £25,802).

Total income was £43,951 (2021: £48,841) and total expenditure £20,584 (2021: £23,039).

Main sources of income

Details of the restricted grant income and donations received is as follows:

Grant funder/Event Purpose Amount (£)
Totnes Town Council Garden project 2,000
Totnes & Dartington Football Club Disability tennis programme 1,065
LTA Open court initiative Disability tennis programme 300
Club fundraising event New Clubhouse 778
Total 4,143

In addition Sponsorship income of £2,000 was gratefully received from local businesses.

Expenditure

The surplus of £23,367 for the year, results in total club funds of £113,037 at 31 December 2022 (2021: £89,670).

Reserves policy

The committee have decided to hold a general fund at a level of 9-12 months operating expenditure, with the remaining funds held as a designated fund. The designated fund will be used for future refurbishment and improvements at the club, specifically the new clubhouse in the near future.

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A sinking fund for the refurbishment of the courts and perimeter fencing currently stands at £30,000; with the development fund at £70,000.

Restricted funds

The restricted funds held at 31 December 2022 are for:

I Play 30 and will be used to fund this programme in 2023. I Play 30 are tennis activity sessions for children with learning, sensory and physical disabilities and for those experiencing ill-mental health and a

Garden project – working with Lifeworks College to create a garden adjacent to the tennis court 4.

The financial statements are shown on the last page of the report.

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the members of Totnes Community Tennis Club

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts, set out on page 20, of the above charity (“the club”) for the year ended 31st December 2022.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the club’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Karen Williams ACA, ICEAW Dorsley Barton Harberton Totnes

19 February 2023

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Receipts and Payment Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022

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