1879 Tennis and Limited Squash playing again as from Wednesday 2nd December

CHESHAM 1879 IS RE-OPENING ON WEDNESDAY 2ND DECEMBER Dear Members As you will all know the latest set of lockdown restrictions are being lifted next week - albeit not to the extent that we were hoping for! Clubs are allowed to open from next Wednesday 2nd Dec. On Thursday it was announced that Buckinghamshire will be in Tier 2 and so there will be ongoing restrictions which continue to impact our everyday lives. However, it would appear that the Government has taken on board the protestations that grassroots sport, and tennis in particular, should be allowed to continue (in all Tiers) to support physical and mental health generally. The information we have, as of today is as follows: TENNIS It looks like social play (singles and doubles), coaching and matches will be allowed. The exact detail is set by the LTA and has not yet been finalised. We have been promised clarification early next week but expect to be allowed to play tennis as freely as we did prior to Lockdown 2. We will let you know as soon as the LTA provide an update.. SQUASH AND RACKETBALL For squash and racketball the news is not so good. Whilst we remain in Tier 2 only the following is permitted:

Solo play or practice
normal play within households
‘sides’ between people from different households and then only in nominated bubbles

The position on coaching is not entirely clear but I think 1-2-1 coaching will be okay too. We have to hope for a return to Tier 1 which will permit ‘normal social’ play, so the first opportunity for this is technically December 16th. We will open up the courts for booking but please follow the rules as laid out above. FACILITIES/CLUBHOUSE

Unfortunately in Tier 2 we are unable to open the bar as we do not serve meals with drinks
The clubhouse will be open during hours of play for access to the toilets and changing rooms
Please use the hand sanitizers when entering and leaving the clubhouse. Masks must also be worn when inside the clubhouse

Apologies for being a little vague about the details. The LTA has apologised and Squash England have also been slow to commit the details fully. Please watch for full confirmation of what we can and cannot do early next week.

Please note that the MMM court booking system for tennis, squash and racketball has now been opened so please make sure that you get a court booked. The barrier will be removed on Wednesday morning and the clubhouse alarm will be turned off and the front door unlocked to allow access.

I look forward to seeing you all down at the club again enjoying our beautiful setting and facilities.

Kind regards

Neil Grantham

Chesham 1879

Chairman