Grafton Tennis and Squash Club
70A Thornton Road • London • SW12 0LF
Tel: 020 8673 2891
Greetings Graftonites,
Today marks a further easing of lockdown restrictions. We're thrilled with this, not least because it means that we can play squash again to some degree and the Grafton bar can gradually reopen starting from tomorrow! Let's still remember to pack a face mask, and to scan the QR code from the NHS Covid-19 app every single time we're at the club. Social distancing and frequent use of hand sanitiser still need to be our watch words. Face masks are obligatory when in the kitchen or when heading to the unisex toilets.
Here are this week's announcements, so please read on:
- RETURN TO SQUASH
- RIP BOB "THE BUILDER" TAYLOR
- THE BAR'S GRAND REOPENING
- TENNIS COURT BOOKING RULES
- DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
***If you want to put an announcement in next Monday’s broadcast, the only way to do so is by sending your broadcast to graftoncomms@gmail.com by Friday 6pm.***
RETURN TO SQUASH (effective immediately!!!)
Squash is back - well on the way back. Read on for the important kick-off information on the Squash England regulations the club will be implementing, new tokens, and booking rules to get us back on court safely and better than ever:
Play
Initially play is only permitted with someone in your household / support bubble or a squash coach. Squash bubbles are NOT in operation.
· Arrive at the courts at the time that you are due to play
- Bring enough water for yourself during play
· Bring a towel for wiping sweat away – do NOT wipe your hands on the Squash court walls! Do not sit on the court floor during a break.
· The court is booked for 1h, play should start on the hour and is only permitted for 45 minutes
- Always leave court doors open on leaving court leaving
- The court is left empty for 15 mins to aerate before the next player(s) come in.
· Leave the courts straight away, and shower at home.
Light Tokens, Bookings and Guests
New Token machine and guest booking systems are in place.
· New Light Tokens are available from the new token machine in the Squash Court building – payment is by credit card only (note American express is NOT accepted)
· Courts must be booked on-line prior to arriving at the courts.
· Your opponents must be included in the booking. If you a booking a solo practice session please select the “*** solo practice” option
· If bringing a guest please select the ‘Guest £5’ options as your opponent.
· Guest fees are payable will all major credit cards via your Grafton member account. The system is very simple: Top-Up : Book: Play.
Bookings with no opponent selected within 24h of play are subject to cancellation.
The Club House
The kitchen and unisex toilet are the only areas on the club house that remain open
· All Changing facilities are closed - you must arrive at the club already changed and ready to play.
· You must wear a mask if you enter the clubhouse for any reason.
BOB “THE BUILDER” TAYLOR
It is with much regret we advise of the sad and unexpected sudden death of Bob Taylor from a stroke on 23 March.
Bob was a Grafton member from the 1970s when squash was enjoying vast increase in popularity. His competitive nature saw him progress through the Grafton leagues and represent the Club in team matches in the Surrey league. As he lived within a very short distance of the Club he was a very common and popular sight at the Club both on squash courts and supporting the bar.
With his extensive building experience he was very helpful in keeping the Club in serviceable condition and went on to serve on the Committee as a Director for some years for which we are all very grateful.
He and this then wife Diane were also instrumental in organising excellent social functions such as the annual Christmas dinner which often drew large numbers.
Apart from being a very capable squash player he was also heavily involved in skiing and diving.
Bob and his like will be sorely missed and should be remembered as part of the Grafton history.
RIP
THE BAR'S GRAND REOPENING!!!
The word "grand" may be a stretch, but we're just so happy to confirm that from Tuesday 13th April we’ll begin the gradual reopening of our bar!
Initial opening hours will be 6:30-10pm Tuesday - Thursday. (last drinks 9:30pm)
Drinks will be served by table service from the conservatory. This means a full bar will be available with the exclusion of draught.
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, please adhere to the guidelines not only from a Covid-19 perspective, but please also be conscious of noise levels and the responsibility we have to our neighbours.
> drinking is limited to the patio area
> you must remain seated at your table and maintain social distancing.
Huddling on tables is strictly prohibited.
> Social distancing rules must be maintained.
> Absolutely no indoor drinking at any time, no exceptions!
Indoor drinking will be reintroduced as soon we are able to adhere in full to government guidelines. We expect this to be a little more challenging for ourselves given the unmanaged nature of our bar.
We will get there, the journey starts this week!
TENNIS COURT BOOKING RULES
In case you've forgotten the tennis court booking rules, here they are again. As ever, these are designed to maximise court availability during these pandemic times:
> Please state your opponent on your bookings. If you're practising your serve please choose "Serving Practice" as your "opponent".
*** Serving Practice is an off-peak only activity.***
> All bookings with no opponents selected 72 hours in advance of play will be cancelled
> Guest bookings are not permitted in peak hours
Please bear in mind the below hours:
WEEKDAYS:
0800-1600 Off Peak
1600-2200 Peak
WEEKENDS:
0800-1600 Peak
1600-2200 Off Peak
-> If you believe your booking warrants an exception, then please contact graftoncomms@gmail.com in plenty of time to further discuss. Questions? Please email graftoncomms@gmail.com well in advance of your court booking to avoid disappointment.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Tues 13 April - Grand reopening of the Grafton Bar (630pm onwards)
12/04/2021
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