Probably the most anticipated event of the Club’s sporting calendar, the Padel Championships, is taking place soon, on Saturday and Sunday 14/15 September. Six categories (Open and Over 50s for Men’s, Ladies’ and Mixed) will be disputed between a wide array of members with participant numbers up once again, breaking last year’s previous record. Those who managed to progress through the preliminary rounds in May get the opportunity to prove themselves against the seeded pairings, who automatically progressed to the knockout stages of the finals weekend.
The great thing about being a padel spectator is how close one gets to the action, and the finals weekend will be just that: up close and personal! There will be a barbecue available for all to enjoy and the event is extremely dog friendly!
SAVERIO CAMPIONE, CHAIR, PADEL
Padel Challenge
Friday 5 July marked the occasion for the first-ever Padel Challenge for Hurlingham vs Hampton Court Royal Tennis Club, where both teams competed for the inaugural trophy. Hurlingham was represented by David Main, Max Spiegelberg, Nick Fallowfield, Mike Tremayne, Ben Simonds-Gooding and our high-flying Chair of padel, Saverio Campione. In a match between the three pairs RTC, led by their world-class real tennis professional, Nick Wood, narrowly edged a win by 6-3. The match was played in wonderful spirit and produced some high calibre padel, with all matches going to the wire. After the game, both teams enjoyed some well-earned refreshment together.
Should anyone fancy an introduction to real tennis Nick, and his team at Hampton Court Palace, run regular taster sessions. The Palace door is always open.
Padel continues to thrive at Hurlingham and all are encouraged to visit the website for details of how to get involved.
BEN SIMONDS-GOODING
SQUASH
Putting the boys to shame!
Ladies’ squash is on the way up at Hurlingham with coach, Kace Bartley, organising monthly training sessions for all lady members wishing to try out the game. All standards, from beginner to intermediate, are welcome and racquets are available to borrow if you don’t have one (yet!). Apart from being good fun and a chance to meet up with other members, it is a great cardiovascular workout, and it is reasonably easy to pick up the basics of the game. Kace is on hand at the sessions to give coaching advice, as well as making sure the ladies are paired up to enjoy some evenly matched games.
In the coming season, we are organising several friendly matches (as well as competitive league matches) for Hurlingham Ladies to play against ladies’ teams from other London clubs, usually on a weekday evening. These evenings often end with a sociable wind-down drink in the bar. Hurlingham is one of the few clubs in London to have a doubles squash court (four feet wider than a singles court), adding a further opportunity to enjoy the game in slightly different surroundings!
As squash is being promoted to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, an uptick in participation across the UK is anticipated. Whilst our sights are not quite trained on the dizzy heights of Team GB selection, we have the facilities and coaching expertise to give it a go!
PAUL LUBBOCK, CHAIR, SQUASH
In this issue
Club News
This October’s meeting is online only
Summers sees the Club at its best
David Paterson and Simon Duffy update members
A big thank you to supporters and volunteers
IT update from Alexis Cheshire
Member Experience and Events
A look back at some of the highlights
Capturing the best of a sizzling summer
The secrets of the Players’ wardrobe
Gardens & Landscape
The Grounds are the jewels in our crown
Jenny Montefiore spends time with Aby Parrot and her team
The dream team keeping mice and pigeons at bay
The super pollinators
Our bees have been busy!
Heritage
The history of cricket at the Club
Update on some of the Club’s many treasures
Food & Beverage
A big thank you to our F&B team
A selection of seasonal whites
Member Stories
Members letters cover the Club’s guardian policy and modestly-priced wines
Including Olympic beach volleyball
How to leave your book group and advice for new members…
How to get hitched without a hitch
Hurlingham’s unsung heroes
The Hurlingham Club Racing Syndicate
Jay Prosser on writing his new book in an age of division