Apr
29
Written by:
SuperUser Account
29/04/2009 12:30
The committee is having to confront the problem that the current floodlights will have to be replaced very soon. This is a huge expense for the club, and we are looking at ways to fund this.
The existing floodlights have been installed for over 20 years now are we are getting more and more ongoing problems with them. In addition, the lighting levels that we get are far less than those we could achieve with modern systems.
Whilst we just about have sufficient funds to cover this expense, along with the cost of replacing the middle courts' surfaces, we need to look at ensuring that we build up sufficient reserves for the future replacement costs. As most of the members will know from their household electricity bills, the costs for our lighting has increased dramatically in recent years.
So, we are looking at making a small charge for the booking of the courts when the floodlits are used. This is actually nothing new at Townsend. Members have paid for the lights in the past, and this was only stopped (temporarily) the winter after the new clubhouse was build, purely as a gesture for not having courts available whilst the build works were going on. For technical reasons, we decided to continue this policy for a while after.
However, the replacement costs plus the increasing electricity costs mean that this is no longer viable. Effectively, winter floodlit tennis has been financially supported by the members' subscriptions for the last 8-9 years. Is this fair that people who do not use the floodlit facilities should pay for those that do? I think probably not.
We hope to introduce an online court booking system in time for the winter season, and this will enable us to control the bookings and take payments online. We have not agreed a fee for a session as yet, but members will not be expected to pay more that a couple of pounds each for a normal doubles match.
I would welcome your feedback on our ideas. Please click on Comments below.
7 comment(s) so far...
Re: Floodlit Tennis
Mike,
I agree that a small nominal charge, say £4 per court probably makes sense. Basically £100 a week extra revenue or roughly £3,000 a year.
By JOrejas on
01/06/2009 22:59
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Re: Floodlit Tennis
Presumably a £4 charge paid on the metre at 0700pm or 0830pm for a 90 minute period; altermatively a £2 charge paid for a 45 minute period.
Is the £4 charge per person or per group (4 persons)?
By David Whitton on
21/06/2009 15:28
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Re: Floodlit Tennis
Don't get too hung up on the amount to be charged. The suggestion of £4 was from Joaquim, not the suggestion from the committee. This has not been discussed yet.
By Mike Busby on
21/06/2009 18:37
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Re: Floodlit Tennis
Hi guys,
How would it work during the wednesday team training when the light are switched on at 9pm-in the summer? Who will pay for that? The club or people who play. Keep in mind that players change every set. It would be difficult to keep track and charge people accordingly.
How would it work for Junior? It would become difficult for them to play if they have to pay £4 an hour. I know that they finish school early but in the middle of the winter, it is dark by 4pm. They will need the floodlight to play. £4 is not too much money for someone who has a job, but it is a lot if you don't have any income.
I think it is a good idea to introduce an online booking system but we will need some flexibility for Junior and Russel. He will be homeless before the end of the year if he has to pay £4 every time he plays to use the court. The club is his second house ;-)
By Nico on
14/07/2009 11:14
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Re: Floodlit Tennis
This is all still up for discussion at committee, but my thoughts are that the lights would be paid for by the club if it was an organised session that was open to all qualifying members, eg men's night, junior night, etc.
If the courts were going to be used outside of these sessions and not open to everybody, then they would need to be booked and paid for by somebody (eg a team captain), and then they could pass on a charge to whoever participates.
Regarding Russ, we are looking to introduce an exceptional charge for him to cover his excessive court wear and hot water costs. I understand he will be operating a begging bowl system at the club entrance to help him get through this difficult time. :-)
By Mike Busby on
14/07/2009 11:20
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Re: Floodlit Tennis
Played last night and at least 2 lights went out on us - hope this is a one off but can't help fearing the worst.
So 'Yes please!' and asap to upgrading the lights.As someone who plays more in the winter than summer am happy to pay nominal charge for the floodlit court ( may even stretch to a few coppers for Russ' begging bowl too!)
By Bel on
23/09/2009 20:48
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Re: Floodlit Tennis
I understand that the lights are being fixed tomorrow (24th Sept). Hopefully, we can then get through the winter season without further problems.
By Mike Busby on
23/09/2009 20:50
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