We would like to say a huge thanks to Richard Hill for his eight years as Chair of Cleeve Hill Tennis Club.  

At his final AGM in November 2023, Rich gave us an overview of some of the milestones of his tenure along with an overview of the significant events arising during the past year.

Headlines from his eight years as Chairman

• 2016 – Mike Kehoe appointed as Honorary President, introduction of FastCourts booking system, introduction of social membership;
• 2017 refurbishment of changing rooms managed and delivered by Leon and Karina Baker, start of negotiations with neighbour to buy extra land;
• 2019 Conclusion of negotiations resulting in purchase of land for £30,000, helped by a loan of £15,000 from Avon LTA, introduction of contactless payments instigated by Emil, Men’s vet’s 1st team won the Avon League;
• 2020 March 23rd - first lock down for the covid pandemic with clubhouse closed for most of the year but financially supported by the government’s grant to sports clubs. Despite the challenges during this year the outline planning application for a 3rd court and clubhouse refurb was submitted;
• 2021 Second lockdown Nov 2020, third lockdown Jan-Mar 2021. Final planning application submitted, land cleared by member volunteers.
• 2022 Planning permission for the development was granted in March, ground works on new court recommenced. Fencing on bottom court replaced following storm damage. New court playable by October and floodlights installed in December. SGC provided a grant of £32,500 towards capital costs, ClubSpark booking & membership system introduced by Rich Gleed.

Successes of 2023

Rich said that several objectives had been achieved during 2023, notably: 

• Increasing membership
• Progressing the design for the club house update and obtaining cost options
• Implementing a comprehensive coaching programme via Taylor Tennis but there was more to do when time and finance allows including: 
  • Transitioning from an unincorporated business to a company limited by guarantee.
  • Implementing Pay & Play which requires gated access which is currently very expensive - alternatives are being looked at.  

Awards and thanks given to members for 2023.

 Presentation of the Peter Hill cup (awarded to a non-committee member)

• This year’s recipient was Kelly Ballard in recognition of the substantial work and the marketing/PR expertise she provided free of charge to the club. The Chair thanked Kelly and her team for their work over the last year which has resulted already in a significant uplift in new members and gave his personal thanks to the following who had made his role easier by their consistent efforts over the past 12 months:
• John Lambert (husband of Ladies Captain Alex) – for considerable work on grounds including preparation and laying a new lawn and regular upkeep
• Audrey Michael – for taking on the Safeguarding admin responsibility
• Andy Milbourne – for running Mon evening sessions for new joiners
• Carey Phillips – for providing support at events
• Gill Miles-Smith – for her hard work and support as Club Secretary
• Mike Kehoe – for being his mentor and providing sound advice when needed

He also thanked his hard-working Committee, many of whom have been in place for several years and also those members who give their time and expertise for the benefit of the club. This is a big part of what makes CHTC so special.