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Making a Difference

12/28/2023

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Hi Team Stony Tennis

​I hope you had a great Christmas and are looking forward to the new year.
When you start to reflect on the year gone by and the year ahead, we may ask the question of 'how much of a difference we have made?'
‘
Making a difference’ is a powerful phrase and I see many people doing this in all walks of life. Our club would not exist if it wasn’t for the volunteers who give up their time for the benefit of others. It takes a lot to keep the club going, including accounts, membership, maintenance, social events and team matches.

I have been at the club since 2011 and there has been a huge shift in what the club did offer and what it offers now…and with a minimal cost increase to members. Over the past 13 years I have seen the club gain 5 new tiger turf courts, 2 indoor artificial clay courts with lights, studio, a bar, club office / shop, contactless payment floodlighting, hitting wall and many other areas being refurbished.

There were many nights and days when I used to be the only one at the club while I coached. It is not like that anymore! The club is thriving with Adult and Junior Club Nights getting great attendance and this is mainly due to the individuals who orchestrate these sessions, using a WhatsApp group to build a community and keep people informed and making the evenings inclusive and welcoming for all levels of play.

Our club is attracting people all the time because we are unrivalled for value, club spirit and facilities in our area.

Now if you benefit from being a member, would you also like to make a difference?

I need help!

​There are a few things I know would make this club even greater, but I need some support. We have the opportunity to positively affect more people lives and the only thing that stops us are helpers.
Your time is precious and limited, which is why it must be used effectively and efficiently. Long meetings discussing what flowers to put in the new plant pots is NOT what I am needing help with 
I need a few motivated individuals who can help with grant applications, marketing and organising events. Those people will not only get the full support of the committee and coaching team but also of the members. We will be direct in what we need and how to achieve it, but within the time the individuals are able to commit. The help these people give will not be onerous or unfulfilling but gratifying and satisfying.

All I ask for is a conversation with you. We can discuss how you can help and what you can commit to, no matter how small. I know that if lots of people do a little, then we can achieve big results, so please reply to this email [email protected] to let me know when you are free for a chat and I would be delighted to discuss how you can ‘make a difference’.

​Happy tennising!
John Cavill
​Director of Tennis
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3 conversations to end 2023

12/20/2023

1 Comment

 
Hi Everyone, 
​
Last night we had the final program sessions of 2023 and I thought it would be great to ask the kids a few questions…and this is what they said!
Conversation number 1 with a 7 year old
Me: What has been the best thing that’s happened in 2023?
Child: Coming to tennis lessons with my friends and getting better.
Me: Anything else? Maybe outside of tennis?
Child: Getting star pupil at school
-
Conversation number 2 with a 6 year old
Me: What has made you happy this year?
Child: Coming to tennis.
Me: Is that it?
Child: and my doggy!
-
Conversation number 3 with a 13 year old
Me: How do you feel this year has gone for you?
Child: OK
Me: Great. Is that it? The whole year summed up in two letters?
Child: Well, I have really enjoyed my new group and the other players. I think my tennis has improved loads and you and the coaches are really good.
Me: That’s nice of you to say. Why are we really good?
Child: Because you make us work hard and care about what we are doing.
-
2023 has been a very successful year with the launch of Team Stony Tennis and the numerous changes to make our service and standards better. I love the fact that we have attracted a lot of players to the club to benefit from tennis but what is evident in these 3 conversations is that every child feels like they belong at Stony Stratford Tennis Club. To know that there are special bonds being developed between everyone are the foundations of great things. As a collective we will be able to achieve more through love, support and care.

This will be my last email to you all before Christmas and I hope you have enjoyed the emails I have been sending, giving you some of the insights into Team Stony Tennis, myself and people at our club. I will continue to do my best in 2024 as we continue to get more people benefiting from tennis.
I’d like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and I hope you have a great festive period.

Happy tennising !

John Cavill
Director of Tennis
​
PS. NEXT YEARS PROGRAMME STARTS ON TUESDAY 2ND JANUARY
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    John Cavill - Director of Tennis at Stony Stratford Tennis Club

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