Chief Executive’s Message
Dear Member
Although the Club is generally quiet in August the staff and the team of contractors on site are working hard to ensure that we are ready for September – a traditionally busy month across the Club. We were very pleased to the see the rain come yesterday but much more needed I suspect.
Project works
Works are progressing on the installation of Airhall 2, the new lobby between the Indoor and Outdoor Pools, a new accessible changing room by the indoor pool, a refurbished loo in the Sports Hall and the installation of a stairlift to the Art Studio for early September.
The Airhall 2 project also involves the installation of a new drainage pipe from the ITC around courts 7-10 to ensure we can move excess rainwater in one co-ordinated pipe to the large attenuation tanks under courts 15-18. These works will cause some disruption over the next two weeks and may be a little noisy but it won’t affect play on any of the courts, lawns, or putting green.
Golfers will see Abbotts Contractors drilling out drainage ditches on the eastern side of the course as part of our scheme to prevent water from flooding the western side of the course down by the 10th ,11th and 12th holes. We also have Hi Nets installing safety nets to the side of the 11th tee and at the back of the 12th green to prevent mis hit balls entering Priory and Clarence Lanes causing damage to vehicles, pedestrians and properties.
Thank you for your patience while these works go ahead around your use of the Club.
Bar Terrace
Please note that the Bar Terrace will be closed from Friday 19th August to 3rd September while works go ahead to waterproof the store below which is being converted into the new Club laundry.
The terrace floor panels will be replaced, and we hope to have these works completed by 8th September as we are pausing to stage the Roehampton Club Legends Tour Pro Am on Monday 5th September.
After not being able to stage the competition for the last two years we are welcoming back some golfing legends to play with Members and raise monies for the Ruth Strauss Foundation and Regenerate at the same time. Former Ryder Cup stars Phillip Price, David Gilford, Steve Richardson, will join double Senior major winner Roger Chapman trying to beat the Pro Course record of 62 set in this competition five years ago. Please come and watch these Legends Tour stars tee off at 10am in a shotgun start.
Croquet Section goes from strength to strength
I must praise the Croquet Committee and in particular Chair Anne Wilkinson and Captain Mike Pattinson for their response to the Board’s challenge two years ago to raise numbers in the Section and attract younger players. Not only have the number of regular players risen to above 200 but the Cocktails and Croquet evenings have been a great success attracting new interest. Plus, the croquet teams at every level are enjoying an unprecedented level of success with Harry Fisher, Mark Van Loon, Joel Taylor, Lynn Pearcy, David Mooney, Nick Yates also all enjoying recent notable individual wins.
Fingers crossed that First Team Captain Tim Russell can lead us to National Club Champions success next month.
Joshua vs Usyk Fight – 20th August
Having seen boxer Anthony Joshua playing croquet this week as preparation for his fight on Saturday vs Champion Olexsandr Usyk reminds me that Members are invited to watch the big fight in the Members Bar this Saturday. Last food orders are at 9.30pm so please arrive early to save your seat and the bar will stay open until midnight.
125 Year Celebrations
Members are welcome to be part of the Committee set up to organise the Club’s 125-year celebrations planned for June 2026. It seems many years away, but successful events need careful planning, and all voluntary help and expertise is very welcome. Please email membership@roehamptonclub.co.uk to register your interest.
New TEMPLESPA Toiletries
Lastly to keep us all smelling fresh for the autumn onwards, Housekeeping Manager Jon Hunte will be introducing a new range of TEMPLESPA Toiletries in the Clubhouse and Health Club from Monday 22nd August. Click here to learn more about the product range and it would be good to hear your feedback through our comment card scheme.
Enjoy the rest of the summer
Best wishes,
Marc