Chief Executive’s Message
Dear Member,
February looks like living up to its reputation for being a miserable month weather wise as we try to keep facilities open for you. Combining that with an electrical panel blow out in the Clubhouse boiler room meant we had the challenge of no heating or hot water this week.
Thankfully, all is now back to normal this afternoon before the predicted cold snap hits London. We will be upgrading that panel to prevent a reoccurrence. This incident is indicative of some of the issues we have been facing over the last few months within the Clubhouse as we look to improve a building built in the 1970’s and refurbished in part 20 years ago. As we look to refurbish once more in part, all the old services are obsolete and being superseded by new safety requirements and legislation.
The importance of a comprehensive survey of all the services in the Clubhouse is never more apparent if we start our Bar and Function Room refurbishment next January once approved by the Board. Design LSM our appointed interior designer is already working closely with our project manager to ensure this is undertaken and its conclusions rectified before we embark upon any major work programme
Kitchen Refurbishment
Some Members are asking why a kitchen refurbishment has to take two months to complete. The food hygiene and safety requirements of a commercial kitchen are, quite rightly, very specific. We are removing gas from the kitchen, installing all electrical equipment including induction hob and fryers, refurbishing the floor and wall tiles, overhauling the drainage and air extraction systems, and installing a new air supply unit and ducting to meet the new standards. Lastly, we have to upgrade to new electrical distribution boards as all are outdated including the one in the boiler room in the basement that blew out before we could get to it! The scheduled opening date for the refurbished kitchen is Tuesday 5th March.
In the meantime, Chef has upgraded the salad bar offering in the Health Club as requested by Health Club Committee and the Family Forum. He is trying to enhance the blend of healthy options as well as the traditional favourites that families ask for. Please click here for more details
Club Credit Expires April 2024
A reminder that the Club Credit that the Club awarded in April 2021 following the Club closure due to Covid-19 expires on April 7th 2024. The three-year period granted to spend the Club Credit will be finishing and Members need to check their balances to ensure they clear the credit. Monies may be spent on food and beverage, guest fees, personal training, lessons and coaching (except any racquet sports) and social events.
Please log into the Members’ website to check your account. For instructions on how to check your account once logged in, please click here.
Hopefully this two-month warning will allow Members to spend any residue as extensions will not be granted having had three years to spend it.
Golf Committee Update
The Golf Committee met this week to discuss a number of topics and Chair Niels Verbeek has neatly summarised all the main topics as Peter’s team are working hard not only keep the golf course open despite the rain and frosts but to complete the winter projects ready for the spring. Please click here to read Niels’ report.
Backgammon Success
Chris Bray continued his winning form as the UK no 1 by winning the Cotswold Invitational Tournament recently. Click here for more information about the win and the Backgammon Section
Social Scene Events – Anderson, Blackhurst and Broad
An evening with Fleur Anderson, Thursday 7th March 7pm
2024 promises to be a dramatic year for political elections and who better than local MP Fleur Anderson to talk through what’s happening locally, nationally, and internationally as she highlights the issues facing us all in the coming year.
As Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland, she is well placed to talk about the future of Ireland plus comment on the ramifications of the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Book now at Reception, give the team a call on 020 8480 4200 or log in and book online via the Members’ website at www.roehamptonclub.co.uk
Book talk with Chris Blackhurst, Friday 22nd March 6.45pm to 8pm
Chris Blackhurst follows Fleur by talking on 22nd March about his riveting, bestselling book – The World’s Biggest Cash Machine – on the fortunes of Manchester United, its owners the Glazer family and the effect on UK soccer.
Book now at Reception, give the team a call on 020 8480 4200 or log in and book online via the Members’ website at www.roehamptonclub.co.uk
An evening with Stuart Broad, Thursday 18th April 7.30pm
Finally, join Stuart Broad CBE and sports broadcaster John Inverdale in conversation on 18th April as they talk about Stuart’s illustrious career as a Test Cricketer, his new career in the media and his new book Broadly Speaking. Stuart will be signing copies of his book on the night. Not to be missed. Click here for more information.
Tickets go on sale on Monday 12th February at 10.30am.
Book at Reception or give the team a call on 020 8480 4200.
Guests are restricted to one guest per Member please.
Junior Activities in February
Half term Sports Camps and Mini Racquets Camps, Golf Camps, Flipping Pancakes and more …
With half term just around the corner we are providing a number of activities for children. Find out more about holiday sports camps and mini racquets camps (12 – 16 February), click here for half-term golf camps and there’s just a few places left on the upcoming Flipping Pancakes (13 February).
Cancer Talks in February
We are continuing the popular free of charge educational talks by Consultants from St George’s Hospital Tooting on how to identify, cope with and treat various cancers that you or your family may experience. Please click here for details.
It’s so gratifying when Members say thank you for introducing the Consultant team to the Club as they have helped many Members already and are so keen to continue to do so.
Best wishes
Marc