Outside the Lines - October 2025
Sun, 12 Oct 2025 00:00
OUTSIDE THE LINES
OCTOBER 2025
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
Welcome to my first “Word from the President”.
It was an absolute privilege to be elected President of the Club at the Annual General Meeting last month, taking over from Ben Leggett who has been both President and Club Captain (two very demanding roles) for 10 and 18 years respectively. During this time, Ben has provided leadership and overseen huge progress for the club including the resurfacing of all courts at Newtown, the merger with Salamanca, and the growth of both social and competitive tennis. Ben will not be taking a rest, however, as he will continue in the very important role of Club Captain.
At the AGM, Yin Hsien Fung decided to stand down after five years on the committee, the last two as Club Secretary. Fung was also heavily involved with running the junior programme, and I would like to thank Fung for the tremendous contribution he has made. Fung will continue to be involved with the club, and we will no doubt see him on the court. Nicky Beale was elected to take over the Secretary role.
The AGM also saw Andrea Travers-Jones being elected to the committee for the first time and other existing committee members being re-elected. The Club’s officers are now myself (President), Ben Leggett (Club Captain and Vice-President), Nicky Beale (Secretary), Mike Graham (Treasurer) with the committee comprising Karen Donnelly, Mark Leggett, Mike Smith, Andrea Travers-Jones and Mike Upchurch. This is a really strong team.
Another significant change is Hervé Michaud taking over the coaching at the Club. Herve is looking to expand coaching for adults and juniors, for groups and individuals, and we are fortunate to have someone of his skills and experience at the Club. Hervé will again be offering free lessons for members at Sunday afternoon and Wednesday evening clubdays. This is a great opportunity for not only beginner players but all members to learn new skills and then practise these at the club days. More information is provided below.
In other good news, the club now offers bookable courts at Salamanca for non-members during off-peak hours (Monday-Friday 8.00am – 5.00pm) at a cost of $20 per hour per court. This is a great opportunity for the public to use these courts, while generating some income for the Club and hopefully resulting in casual players becoming club members. If members are aware of anyone who would like to book a court, please encourage them to go to the club’s website (or follow instructions on the sign on the Salamanca Road gate).
As some members may be aware, there is a change to the Incorporated Societies Act which governs all Clubs in New Zealand such as ours. This requires a new constitution to be adopted which has been drafted and will be emailed to all members shortly. A Special General Meeting is to be held on 26 November to consider adopting this constitution, and I would encourage members to come along.
Thank you to all members who came along to the recent working bees (the grounds are looking great) and the President’s Cup. Results of the Presidents Cup are outlined below.
The summer season has now started with the club entering 18 interclub teams. This is the largest number of interclub teams from any club within the region, with teams entered in most grades from Premier 1 down. A big thank you to Ben for organising the teams and also to those who have volunteered to be team captains. This can sometimes be a thankless task but is essential for the successful running of interclub. There is also a new player grading and result recording system this season which all looks very exciting.
Finally, just a friendly reminder for members to please keep the clubhouses at Newtown and Salamanca clean and tidy after use including doing the dishes and picking up rubbish from the floor. This is particularly so as the Newtown clubhouse cleaning has now moved from weekly to fortnightly.
Here’s to another successful and busy summer tennis season. I look forward to seeing you on the court and at our fundraising quiz night which has been rescheduled to Friday 7 November – more details are below.
Paul Rountree
UPCOMING EVENTS
FUNDRAISING QUIZ - Friday 7 November
19.00 - 21.30 ($25)
Back by popular demand at the Newtown clubhouse, a night of fun and rivalry. Pizza and one drink included in ticket price (we'll have a selection of vegetarian and vegan options too) Overall and spot prizes up for grabs - thanks to Daniel Taylor for helping with these.
Form your teams in advance or on the night, maximum team size of 5. Non-members welcome!
Please register in advance by signing up via the Events page.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING - Wednesday 26 November
7.30pm. To consider the adoption of a new club constitution.
A NEW ERA FOR COACHING AT WELLINGTON TENNIS CLUB
We are delighted to announce that Hervé Michaud has taken over the coaching at Wellington Tennis Club.
Existing classes will continue as normal but Hervé will be running more junior and adult group classes as well as private/shared lessons.
If you are interested in taking up lessons drop Hervé an email and let him know what you are looking for and when you are available to play. He can be contacted at wellingtontenniscoach@gmail.com
A full list of coaching programmes and sessions for adults and juniors can be found on the club's website: https://clubspark.kiwi/WellingtonTennisClub/Coaching:
Here you can register for coaching in Term 4 which started 6 October and runs 11 weeks through to the week ending 21 December. This includes group and individual lessons, full-term courses and one-off/ recurring sessions.
CLUB NIGHTS ARE BACK
With the commencement of Daylight Saving we are restarting mid-week Club nights - everybody is welcome!
Wednesday evenings at Newtown from 6.30 pm
Thursday evenings at Salamanca from 5.30 - 7.30 pm
Sunday afternoon Club Days from 1.30 pm at Newtown continue.
CALL TO ACTION
We are a volunteer organisation and we need your help to continue to offer these social tennis opportunities. Even if you can only help for one evening that will make a difference. Currently the responsibility is falling on a limited few club members and we need to spread the load. It's not onerous and a great way to meet and talk to other club members. Let us know if you can help.
For Wellington, Wednesday or Sunday, please contact Mike Graham on 021 102 4661 or email mgraham981@gmail.com
For Salamanca, Thursday evenings, please contact Karen Donnelly on 021775141.
MORE GOOD NEWS - FREE COACHING AT WELLINGTON CLUB DAYS
In addition, Hervé is available at our Wellington club days for an hour of free coaching for members. Whether you are a beginner or just wanting to upskill this is a great opportunity to improve your tennis.
Wednesdays 6.30 - 7.30 pm
Sundays 12.30 - 1.30 pm
We look forward to seeing you all out on the courts!
SUBS FOR NEW SEASON
A new season is upon us and subs are now due for the 2025/26 season. Returning members have until 30 October to renew and pay. On 1 November a new gate code will be circulated to all paid up members.
We offer a range of membership options. The membership year runs from 1 October to 30 September.
Renew your annual membership by clicking on the following link.
https://clubspark.kiwi/wellingtontennisclub/Membership/Join
Payment can be made by bank transfer into the club bank account using your name as reference. If you would prefer to pay by cash, please email wtcmembership@wellingtontennisclub.org.nz
PRESIDENT'S CUP
Was held on 20 September at the Renouf. Thanks to all who came along.
Awards, presented by President Ben Leggett were:
 |  |  |
| Herve Michaud, recipient of President’s Cup | Aarav Balram, recipient of the Most Improved Player | Monika Thomae, recipient of the Club Spirit award |
Arthur Davis - Volunteer of the Year
Henry Craib - Best Competitive Player
KAPI MANA INDOOR MASTERS
Asoiva McKavagnagh and her partner Joseph Hayes were the mixed doubles winners of the tournament held August 24 and won all games in the A-grade pool! Well done Asoiva!