There have been a lot of changes since 2001 when the new clubhouse arrived, one of which was to open the club to beginners. This has been a great success and our membership has increased significantly with players of all standards joining throughout the past few years. Nevertheless, the courts are rarely full and we welcome new members at any time during the season. Our floodlights were extended to cover all four courts in time for Winter 2003 and towards the end of 2006 all four courts were resurfaced, completing a six year regeneration programme for the club. Improvements to the environment around the clubhouse have further enhanced the club and made it a safer and better place to play tennis.

The standard at Crowthorne Tennis Club is mixed, so there's no need to feel daunted if you're new to the game or you haven't played for a while. We offer free coaching to beginners and, with the well supported Monday Beginners & Improvers club night, even if you've never played before, you can join the club and start enjoying the game. Our Improvers club night on Wednesday evenings is taking a while to get off the ground, but, as well as providing improving beginners with an opportunity to gain more experience and consistency before joining in one of the other club sessions, also provides an opportunity for more able players wanting to play at a less demanding level. This season we are promoting Friday night as a club session for all levels of player and hope to make it a social focal point as well.

More experienced players will find plenty of challenges too. In addition to the Tuesday and Friday club nights and the Tuesday and Thursday afternoon club sessions for social play, we have teams entered in the Berkshire and Aegon Team Tennis Leagues, including Veterans. With our club Singles Leagues for the more energetic, as well as the occasional social tournament and the annual club championships. there is plenty of opportunity for competitive play as well. Our Thursday night Match Practice sessions for team standard players has increased in popularity and has proved its worth in the improved positions of our teams in the leagues.

We now welcome 10 year olds and under to join as Mini members. We've had mini-tennis coaching for a while and now those attending caoching can become members. Juniors, aged 11 to 18, play in the Winter and Summer Leagues and a program of activities including regular coaching, squad practice and a Friday club night all under the direction of our Junior Manager, provide ample opportunities for our youngsters.

In this sometimes over-competitive age, friendly tennis clubs can be hard to find. However, the friendly attitude of the club cannot be emphasised too strongly, as our members are well aware that joining a new club can be a daunting prospect. We are not as big as some Berkshire tennis clubs; we are certainly not elite, but we do enjoy our social tennis as well as giving those with ability the chance to progress. Whilst we do not allow members' children and dogs to stray on to the courts during a rally, as used to happen in the early days, the club has retained its family atmosphere and provides family membership at a reduced rate.

This is all reflected in our new Mission Statement! Yes, we know that sounds a bit corporate and trendy, but it encapsulates exactly what Crowthorne Tennis Club is all about...

"Crowthorne Tennis Club exists to provide friendly and competitive tennis for the residents of the Wokingham to Crowthorne area while striving to make it non-elitist, within the reach of all members of the community and retaining its village and family-friendly atmosphere."