Dear members,

Thanks to all of you who participated in our consultative survey last week. About two thirds (94) of current members responded.

As you will see there was strong support for not permitting unvaccinated players to attend the club and while this does not involve a numerically huge number, the committee have resolved a balanced approach to satisfy the situation in which we find ourselves.

This communication is, however, concerned with letting you know what the committee proposes regarding participation by unvaccinated members. In coming to our decision, we have taken account of some key information from the survey:

• almost 80% of respondents are fully vaccinated, with a further 10% waiting on their second vaccination; only 2 declared themselves unvaccinated and 8 did not reveal their status.

• 61% of respondents expressed disagreement with the current practice of allowing unvaccinated players to play; a greater number, around 65%, expressed preference for access only to be available for players who are fully vaccinated; around 68% of those who didn’t prefer access only for fully vaccinated preferred that access be open to people who are either fully vaccinated or who have had their first dose and are to receive their second by 26th October. 

• 76% would prefer, once social tennis sessions are allowed again (which are of course based on doubles play), that social tennis only be open to fully vaccinated players.

It is clear from these answers that a large number of the membership is concerned about the prospect of playing with or alongside unvaccinated players. The committee also acknowledges concerns raised by doctors and public health officers about the risk of ‘breakthrough’ infection from unvaccinated to vaccinated people, especially as there is gradual relaxation of lockdown restrictions. We are mindful that such breakthrough infections are most likely to affect vaccinated people whose immunity is lowered by either medical conditions or advancing age. With more than half our membership over 60 and, by definition then, with lower immunity, the club should take seriously its duty of care to the overall membership. Additionally, unvaccinated players do need to be very careful not to get Covid by taking all relevant precautions while at the club.

Taking all these factors into account, we propose that, with reference to players over 16

i) for most of the time access will only be available to people who are either fully vaccinated or have had their first vaccination and will be receiving their second by October 26th; unvaccinated players who have a certificated medical exemption.

ii) access for unvaccinated players will be allowed on three evenings a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 4pm) and one morning a week (Tuesday, up until 12pm). All members may play at these times, but do so in the knowledge that they may be playing alongside unvaccinated players.

iii) when organised social tennis sessions resume (Wed and Frid am and Sat pm), unvaccinated players are not to participate.

iv) people intending to play should forward a copy of their vaccination certificates to the President; we will keep a list of eligible players against which to check names on bookings. Please may we remind everyone to list full names for all players on a booking.

The President's email is EMAIL LINK The information will be recorded against the membership list which is managed by both the President and membership manager on the committee.

v) if you are bringing a visitor to the club could you please ensure they are vaccinated before booking a court, or otherwise book for one of the unvaccinated periods.

We recognise that the above arrangements may not please everybody. But we are attempting to balance out health concerns with a diversity of membership wishes. We need to rely on all members to act with good faith in abiding by these directives. We would also remind you, in accordance with the CHO regulations, that you should always check in with the QR code, wear a mask when not actually playing, and not linger about the courts when not playing.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about thesedirectives.

Kind Regards, The Committee