Dear Members,
Please read our newsletter, with lots of news about club developments, fun plans for 2026, and loads of tennis. Get involved!
It has been my habit to send out newsletters during a spell of splendid weather, to further reinforce the excellent outdoor activities offered by St Ann’s Tennis. The timing of this newsletter, however, has been hampered by the wretched storms and downpours that have hit us in recent weeks. A wet January—and now a wet February too.
But the future is bright. Most of you will be aware that St Ann’s Tennis has submitted a planning application to install court lighting. See details here:
https://www.stannstennis.co.uk/2026/01/05/lta-backs-our-planning-application/
A decision is expected this month, but it could take longer. There have been two public meetings at The Garden Cafe, attended by local people and councillors. We would like to thank the many local friends and members of St Ann’s Tennis who supported us at these meetings in person, and—equally importantly—the dozens of you who wrote thoughtful and clearly expressed messages of support to the local council. Together with letters of support from the Friends of St Ann’s Well Gardens and the Lawn Tennis Association, we have a realistic hope of a positive outcome.
For added brightness and joy, we have hired The Garden Cafe for a couple of dates in 2026. These will be fun parties for St Ann’s Tennis members. We’ll be back in touch with more details later this year. We are looking for volunteer help from any professional (or amateur!) party planners. Please add the dates to your diary:
- St Ann’s Tennis Summer Party: Thursday 02 July, 7–10pm
- St Ann’s Tennis Christmas Party: Friday 11 December, 6–9pm
In the meantime, there is plenty happening on court in 2026.
Coaching sessions at St Ann’s Tennis
Our top coaches are back from their Australian adventures! Check out the full, updated adult coaching schedule here:
https://www.stannstennis.co.uk/coaching/
Tournaments
St Ann’s Tennis has several LTA tournaments coming up in 2026, including LTA Grade 5 singles and doubles. See details here:
https://www.stannstennis.co.uk/2024/12/05/upcoming-tournaments/
Competitive Doubles
Evan is back and will be hosting these sessions every Sunday from 8 February (1–2pm). Classes are aimed at improving your doubles tactics and getting you match-play ready for the Parks League season. Book here:
https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/StAnnsTennis/Coaching/Book/d33b3cfb-cd4e-4e1c-ba85-09cd846d7425
Our members’ WhatsApp groups
St Ann’s Tennis runs busy WhatsApp groups to help everyone keep in touch. As well as the main club WhatsApp group for all members, we have dedicated groups for Beginners, Improvers, and Intermediates. There is also a dedicated team group chat for registered team players.
For arranging matches, we have the Game, Set & Match group for organising games between members. Do get in touch with Conrad by DM if, for whatever reason, you are not in your preferred group.
FYI, St Ann’s Tennis has a club WhatsApp policy (worth reading):
https://www.stannstennis.co.uk/2025/05/21/new-whatsapp-policy/
Success planning
Make the most of private lessons at St Ann’s Tennis. Because you’re worth it.
https://www.stannstennis.co.uk/2025/11/14/winter-lessons-summer-wins/
Juniors
Our team of coaches smashed it in 2025. We now have a full juniors programme in operation, with a new St Ann’s Juniors tennis team. We encourage more juniors—and parents—to join us as we expand our tennis development programme at St Ann’s Tennis in 2026.
https://www.stannstennis.co.uk/coaching-schedule-juniors/
Volunteers needed
We’re looking for volunteers to get involved in our tournament programme at St Ann’s Tennis. Find out more here:
https://www.stannstennis.co.uk/2025/11/13/become-a-tennis-official/
Cancelled
We have called off our 2026 holiday to Ali Bey, Antalya due to insufficient sign-ups. A shame! I don’t think we got the pricing and structure right this year. We’ll revisit this in 2027, and your feedback is welcome.
Parks League
We have an Open tournament at St Ann’s Tennis for members on Saturday 21 February. This is targeted at newer members who may be interested in playing competitive tennis for St Ann’s. Please contact Conrad directly if you would like to take part. We will run men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles events. The 2026 Parks League season will start on Tuesday 14 April.
Winter Box League
Our Winter Box League for St Ann’s Tennis members is now underway—and the first result is in! A three-set classic in Division 3:
Miguel Cosme bt Michael Doyle (27 Jan) 6–7 (3–7), 6–3, 6–2. Well played, guys.End date: 29 March 2026. Details here:
https://www.stannstennis.co.uk/st-anns-box-leagues-results/
From Tennis Sussex
Keep up with tennis across our county via the monthly Sussex Serve newsletter:
https://tennissussex.com/newsletters/
Finally, your feedback on all activities is most welcome—tennis, socials, maintenance, court booking, bright ideas for the future, etc. Our membership has never been shy about sharing their opinions! Email us at admin [at] stannstennis.co.uk, or come and have a chat.
