Entries are now open on our website for 2024 Badge.
NOTE: You must be a Financial Club Member to submit an entry to play Badge.
Click here to sign up on our web site.
Virginia Longfellow
MLTC Secretary
Happy New Year Members!
In this newsletter information from our solicitor about proxy voting and how to book with Manly Tennis Centre outside of club times.
MLTC AGM – Question re Proxy voting
Following the 2023 AGM and questions raised at the meeting that proxy votes are allowed under the Corporations Act and as such should have been allowed at the AGM.
This opinion was not supported by the Clubs President. The meeting continued. The Club has paid for an official written legal opinion from Piper Alderman. A summary of that opinion is as follows.
Summary from Piper Alderman
Section 249X of the Corporation Act allows proxy votes. However, Section 249X is a replaceable rule that does not apply if the constitution contains an intention not to allow proxy votes. In this case the constitution contains an intention not to allow proxy votes (articles 60 and 61 of the constitution) by requiring members to be present to vote and by adopting the position under the Registered Clubs Act which does not allow proxy votes. The result is that proxy votes are not allowed.
The intention under the MLTC constitution has always been that if members want to vote at an AGM or EGM then they should attend in person to vote.
Article 61 of the Constitution makes it clear that the resolution will be determined by the votes of the members present at the AGM/EGM provided there is sufficient members present to constitute a quorum. If there are not sufficient members present to constitute a quorum then the meeting will be adjourned.
I hope this clarifies any issues in this regard.
Manly Tennis Centre – NEW WebsiteMTC now has their own website at https://manlytenniscentre.com.au/ where you can check out their coaching and competition programs for the coming term. Please call Rafa Barrozzi, Luke Penning or the Admin Team on 02 9977 6023 / 0452 262 205 if you have any questions. Court BookingsTo book a court outside member times, you can now book online through the MTC court hire link – https://manlytenniscentre.com.au/tennis-court-hire- manly-2095/.
- All MLTC members already have a profile set up which gives you the member discount of $5 off the public hire rates.
- Simply log in using your surname and the email you use for MLTC newsletters and the discount should be automatically applied (off peak rates are $20 instead of $25 and peak rates are $30 instead of $35).
- For times/rates – see website.
- Please don’t create a new profile – all members should already be in their system.
Online bookings are preferred but you can still also book courts outside members times via the pro shop on 02 9977 6023. Please let their staff know you are a member so you get the $5 discount.
To book a court during members times, the process remains the same – using https://www.tennisvenues.com.au/booking/ manly-lawn-tc and your Membership Number.
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
Melbourne will host the Australian Open this month but it seems the birthplace of lawn tennis in the fledgling colonies was most likely Sydney.
The Naval Historical Society of Australia suggests in the paper Australia’s First Tennis Match, released today, that the military base of Garden Island was the site of the first grass court, the game having been introduced by a British Royal Navy officer .
An 1880 plan of Garden Island shows a ‘‘ lawn tennis ground’ ’ on the levelled site of the original First Fleet ships’ garden. There is mention of the game in The Sydney Mail of September 26, 1874 on how to produce the perfect lawn tennis court, which, the research says, means ‘‘ it is likely that tennis was then being played in Sydney’’ .
The study states that both Melbourne and Sydney have credible claims to being first , but concludes: ‘‘ Although Melbourne was by far the largest city at that time [legacy of the gold rush], Sydney was significant for its British/military personnel’’ .
Historian Colin Randall, who carried out the research, said: ‘‘ There is a convincing case that it was Commodore James Graham Goodenough, Royal Navy (or somebody closely associated with him) who brought tennis to Australia, and that he played the game on Garden Island in late 1873 or early 1874.’’
His research proposes lawn tennis, originally known as sphairistike, really took off in Britain when a Major Walter Wingfield was granted a patent for a ‘‘ New and Improved Court for Playing the Ancient Game of Tennis’ ’ as well as copyright for rules for playing the game. He also started selling boxed sets of equipment needed to play the game. The Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) and his family are said to have been early adopters of sphairistike and to have been skilled players.
Wingfield and Goodenough were acquaintances. The thinking is that Wingfield used his military and navy contacts to spread the game, and his tennis sets, internationally.
The research explains: ‘‘ In May 1873, James Goodenough was appointed captain of HMS Pearl and commander-in-chief of the Australia Station, arriving in Sydney in September 1873. His duties there would have encompassed social connections with the city’s leading figures , among whom would have been the editor of The Sydney Mail. It is possible that they witnessed, if not played, the first game of tennis played in Australia.’’
The research says Victorians may have been first to hear about tennis, with an article in the Mount Alexander Mail of June 25, 1874 (three months before The Sydney Mail’s ), but it says, ‘‘ no public grounds, no barrack square should be without it’’ .
The Age of June 5, 1875, reporting on trends in Britain, states: ‘‘ Last summer lawn tennis was the rage, during the summer people ‘went in’ for skating on wheels and now everybody is mad about . . . poker.’’
The tennishistory.com.au website states: ‘‘ Thanks to tennis historian Clive Oliver, we have learned much about the arrival of tennis in Melbourne which has been published in the book Amazing Grace: The Story of the Grace Park Lawn Tennis Club. From this book . . . we know that a visiting UK player to Melbourne found a set of tennis equipment in the confines of the MCC storeroom which in 1877 had remained unused.’’
David Michael, president of the Naval Historical Society of Australia, said the intention of the research was to create debate to see if there was any conclusive evidence.
Source: SMH 1Jan24
OPEN MEN’S DOUBLES WINNERS: Warren Green and Cameron Green
OPEN MEN’S SINGLES RUNNER UP: Cameron Green (2022 Winner)
OPEN WOMEN’S DOUBLES WINNERS: Lisa Green and Caroline Bhaguandas
When two young tennis players, one from England and the other from South Africa, met on the UK tennis circuit in the late ‘80s, it was the beginning of the remarkable, now local, sporting Green family.
Lisa grew up in England with parents who played tennis. Warren built on his tennis as a student at the University of Capetown, and was called on to represent the South African defence force in tennis instead of two years compulsory national service fighting in Angola. At ages 19 and 24 respectively, Lisa and Warren met on the UK circuit.
Warren played doubles and mixed doubles, and Lisa played singles at Wimbledon. Warren ranked in the top 150 in doubles and also played in the US Open, while Lisa ranked in the top 250 in singles.
At the age of 24, Lisa moved to South Africa to marry Warren.
Elder son Chris was born, followed three years later by younger son Cameron. Unsurprisingly both boys were keen sportsmen and both parents wanted them to be well-rounded in sport. Along with the tennis in their genes, other sports including cricket were a part of the boys’ lives growing up.
In 2001, when Chris was 7 and Cam 4, the family Green moved from Johannesburg to Australia and fell in love with the country and with Manly. Although settled on the North Shore, they always knew they’d come back to the Manly area, and have now been living in Fairlight for the past 9 years. In February, the Greens will have been living in Australia for 23 years.
With education a major focus of both parents, both boys completed business degrees, but sport has remained an abiding passion for the Green family. Today, Chris’ commitment to cricket sees him as current Acting Captain of BBL cricket team Sydney Thunder and he was recently called up to replace Adam Zampa in the national squad playing the T20 series against India. As a tennis player, Chris has also occasionally partnered with his father Warren in his MLTC Badge team.
Younger brother Cam always knew tennis was the sport for him. In Year 11 he decided he would study in the USA on a tennis scholarship. He subsequently gained entry to Furman College, a Division 1 South Carolina school, after which he played for 18 months on the tour. When COVID hit, 2020 saw him back in Australia coaching tennis and he currently works as a mergers and acquisition analyst. Cam was last year’s MLTC’s Open Men’s Singles champion and for both Green boys, tennis has provided a good introduction to life and in Cam’s case, an easy transition to a business career.
Photo: House Green: L to R Lisa, Chris, Cameron and Warren Green
‘Goss’ Editor: Pamela Muir
Manly Lawn Tennis Club NewsletterSaturday Social Christmas Cheer
This Saturday 23rd December is our last social hit of the season, so get into the spirit and deck yourself out in your best Christmas gear. Prize for the best-dressed elf. Jungle jingle!
Seaside Update – 26-31 Dec
Registrations for the Seaside Champs have now officially closed with 320 entries – a huge increase on last year! It’s the 90th anniversary of the Seaside this year and it’s great to have such a strong field of players which includes lots of familiar faces. We look forward to seeing many members there and wish the best of luck to all those who are playing.
Sign-In Helpers still needed
We still need a few more volunteers to help with sign-in on the door at the Seaside, greeting people as they arrive at the club and checking non-members sign in using the QR code to meet Liquor Licensing requirements. No qualifications necessary – just a friendly face! If you’re available for a couple of hours between 26 and 31st December, please click here to sign up.
Follow MLTC on social
Our Facebook and Instagram pages are back on court! Follow us for the latest club news, events, results and member profiles.
Facebook (www.facebook.com/manlylawn)
Instagram (www.instagram.com/manlylawntennis)
Seniors Tournament – Ulladulla 16th – 18th Feb 2024
Entries are filling fast for the Ulladulla Seniors Tournament in February and a crew of Manly members are heading down to play. Registrations will close as soon as the draw is full so click here to enter ASAP if you’d like to play. Please let Christine know if you’ve registered and would like to be included in the Manly group.
Discount for Members at RECOVERIE
You may have seen the new blue branded ‘Recoverie’ centre across the road from the club at 29 Belgrave Street. They offer a range of wellness and recovery therapies including hot and cold pools, sauna, dynamic leg compression and more. The new owner Dave is very happy to offer MLTC members a $20 discount off their intro offer so instead of $89 for 2 weeks, it’s only $69 which gets you 6 x 30min sessions each week for 2 weeks (does not include use of the hyperbaric chamber or the private suite in the intro offer). He’s also happy to offer 20% discount on their other packages.
Head over to their website at https://www.recoverie.com.au/manly for more details, call into the shop or call Dave on 0406 613453 and let them know you are a member at Manly Lawn. Happy recovering…!!
We wish all members and their families a very Merry Christmas & look forward to seeing you at the club!
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
Minutes from AGM, Survey, Racquet Demo, Carols and Tennis, Nelson’s Bay Senior’s Tournament
Minutes of AGM 25 Nov 2023
Dear Members click here to read the minutes of our AGM
Building Work’s Survey
The Committee identified five building works projects which were presented at the AGM. We ask all members use the link below to give us your top 2 priorities on which building works you would like to happen first.
Please click here to complete the survey – https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Wilson Racquet Demo
If you missed out on Saturday to try out the Wilson racquets they are at the pro shop till Friday so just ask and you will be welcome to try them.
Carols and Tennis ????????
This Thursday 07 December is the Annual Christmas Choral Concert at Manly Oval, come down for social tennis starting at 6pm, enjoy the carols and stay for a Chrissy drink.
Manly Seaside
Clarke and Humel Manly Seaside entries are open and close on 16 Dec. The tournament starts on 26th Dec and runs till 31st Dec.
Click here to enter the tournament
We need volunteers to help with signing in at the door you don’t need an RSA just a welcoming face to ask people to sign in. Milton has put together a google docs go in and put your name down if you can help.
Club Captain’s Report –Nelson’s Bay Senior’s Tournament
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Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
Racquet Demo, Tennis + Carols, Seaside
Racquet Demo Today
Wilson have given us their full range of demo racquets for customers and club members at Manly and Keirle Park Tennis to try out over the next couple of weeks (one week starting today at Manly Lawn and the following week at Keirle Park).
Wilson are also giving 20% off the full range for any racquets ordered before the 15th of December.
Luke will drop by today between 12.30 and 2.30pm he can help you if you have any questions.
https://mailchi.mp/
Tennis and Carols
This Thursday 07 December is the Annual Christmas Choral Concert at Manly Oval, come down for social tennis starting at 6pm, enjoy the carols and stay for a Chrissy drink. ????????
Manly Seaside
Clarke and Humel Manly Seaside entries are open and close on 16 Dec. The tournament starts on 26th Dec and runs till 31st Dec.
Click here to enter the tournament
We need volunteers to help with signing in at the door or working behind the bar if you have your RSA. Milton has put together a google docs go in and put your name down if you can help.
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
AGM, Christmas Party, Club Champs
MLTC AGM – This Saturday 25th November 3.30 pm
Members should be aware this year’s AGM is to be held this Saturday at the Club at 3.30pm
It is important that members try and attend as it is their chance to hear and discuss the outlook for the Club. The meeting will include a run down on proposed expenditure on future projects to further upgrade the Clubs facilities.
Voting at the AGM
This year, we have more than one member nominating for certain committee positions. As a result two votes will be required at this year’s AGM – one for club captain and one for the three general members of the committee.
To avoid any confusion on the day l would like to take this opportunity to remind members that only “Ordinary Members” as defined in the MLTC constitution are eligible to vote. Social, Junior and Sponsored members are ineligible to vote.
Additionally, it should be noted that since all committee positions have been nominated for there can be no nominations from the floor on the day. Nominations for Men’s selectors can still be taken from the floor on the day as there are unfilled positions. The Ladies selector’s nominations have already reached a maximum allowed of five.
Proxy votes are not permitted under our constitution.
If you have any questions re your eligibility to vote or any other questions, please contact our Club Secretary Virginia Longfellow.
See you on the day
Craig Withell
President
To all the players thank you for your sportsmanship displayed over the last 6 weeks in the 2023 Club Championships.,
We have been privileged to watch great matches across all events, and Sunday’s matches were no exception.
Congratulations to our winners on Sunday:
Open Men’s Singles : Andrew Riminton defeating Cameron Green in 3 sets.
Open Ladies Singles : Ruby Quigley defeating Caroline Bhaguandas in two sets.
Open Men’s Doubles : Cameron and Warren Green defeating Todd Maloney and Sam Withell in two sets
Open Ladies Doubles : Lisa Green & Caroline Bhaguandas defeating Maria Nicol and Ruby Quigley in three sets.
Best Regards,
Christine Thompson
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
MLTC Newsletter – Badge Begins
Badge Draws 2024Bede Shines at 2024 JT Premier 250 NSW AgeMLTC Newsletter – 19 April 2024
Crucial Point & Games | ATPMLTC Newsletter – 13 April 2024
FINAL-Draws-Manly-2023-Club-Championships-1.pdf