Archives: News

THANKS TO EVERYONE who entered our social (and sociable) tournament on Sunday 18^th, complete with a rolling handicap to ensure close games.  It came with summery weather (and equally summery Pimms and strawberries).  Hugely enjoyable.  There’ll be another or similar soon.  Do be sure to enter early, as places on Sunday filled fast.

HENMANS JUNIOR TOURNAMENT
A REMINDER that in the last week of May, in the half-term holiday, we’re hosting our annual Henmans Junior Tournament, now proudly in its 28^th year.  In 2025 it is generously sponsored once more by Blenheim Palace: the Club is very grateful for their continuing support.
THE COURTS WILL OF COURSE BE BUSY during the tournament days from Monday to Friday, 26-30 May, but will be free each day by late afternoon, so Club Nights that week (Tuesday and Thursday, 5.30) will run as usual.

TENNIS v BOWLS – THE JERRAMS CUP
Come and join the Tennis Team in our annual Bowls v Tennis bowls match for the Jerrams Cup.  It’s on Saturday 21 June, afternoon.
No experience necessary!  Whether or not you’ve ever bowled before, you’ll be very welcome.  Just talk to our team captain Kate Paice or drop Kate a line by emailing woodstocktennisclub@gmail.comHOME MATCHES COMING UP [each match 2 courts]:

MAY

SATURDAY 24^th, 1 pm:  Ladies C v Witney; Men’s D v Kings Sutton
SATURDAY 31^st, 1 pm:  Ladies B v David Lloyd; Ladies D v Kingston Bagpuize

JUNE

MONDAY 2^nd, 6.30 pm:  Friendly v Standlake
WEDNESDAY 4^th, 10 am:  Ladies Midweek v Oxford Sports; Men’s Midweek v Abingdon
SATURDAY 7^th, 1 pm:  Mixed A v Wychwoods; Mixed C v Goring
SUNDAY 8^th, 10 am:  Mixed D v Oxford Sports
SATURDAY 14^th, 1 pm:  Ladies A v North Oxford; Men’s A v Witney
SUNDAY 15^th, 10 am:  Ladies C v Abingdon
WEDNESDAY 25^th, 10 am:  Mixed Midweek v Portcullis
SATURDAY 28^th, 1 pm:  Mixed B v North Oxford
SUNDAY 29^th, 4 pm:  Men’s National League v Cholsey  [4 courts from 3.30 till approx. 5.30]

HENMANS JUNIOR TOURNAMENT
At the end of May, in the half-term holiday, we’re hosting our annual Henmans Junior Tournament, now proudly in its 28^th year.  In 2025 it is generously sponsored once more by Blenheim Palace: the Club is very grateful for their continuing support.
The courts will of course be busy throughout the tournament days from Monday to Friday, 26-30 May, but will be free each day by late afternoon, so Club Nights that week will run as usual.

Talking of Club Nights…       

CLUB SESSIONS
It’s great to see our Club Sessions thriving.
Come and join in: they’re every week on
SUNDAY AFTERNOONS: 1.30-3.30
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS: 1.30-3.30
TUESDAY EVENINGS: 5.30 onwards
And THURSDAY EVENINGS 5.30 onwards: TEAM PRACTICE NIGHT for everyone interested in playing team tennis
                                     And talking of tournaments…

HANDICAP TOURNAMENT… WITH SUMMERY PIMMS!
                          *** SUNDAY 18^th, 1.30 pm ***

Enter and play in our social (and sociable) tournament, complete with Pimms (and strawberries if they’re looking good) to follow.  There’ll be an ever-changing handicap to guarantee A CLOSE GAME EVERY TIME.  You don’t need a partner to enter: partners will change each game.  TO ENTER, SIMPLY EMAIL woodstocktennisclub@gmail.com SAYING “YES, I/WE WANT TO ENTER THE HANDICAP TOURNAMENT.”

HOME MATCHES THIS MONTH [each match 2 courts]:
SATURDAY 3^rd, 1 pm:  Ladies A v Abingdon; Men’s A v Oxford Sports
SUNDAY 4^th, 10 am:  Ladies D v Hanney
WEDNESDAY 7^th, 10 am:  Ladies Midweek v North Oxford; Men’s Midweek v Mapledurham
SATURDAY 10^th, 1 pm:  Men’s B v Watlington; Men’s C v Deddington
SUNDAY 11^th, 4 pm:  Men’s National League v Abingdon  [4 courts from 3.30 till approx. 5.30]
WEDNESDAY 14^th, 10 am:  Mixed Midweek v Kingston Bagpuize
SATURDAY 17^th, 1 pm:  Mixed B v Bicester
WEDNESDAY 21^st, 6.30 pm:  Friendly v Standlake
SATURDAY 24^th, 1 pm:  Ladies C v Witney; Men’s D v Kings Sutton
SATURDAY 31^st, 1 pm:  Ladies B v David Lloyd; Ladies D v Kingston Bagpuize

*** MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: EARLY SAVINGS THIS WEEK ***
Many thanks to everyone who’s already renewed for 2025/26. A quick reminder that our new “membership year” begins on April 1^st, and …*** THERE ARE BIG SAVINGS FOR RENEWAL THIS WEEK, BEFORE 31^st MARCH. ***
All the details of prices and the simple payment process are on https://wbtc.org.uk/tennis-membership/

EASTER JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP
Our excellent coaches are running a three-day Tennis Camp for Juniors in the Easter Holidays, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 7–9 April.  For all the details of times, age-groups, prices and to book your place, just click on https://wbtc.org.uk/holiday-tennis-courses/
*** MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE: court space will be limited on those three mornings, but all courts will be free as usual each day from 1.30 onwards ***

COACHING
The Summer Term of group coaching, for both juniors and adults, starts straight after Easter.  Booking is now open.  All the details are on our website: https://wbtc.org.uk/adult-coaching/ (for adults) and https://wbtc.org.uk/junior-coaching/ (for juniors).

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Another deadline!  Entries for this summer’s Club Championships close on 31 March.  For events, dates and how to enter, check the website: https://wbtc.org.uk/news/club-championships-this-summer/

TEAM TENNIS
Thanks and well done everyone who’s played in our Woodstock teams this Winter.  And congrats especially to our Men’s B, Ladies B and Ladies D who’ve all won promotion from their divisions (the Ladies D in first place), and to our Men’s Midweek team who retained their league title. Good luck to all our 15 teams in the upcoming Summer season.
WE RUN TEAMS across a wide ability range and are always delighted to welcome new players to the squads.  If you’re not involved in a team and would like to be, just email woodstocktennisclub@gmail.com and let us know.

HOME MATCHES COMING UP [each match 2 courts]:
MARCH: SATURDAY 29^th, 1 pm:  Men’s E v Goring
APRIL: SATURDAY 5^th, 1 pm:  Ladies B v Thame; Men’s D v Cholsey
SATURDAY 12^th, 1 pm:  Ladies B v Brackley; Ladies C v Abingdon
SATURDAY 26^th, 1 pm:  Mixed C v Mixed D

CLUB SESSIONS
It’s been great to see our Club Sessions thriving even through unfriendly winter weather.  Come and join in: they’re every week on
SUNDAY AFTERNOONS: 1.30-3.30
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS: 1.30-3.30
TUESDAY EVENINGS: 5.30 ONWARDS
And THURSDAY EVENINGS 5.30 ONWARDS: TEAM PRACTICE NIGHT for everyone interested in playing team tennis RE-STRINGING
And if with your matches, practice, coaching and social play your racket needs a new-season RE-STRING, club member Bob Coomber offers a quick and expert service.  You can contact Bob on 07484 368977 or email bob.coomber@icloud.com

It is that time of year again when we are asking you to enter the Summer Club Championship.

While of course someone has to win each tournament, so many of you told me that what was so nice about last year’s event was simply the taking part that allowed you to play competitively against club members who you would not normally play.

The tournaments are open to all club members and last year we had a fantastic turnout…..but this year we can do even better I’m sure!

How to enter

You can choose to enter as many of the following tournaments for which you are eligible:

Men’s Singles
Ladies Singles
Men’s Doubles
Ladies Doubles
Mixed Doubles
Senior Men’s singles (Over 50)

For the doubles tournaments there are two ways to enter:

Choose your own partner and enter as a pair

Simply enter alone and we will endeavour to find a partner for you

Send your entries to Freddie Page, on:

Email: gkpage@btinternet.com

Text/whatsapp: 07388080377

Tournament Dates

Deadline to enter is 31st March 2025

Matches will begin in April and Finals Day will be Sunday 31^st August 2025.

This year the finals day is fixed on the date shown above (obviously weather dependent) so that we can have all finals played on one day and make it an nice event where we can have spectators and some refreshments etc.   So……..

IMPORTANT – If during the tournament it becomes clear that you will not be able make the finals day date (31st August) then please withdraw and allow your opponents(s) to go through to the next round. 

Tournament Details

Full details will be sent to you prior to the tournaments starting, but in summary:

Matches will consist of two sets (with tie-breaks to 7 as usual at 6-6) – with a championship tie-break (to 10) deciding the winner if the match is tied after two sets.

All  matches must be completed within a specified timescale which will be shown on the draw sheets – obviously we do have some flexibility if required.

The draw sheets will also highlight who is responsible for arranging each match.

The success of this event will rely on your participation so please enter if you can.

After what seems a long and specially dreary winter, spring is surely coming soon, and with it the new Summer season!*** MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: EARLY SAVINGS ***

As you know, our “membership year” runs from April to March.  So it’s time to renew.  Many thanks to everyone who’s already renewed for 2025/26, and a very warm welcome to our new members who’ve already joined for the coming year.

*** THERE ARE BIG SAVINGS FOR RENEWAL BEFORE 31^st MARCH. ***

All the details of prices and the simple payment process are on https://wbtc.org.uk/tennis-membership/.

SOCIAL: WINE-TASTING EVENING
You are warmly invited to an evening of wine tasting and good food in the clubhouse at 7pm on Friday 28th March. During the evening you will have the opportunity to flex your palate, taste 8 exceptional wines and engage in some friendly competition with our ‘guess the glass’ challenge. There are even prizes on offer for those with the most perceptive taste buds.

A ploughman’s buffet is included in the price and will be suitable for meat eaters and vegetarians alike.

If you are able to join, please transfer the paltry sum of £25 to the club account [same details as for Membership] and email Luke Wildgoose (lukewilliamwildgoose@gmail.com) with your name and any dietary requirements by Saturday 22nd March.  If you’re not a drinker but would still like to attend the rate is £7 to cover the cost of your food.EASTER JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP
Our excellent coaches are running a three-day Tennis Camp for Juniors in the Easter Holidays, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 7–9 April.  For all the details of times, age-groups, prices and to book your place, just click on https://wbtc.org.uk/holiday-tennis-courses/

TEAM TENNIS
Good luck to all our teams in the run-in to the end of the Winter season.                                   
HOME MATCHES COMING UP [each match 2 courts]:
SATURDAY 1^st, 1 pm:  Men’s A v North Oxford; Men’s E v Wantage
SATURDAY 8^th, 1 pm:  Men’s D v Benson; Men’s E v Faringdon
SUNDAY 9^th, 10 am:  Men’s C v Oxford Sports
SATURDAY 15^th, 1 pm:  Men’s A v Oxford Sports; Men’s C v Shiplake
SUNDAY 16^th, 10 am:  Ladies A v Shiplake
SATURDAY 22^nd, 1 pm:  Ladies D v Benson
SATURDAY 29^th, 1 pm:  Men’s E v GoringBALL RECYCLING:  A reminder that we recycle used tennis balls.  Please don’t bin your used balls.  Just leave them in the labelled white container in the conservatory, and we’ll recycle them with those from the Club.  But please note that if you mark initials etc on them, they cannot be recycled.  Thanks.

UNUSUALLY WE’RE STARTING WITH AN APPEAL…
As you know, the running of our Club depends entirely on volunteers, and we currently have two posts that need to be filled:
Treasurer / Membership Secretary: As Kate Paice is stepping down after very capably holding the post for the last three years, we now urgently need a replacement.  There are a couple of brief busy spells each year, but Kate estimates that the work averages about two hours per month.  She would of course assist in the handover period to her replacement.
Mixed D Team Captain: With so many members keen to play team tennis, we’re entering a fourth Mixed team for the coming summer season (usually 7 matches), for which we need a captain.  Running a team can be fun and takes little time.

***  If you’d like to volunteer for either role and/or find out more, please just email woodstocktennisclub@gmail.com. ***

CLUB SESSIONS  With court lighting now installed at Woodstock, it’s great to see so many members enjoying evening tennis.  A reminder that our popular Club Nights on Tuesdays and Team Practice Nights on Thursdays now run all year round.  Both sessions start every week at 5.30, and play can continue till 9.30.  There are also daytime Club Sessions on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons, both running from 1.30 to 3.30.  All members are very welcome.

COURT AVAILABILITY  When planning your own games, if you’re ever in doubt about court availability, please remember that all the details are on our website:  https://wbtc.org.uk/courts-timetable/

HOME MATCHES IN FEBRUARY [each match 2 courts]:
SATURDAY 1^st, 1 pm:  Ladies A v Bicester; Men’s B v Chinnor
SUNDAY 2^nd, 10 am:  Men’s E v Blewbury
SATURDAY 8^th, 1 pm:  Men’s C v OHRC; Men’s D v Oxford City
SUNDAY 9^th, 10 am:  Ladies D v Norham Gardens
SATURDAY 15^th, 10 am: Ladies D v Goring
                1 pm:  Men’s A v Witney; Men’s B v Princes Risborough
SUNDAY 16^th, 10 am:  Ladies C v Oxford Sports
SATURDAY 22^nd, 1 pm: Ladies B v Wychwoods; Ladies C v Colston
SUNDAY 23^rd, 10 am:  Men’s B v Colston

HAPPY NEW YEAR! AND VERY BEST WISHES FOR A TENNIS-FILLED 2025. If you’ve not played much over Christmas (or even if you have!) and are keen to be back on court, come and take part in our NEW YEAR TOURNAMENT.  It’s the second Sunday Club Afternoon – SUNDAY 12^th JANUARY (1.30 start).  Everyone welcome. Beyond the handicap most of us may have from festive indulgence, there’ll be a scoring handicap to make every game close.  Partners will change each game, so you don’t need a partner to enter – just email woodstocktennisclub@gmail.com asap (ideally NOW) saying you want to take part.

LIGHTING  We’re working to see that all four courts will be lit again in time for the Club Night on Tuesday 7^th and the Team Practice Night on Thursday 9^th.  A message to confirm the date will go to everyone as soon as the repair is done.  Meanwhile the single court is unaffected.

GETTING READY FOR 2025
If you’ve a resolution to play more tennis in 2025, and want to get your game in ever-better shape, our excellent coaching programme, both for juniors and for adults, starts straight away, in the week beginning 6 January.  For all the details of what’s on offer, just click on
Woodstock Adult Tennis Coaching – January to March View & Book Here
Woodstock Junior Tennis Coaching – Spring Term View and Book Here

HOME MATCHES IN JANUARY  [each match 2 courts]:
SATURDAY 4^th, 10 am:  Men’s E v Goring
1 pm:  Men’s A v Wychwoods; Ladies D v Benson
SUNDAY 5^th, 10 am:  Men’s B v Bicester
SATURDAY 11^th, 1 pm:  Men’s C v Oxford Sports; Men’s D v Benson
SATURDAY 18^th, 1 pm:  Men’s A v Henley; Ladies C v King’s Sutton
SUNDAY 19^th, 10 am:  Ladies B v Shiplake
WEDNESDAY 22^nd, 10 am: Ladies Midweek v Abingdon
SATURDAY 25^th, 1 pm:  Ladies B v Brackley; Ladies D v North Oxford

And of course with our courts now lit, Club Sessions are running throughout the year.  All welcome.  They’re on
TUESDAYS, 1.30-3.30  [all members]
TUESDAYS, 5.30 onwards [all members]
THURSDAYS, 5.30 onwards [for all interested in playing team tennis]
SUNDAYS, 1.30-3.30  [all members]  GETTING READY FOR 2025
If you’ve a resolution to play more tennis in 2025, and want to get your game in ever-better shape, our excellent coaching programme will be up and running straight away in the New Year.  For all the details of what’s on offer, just click on  Woodstock Adult Tennis Coaching – January to March View & Book Here

Coaching might be a great Christmas present  (or a New Year present to yourself…)

COURTS AVAILABILITY
If ever in doubt about court availability, please check our very simple Courts Timetable on the website: https://wbtc.org.uk/courts-timetable/

HOME MATCHES BEFORE CHRISTMAS  [each match 2 courts]:
WEDNESDAY 4^th, 10 am:  Ladies Midweek v Kingston Bagpuize
SATURDAY 7^th, 1 pm:  Ladies A v Shiplake; Ladies C v Colston
SUNDAY 8^th, 10 am:  Men’s C v Shiplake
WEDNESDAY 11^th, 10 am: Men’s Midweek v OHRC
SATURDAY 14^th, 1 pm:  Ladies B v Abingdon

AGM
This year’s AGM is on SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER at 7.30 pm in the clubhouse.  Please come and support.  A lot has happened this year and is planned for the future.  The club is run entirely by volunteers, who need your thoughts and reactions.  See you then.

RUSTY RACKETS: BOOK NOW
A SPECIAL SIX-WEEK COURSE on Wednesday evenings starts on Weds 6 November, for beginners and for anyone feeling rusty after a while away from the game.  All the details of dates and how to book are on  https://wbtc.org.uk/adult-coaching/CLUB KIT
Starting to think about Christmas presents? A reminder that WOODSTOCK TENNIS CLUB KIT is now available.  It’s easy to purchase direct, online, on the BlueBlood webshop:
https://bluebloodonline.co.uk/woodstock-tennis-club
N.B.: TO BE SURE OF DELIVERY FOR CHRISTMAS, BLUEBLOOD NEED CHRISTMAS ORDERS BY 16 NOVEMBER                HOME MATCHES COMING UP [each match 2 courts]:
SUNDAY 27^th, 10 am:  Men’s B v Watlington
SATURDAY 2^nd, 1 pm:  Men’s C v Henley; Men’s D v Banbury
SUNDAY 3^rd, 10 am:  Ladies B v Portcullis
SATURDAY 9^th, 1 pm:  Ladies C v Horsenden
SATURDAY 16^th, 1 pm:  Ladies A v K’ston Bapgpuize;
                                           Ladies C v Mapledurham
SATURDAY 23^rd, 10 am:  Men’s E v Faringdon
            1 pm:  Men’s A v Oxford Sports; Ladies D v North Oxford

This year’s AGM is on SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER at 7.30 pm in the clubhouse.  Please come and take part.  A lot has happened this year and is planned for the future.  The club is run entirely by volunteers, who need your thoughts, reactions and input.  See you then.