The Committee
Shiplake Tennis & Social Club is run by a committee of volunteers, and a small army of other volunteers, to ensure that the Club runs efficiently and effectively.
A message from the Chairman
Shiplake Tennis & Social Club is run by a committee of volunteers, and a small army of other volunteers, to ensure that the Club runs efficiently and effectively, and that all activities and events organised for the members actually take place.
We now have two committee vacancies and we will soon have a third, so we are now seeking volunteers to fill these roles. The Club will not be able to function without volunteers to fill these roles, so please do consider whether you would be able to support the Club and volunteer for any of the roles listed below:
Roles & Responsibilies
Club Secretary
- Organises Committee meetings every 6 weeks; creates the agenda and takes the Minutes
- Co-ordination and chairing of the AGM
- Annual renewal of our LTA affiliation
- Knowledge and understanding of Club rules
- Ad hoc projects
Club Secretary
- Manages membership renewal process at the start of each year
- Handles new membership enquiries throughout the year
- Membership communication
- Ad hoc projects
Social Secretary
- Develops and implements ideas for social activities throughout the year
- Ad hoc projects
Junior Secretary
- Co-ordinates all junior members’ activities
- Manages junior coaching programme
- Welfare Officer
- Ad hoc projects
As mentioned above, there are several ad hoc projects which are always underway, and which often involve a number of the committee members working on each project; recent examples include: Clubhouse refurb/repairs, new website, branded clothing and dealing with various issues as and when they arise.
Of the above roles, the role of Club Secretary is one of the three Club Officer roles, along with Chairperson and Treasurer, which is required. Unfortunately, Olly, after almost three years in the role, has had to stand down with immediate effect, so this is the role that needs to be filled as soon as possible.
Should you be interested in any of these roles, please use this form to register your interest, or feel free to drop me an email at chairman@shiplaketennisclub.co.uk
Finally, please remember that our Club can only function with a committee of volunteers, so please give some serious thought as to whether you can help.
Meet The Committee
Marcus Binning
As Chairperson, Marcus is responsible for the smooth running of the club, and this principally means allowing the experts on the Committee to exercise their offices with minimal hindrance. Although his first such role in a sporting club, he has long experience in the commercial world of working with creative and energetic people of many nationalities, including those from Israel and the Netherlands. He is greatly looking forward to an exciting and highly interactive term of office.
As a resident of Henley for 30 years, Marcus lives with his wife (Katie) and occasionally one, more or fewer of his 3 children who are variously making their own way in the world now, occasionally returning when particularly nice restaurants are suggested. As a member of the championships committee for the last few years, he has contributed to the smooth running (yes, really!) of those events, and has been a member of the Men’s B team from time to time. An enthusiastic supporter of the club sessions, he is looking forward to more tennis in 2021, a return of the social calendar, and connecting with the membership to hear their views on how he should do his job. All suggestions welcome!
- chairman@shiplaketennisclub.co.uk
Lise-Lotte Stewart
My husband, Richard, and I moved to Shiplake a few years ago, so we're still relatively new to the area. Our two "children" are all grown up and have flown the nest to live in London.
I very much enjoyed and appreciated the warm welcome I received when I joined the club. I'm a regular at club sessions and a proud member of the C team, trying my best when playing matches home and away!
I love my tennis but I'm equally passionate about playing golf and going out for long walks in the lovely local countryside.
I'm looking forward to my role as Membership Secretary and getting to know new members of the club, whether from Shiplake or further afield!
- membership@shiplaketennisclub.co.uk
Jenny Berger
- info@shiplaketennisclub.co.uk
Position Vacant
- info@shiplaketennisclub.co.uk
Jane Sharples
As Treasurer, Jane is responsible for managing the financial affairs of the club, including banking, book keeping, maintaining financial records and working with the club auditor to produce end of year financial accounts. Jane has many years of experience within the pharmaceutical industry and management consulting; she is currently Managing Director of two companies and has an MBA.
A resident of Lower Shiplake for the past 9 years, Jane lives with her husband Kevin, their two children Tom and Aimee, now both away at university for part of the year, and her Boxer dog Alfie. She is a regular player with the Wednesday morning ladies and has even been known to represent club teams if things get desperate.
- info@shiplaketennisclub.co.uk
Rachel Richardson
As Junior Secretary, Rachel is responsible for organising the junior coaching programme and other junior events, answering email enquiries from prospective new junior members and is also the Club Welfare Officer.
She has lived in Binfield Heath for 16 years and has been an aspiring rather than active tennis player, with a new target to join one of the ladies’ teams as soon as her recently rebuilt knees allow! Her husband plays tennis regularly and her 4 daughters all attend the junior coaching sessions, so it seems only fair that she should take a turn as the Junior Secretary!
- info@shiplaketennisclub.co.uk
Caroline Wiseman
I’m Caroline Wiseman a local Henley resident, I’ve been married to Jay for nearly 30 years and have 3 children. Jade's married with a baby - she used to go to Shiplake primary school - and I also have two sons in the army.
I Enjoy playing tennis at Shiplake also I’m captain for the Berkshire B’s team.
My role is social secretary with Sarah Penny. We are going to help plan some social events for the coming year, including a tennis quiz evening, some bring a plate of nibbles, while playing some friendly tennis. We want to be able to welcome as many of you to join in too. I look forward to seeing you all on and off the tennis court.
Caroline
- info@shiplaketennisclub.co.uk
Sarah Penny
I live in Emmer Green with my husband Darran. We have 2 grown up daughters, and I have recently become a Grandparent to Nelly, a working Cocker Spaniel, who I love.
I joined the Club in April 2023 and was soon welcomed in by the lovely Wednesday morning group of ladies, who I practice with on a regular basis.
I am very much looking forward to taking on the Social Committee role with Caroline Wiseman for the upcoming year.
- info@shiplaketennisclub.co.uk
John Church
I have played tennis for most of my life and , sadly, it is a case of “ the older I get, the better I was”. Over that time, I have been a member of several clubs and I can confirm that when I joined Shiplake I found the warm welcome and the way in which members at all skill levels can enjoy taking part compared very favourably to my experiences elsewhere. I am pleased to have taken over responsibility for organising the rota for the Club Sessions which play a key role in all that.
My wife Jo and I live in Lower Shiplake, having moved here 6 years ago from over the border in Buckinghamshire. We also have a home in the South of France. I have now retired but my professional background is in finance, having enjoyed a long career with Barclays, in the UK and internationally, including two spells working in France. This was followed by a second career as the Bursar of Pembroke College, Oxford, where I remain on the Governing Body. I am also trustee of several other organisations, which helps to keep the brain cells ticking over.
- info@shiplaketennisclub.co.uk
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