Information Sheet
The Tennis Club is there to be enjoyed by the people of Plumpton and the surrounding towns and villages.
The facilities provide an excellent opportunity for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy the sport,
keep fit and socialise.
The club has about 100 members who already enjoy the benefits of membership. This information sheet is
intended to give you all the information that you might need if you are considering joining the club
or using the courts as a non-member.
The Courts
There are 3 concrete courts available for play. Two are side-by-side in a fenced area in front of the
clubhouse and the other is a few yards away near the entrance and is separately enclosed. To gain
access to the courts you will need a key to unlock the padlock on the court gate. One key gives you
access to all courts and is issued to members when they join.
The Floodlights
These illuminate the 2 courts in front of the clubhouse only. They are easy to operate by inserting
special tokens into control boxes located in the clubhouse. The tokens cost £1 each and can be
purchased from Maria Roche, 1 The Manse, Station Road (890002) or Marion Tilford, Barnfield Cottage,
Barnfield (890059).
One token gives you half an hour of lighting. Make sure that you ‘feed the meter’
as you play, as the same set of lights cannot be immediately re-activated if they shut down as this
damages the bulb life. There is a night-light that can be switched on by a rocker switch located
on the front of the clubhouse that will help you to see your way out, but it is best to take a
torch so you can find your way in and out in the dark.
Please bear in mind that the floodlights automatically cut out at 10pm in accordance with local
regulations that prevent local residents being disturbed by the lights.
The Clubhouse
This is fully equipped with running water, a sink, a kettle, toilets, notice board and a secure
cupboard that houses the club's equipment. The ball machine is now easily available
for any member to use. The clubhouse is secured with a combination lock and the code is provided to members
when joining. Brooms are also kept in the clubhouse to allow the sweeping of debris off the courts before play.
Keys and Security
A court key together with the code for the clubhouse combination lock is issued to members. Additional or
replacement keys can be provided for a fee of £5 and are available from the membership secretary. When
leaving the premises please always ensure that if you are the last to leave, the courts and clubhouse have been
locked and secured.
Court Availability
Courts can be used by members free of charge at anytime when the courts are not being used for
coaching, matches or club sessions. Floodlights now make it easier to use the courts all year
round – tokens for the lights cost £1 per half hour.
Ways To Get Involved
Many members only wish to use the courts for playing with family or other members. However,
there are also various tournaments throughout the year for club members as well as match
play against other clubs. Many members enjoy playing at ‘club sessions’ that are on Wednesday
and Friday evenings from 6.30pm. These sessions involve members playing a series of short sets of doubles.
Coaching
LTA coach Pamela Lucey-Butler works with the club to help members or non-members who wish to
improve their game. Coaching sessions are arranged for groups of adults or juniors or by
individual booking with Pam on 01273 890124.
Fund Raising & Socialising
Membership of the club is not just about tennis; it is also about socialising with friends old
and new. A number of tennis club events are regulars in the village calendar such as an
annual general knowledge quiz. There have also been ‘race nights’, jumble sales and
safari suppers etc. Members and non-members are welcome at these events; volunteers to help run
the events are even more welcome!
Club Rules
Any organisation needs to define its rules so members know where they stand. Rules are issued to
all new members and existing members if rules are updated. The rules can only be amended with the
approval of members at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
Wimbledon Tickets
As an LTA affiliated club a certain number of Wimbledon tickets are allocated to the club each year.
Anyone interested can enter a draw by submitting a cheque for the cost of the ticket. The
winners get the tickets.
What To Do Next
If you feel that you’d like to investigate further you can request a tour of the facilities
or attend a club session. If you wish to do this, if you want to join, or if you want
further information please contact Linda Taylor, Membership Secretary on 01273 890767.