The club has received some very good news this week when Nedbank Private Wealth confirmed a ?1,000 sponsorship with which the club will buy a ball machine.

Club Coach, Ian Watson is delighted and said: “This will be a great addition to Albany tennis to both junior and senior members.

It will obviously be a great aid to coaching/training our juniors. Members will be able to use it privately to practice and improve their game. The model hasn't been selected yet but it is intended to have one that will be mains operated in the indoor court but with a battery facility for use on the outdoor courts. Trailing electric cables are not desirable when playing tennis!

It is expected to be put to good use throughout the year”

We will have an official "switch on" and details for that will be announced once the machine is here.

The Club is extremely grateful to Nedbank Private Wealth  and Cathy Cowin, Senior Marketing Executive, for setting up this sponsorship.

One of our juniors, Charlotte Clarke (12) is forsaking the Christmas festivities and will be travelling to the UK on Boxing day, to compete in her first National Qualifying event in Bolton. At this level competition is very high but if she can get through qualifying and go into the main draw this will be such a big achievement. No pressure Charlotte!! This is her first opportunity to attempt reaching a National event. I'm sure everyone who knows her will know how hard she trains and works with her coach and will wish her "Good Luck" in the next level of her tennis career. She recently travelled with the IOM Women's team to play Winter County Cup and won  her singles and doubles with Alison King when the Isle of Man beat the Channel Isles.

Our annual Race Night will be held on Friday 26 January and I would like to hear from members who could gain Race sponsorship from their very nice bosses and/or will take a Race sheet to sell owners, jockeys and trainers. I will be sending out an e-mail regarding suppers, raffle etc next week.