From: The Racketeer 28, Febraury 1998
Rivers of Creosote
Secretary's Report 1998
by Chris Weir
I INTEND to make the secretary's report this year a short one (who was that cheering!) and one that highlights some of the non-tennis activities at the club. It may seem that these activities are not directly relevant to a tennis club secretary's report, but in fact in some ways they are at the heart of much that goes on at Mapperley Park. And if I say just one word and that word is CREOSOTE, I think many members, especially those who came to have a close relationship with creosote in April, last year, will know what I mean. The club is of course almost entirely surrounded by wooden fencing and this needs a coating of preservative every few years. Last April the call to arms went out to members to volunteer to help creosote the fence, in association with the annual working party, and on the day there was a good turn out and with the aid of food courtesy of Christine and wine from Sonia Stevenson, excellent progress was made.
A second session was then undertaken, and a small number of stalwarts continued the work, who probably don't want to see another drop of wood preservative for some considerable time, but I think we need to remember, as a club that this kind of contribution is vital to the club's future and its well-being, and on behalf of the club I'd like to thank everyone who helped in their various ways with that task. I'd also like to thank Hilary Clark for finding someone who was able to finish painting the remainder of the fence after the two working party sessions.
I'd also like to bring to members' attention our club newsletter, that Niagara of news, that Mississippi of mirth, that surging torrent of contention, that Thames of titillation that celebrates in the name of The Racketeer, which explodes into our lives at periodic intervals during the year, thanks to the tireless Andy Lusis. Can I urge any member who has anything to say about the club to let Andy have their contributions - be it an article, a report, a morsel of news or a compromising photograph - all contributions are welcome. I'd also like to report that Andy has been researching into the history of tennis in Nottinghamshire, and I believe a publication will be forthcoming this spring.
Now I'd like to thank everyone who has helped to organise the various tennis events that were held over the year, and who contributed in different ways to their success - as well as the actual tournaments this includes such activities as the highly successful quiz team meetings and bridge evenings, and events like President's Day and Finals Day.
And in conclusion can I just underline the special nature of this year to the club. Because in addition to being able to celebrate our successful lottery bid (thanks to Mike Smith, Martin Garratt, Cynthia Lindo and others) we also celebrate the 75th anniversary of our founding. There will, as a result of all this, be a lot going on at the club, so can I urge members to contribute in any way they can to the success of this year's events, and let's make 1998 a very special year for Mapperley Park Tennis Club.